The Trussville Tribune – May 14 - 20, 2026

Tribune

May 14 - 20

announces series of

Birmingham,

By Nathan Prewett,

According

coming to $4.03. That is 27.7 cents per

4

Annual Taste of Trussville event returns to Civic Center

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

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

By Terry Schrimscher

SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –

Taste of Trussville returned on Tuesday, May 12, for its 17th year, bringing local restaurants, bakeries, and businesses together into one of the city’s biggest yearly food-related celebrations.

Trussville Restaurant Week and Restaurant Week Bingo will follow from May 1327.

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.

New owners of Dobbs Ford celebrate first year of managing dealership

Trussville holds second public workshop in comprehensive plan process

Brady Flanigan, Editor

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

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

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –Trussville held its second public input event for its ongoing comprehensive plan on Thursday, May 7, as part of the city’s effort to develop an outline that will guide the city’s growth and development over the next

According to the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, Taste of Trussville sold out completely this year, but Restaurant Week and Restaurant Week Bingo will continue for a little over two weeks in participating restaurants. The event was presented by Sysco Food Service, with supporting sponsors Avadian Credit Union, Prestige Alarm, Half Shell Oyster House, and Iatria General Medicine.

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

afterward, Thomas said he trations 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 proval. That approach was

Trussville Council recognizes Presidential Award recipient Melanie Dimler

Center Point names Zandral Washington first police chief of Public Safety Department

munity all in one place,”

focus on city business.

Chamber Director Melissa Walker said. “With so many delicious samples to try, it’s truly a flavor of what makes Trussville so special.”

ment

• Bruster’s of Trussville

Many other cities in the prove non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to reduce the need for discussion and lengthy meetings.

The May 12 event featured samples from more than 20 local eateries, along with live music from Elvis Rob Productions, and free soda and water from Birmingham Coca-Cola.

“Taste of Trussville brings together incredible food, local restaurants, bakeries and our amazing com-

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

Participating businesses included:

• Chicken Salad Chick

• Food City

Half Shell Oyster House

Hero Doughnuts

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.

• Jim ’N Nick’s

• Meals by Misty

Munoz Mexican Grill

• Pastry Art Bake Shoppe

• Rock N Roll Sushi

“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

• Jack’s Family Restaurants

• West’s Asian Kitchen

• Taco Mama Guthrie’s Tasteful Touch Catering

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.

• RhoTan Lemonade

stamps from listed restaurants they eat at. Completed rows can be turned in at the chamber for prize drawings. The back of the card includes restaurant discounts and deals.

• The Farmhouse at the Silos Sharon’s Desserts.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ Spare Time Entertain-

“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.

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

Two Leeds officers injured while arresting suspect Thursday night

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

Irondale approves sale of additional city property to local developer

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

Terry Schrimscher

IRONDALE, Ala. – The Irondale City Council last night approved the sale of additional property to Pine Whispers LLC, increasing the amount of property sold by the city to 81.229 acres. Pine Whispers, according to records, also purchased Pine Tree Country Club last week for $12 million.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

Pine Whispers, organized by former Brasfield & Gorrie CEO and current executive chairman Jim Gorrie, bought 45 acres from Irondale in January for $45,000 per acre, for a total price of $2,025,000, with an option to buy additional property. The new agreement increases the amount of land in the purchase agreement to 81.229 acres for an estimated total price of $3,655,305.

IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee enthusiasts will soon be swarming to Irondale to visit a new beekeeping education center designed to teach students and community members about the world of pollinators.

in the coming weeks, which will serve as an expansion from its current location in Hardware Park.

opened on Saturday.

Trussville Restaurant Week encourages residents to dine in or take out from participating local businesses. Restaurant Week Bingo allows diners to collect

Speaking to The Tribune

See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

Amanda Short of Trussville To Go said the event is meant to spotlight both familiar and lesser-known restaurants in the city. “This event not only encourages the community to visit their favorite local establishments, but also presents the perfect occasion to discover and experience new culinary gems,” she said.

LEEDS, Ala. – Two police officers from Leeds were injured Thursday night, May 7, while taking a suspect into custody accused of stabbing a man with scissors, according to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin. Officers were called to the 7900 block of Charles Barkley Avenue at 7:57 p.m.

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

See TRUSSVILLE, Page 5 See OFFICERS, Page 4

Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings

By Tanna McGuire

Pinson Council adopts new codes for property maintenance, rental properties

Nathan Prewett

PINSON, Ala. – The Pinson City Council adopted several resolutions related to property maintenance, rental properties and trash services for certain occupations during a meeting on May 7.

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 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.

Following a public hearing held on April 3, the council adopted the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code. City Attorney Shane Black explained once again that the 2018 codes work in line with codes already approved by the city several years before.

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

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

In his State of the City address in February, Mayor James D. Stewart announced plans for the property would include a PGA Hall of Fame. The Pine Tree Country Club property is currently zoned CC-1, but the acreage purchased from Irondale is not restricted to use as a club. The sale agreement with Irondale further specifies work must begin on the property within five years of the closing date, or the city can, but is not obligated to, repurchase the property. In other business, the

“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.

council approved $9,840 to Vector Solutions for the purchase of a web-based learning management system for the Irondale Police Department. The system facilitates training, certification tracking and scheduling.

The council also approved a total of $5,250 in

“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

He stated that the 2018 codes ensures that residents are maintaining their properties “at minimum level.” It is aimed at addressing issues such as trash, weeds, litter, and other things that can lead to unsafe structures, which can be subject to ordinance violations.

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.

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

sentiment, emphasizing thecal 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.”

“I think it’s probably a good idea to have an established minimum level of maintenance where houses won’t get to the point of [those that we saw],” she

Shane cited several properties being considered for unsafe structure violations earlier in the meeting as examples. Speaking in favor of adopting the codes was resident Diana Tamborino.

“When people’s lives are on the line, we can’t just do the bare minimum,” Davis said. should take intruder drills as seriously as they do fire or tornado drills.” Johnson echoed this

said. “Hopefully they’ll be fixed and back in use because we all know that there’s kind of a shortage of affordable housing at least right now.”

McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.

“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we

Later the council approved a resolution that amended the business license code regarding rent-

See STUDENTS, Page

The Trussville Tribune

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Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

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Sean Dietrich

The Likely Friends

It’s a mess, that’s what it is. When you land in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Third World International Airport, you’re walking into a battle zone.

It’s nonstop chaos. Airport professionals ride golf carts with loud beeps and flashing lights.

Hordes of business professionals below age 40 speed-walk past you, having loud conversations with their earbuds, dutifully working on their first nervous breakdowns.

Middle-aged Midwestern guys in New Balances, shoulder a tonnage of roller luggage, most of which— you can just tell—belongs to their wives.

Everyone is on their phones.

I notice the elderly man across from me. He is wearing khakis and Merrells, the universal uniform of the Old Guy. He is breathing heavily. Hyperventilating, actually. His hands are trembling. He takes a sip of water and almost drops the bottle.

This man is having a diabetic episode or something, I’m thinking.

“Sir, are you okay?” I ask.

He looks at me. His eyes are rimmed pink. I can’t tell if he’s about to cry or not. “Have you ever flown before?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“Well, I haven’t.”

He returns to his trembling.

“I’m eighty-two years old,” he says, “and I’ve never flown. I’ve never been anywhere or done anything.”

This is a man old enough to be my father, but at this moment, he seems very childlike to me. Fear has a way of reducing one’s age.

There is a little girl sitting on his other side. She notices what’s going on. She

joins our conversation. She is maybe 10.

The kid says, “What do you mean you’ve never been ANYWHERE or done ANYTHING,’ sir?”

He looks at her. Her hair is in pigtails. She could pass for the Coppertone Girl.

“I’ve only left my hometown twice,” he says. He’s getting more nervous with each word. “I’ve never done anything of note. I’ve never been anywhere.”

“Do you have a family?” the girl says.

He nods. “Four kids.”

“How old?”

“My oldest is fifty-nine. Youngest is… I think she’s forty-four.”

“What about your wife?”

“She’s passed.”

“I’m sorry. How long were you married?”

He takes a nervous swig of water. “Since I was twenty-three years old.”

“What happened to your wife?” the girl asks.

“Breast cancer.”

The girl begins to stroke his back. It’s the sweetest thing you ever saw.

The girl’s mother is simply playing on her phone.

“What do you do for a living?” the girl asks.

“I’m retired. But I was a barber.”

“You cut hair?”

“Men’s hair. Every day,

since I was 19 years old.”

“How’d you get started cutting hair?”

“Well, I wanted to go into the Army, but I couldn’t because the doctor said I had an irregular heartbeat. So I tried to do something useful.”

The girl smiles. “How many people’s heads have you cut over the years?”

“I don’t know. I think I’ve cut the hair of every man in north Georgia.”

The girl touches his knee. “You’re amazing.”

“Not really.”

The intercom sounds.

The airline employee announces that it’s time to board the plane. The little girl helps the man stand upon hobbled knees.

“You’re going to be okay,” she says confidently.

“You’ve got this.”

“Right,” the man says. He’s embarrassed now.

“Everyone gets scared the first time,” the girl says.

“I was scared when I was a little kid, my mom took me on a flight to Washington D.C. I was crying and everything.”

“Really?”

“Yes. And look at me now. I’ve flown tons of times, and I’m okay.”

“How many times?”

“At least twice. Here, take my hand.”

The man takes her little hand. Her hand is miniature compared to his.

“Sometimes it feels good to hold hands,” says the child. “Sometimes you just need someone to keep telling you that it’s going to be okay. I’ll be that person for you.”

“Okay.”

“It’s nice to meet you, by the way,” the girl adds. “My name is Angela. What’s yours?”

“Robert.”

“You’re a nice man, Robert.”

“You’re a nice girl.”

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you.” Soon we are boarding, livestock style, and walking the gangway. The child leads the old man toward the gate. He is shuffling. His trousers are baggy. His shirt is crumpled.

The girl is rubbing his back, speaking softly. The old man keeps wiping his nose and eyes.

I tap the girl’s mother on the shoulder. “Excuse me, ma’am,” I say, “But your daughter is an extraordinary person. I am touched by how kind she has been treating a perfect stranger.”

The woman smiles at me.

“He’s no stranger. That’s my dad. She loves her grandpa.” Yes. I believe she does.

Moody Council approves members for business advisory board; addresses criticism on livestreams

Nathan Prewett

MOODY, Ala. – The Moody City Council has approved the members who will serve on the Small Business Advisory Board more than two months after it was formed in March.

Those appointed were Councilors Wes Harrell and Chad Williams, Diana Wallace of Oh Sherri Pub, Raul Torres of Raul’s Mexican Restaurant, Ken Williams of Big Daddy Stiches, Dr. Cody Stubbs of Crossroads Chiropractic, and Paul Perry of Paul Perry and Associates, LLC – Alfa Insurance.

Callie Jo Eastis will serve as secretary.

“The purpose is for a group of our businesses to come together and pitch ideas to each other and all of our council members that are on that board to see how the decision that we make affect them because ultimately everything that we do inside this building obviously affects them,” said Mayor Nick Rutledge.

“So, we’re trying to build up a relationship a relationship with them and make sure that we’re doing things to help our small businesses grow. I mean, our city depends on them and we want them to succeed the best that they can.”

The first meeting date is yet to be announced but will be held at City Hall. Rutledge said that business owners are welcome to attend as they take place.

Speaking at the beginning of the meeting was Chris Pridmore, who formally requested that the council begin livestreaming their meetings and brought up remarks that were reportedly made at the previous one regarding comments during livestreams.

He stated that someone then had said, “Make sure the comments are off,” in what he said was a “condescending manner.” He went on to allege that the remarks implied that commenters would be essentially censored.

“The government works for the people,” he said. “We’re not outsiders looking in, nor should be treated like such.”

Rutledge replied that the meetings are now being recorded as part of a trial for livestreams to be done in the future. He added that turning comments off during livestreams is “typical policy” that can be found in other cities but that comments can be made on Facebook or other platforms where they are uploaded.

“We’re not silencing anything,” he said.

Regarding the remarks about comments Williams said that he had spoken on that but that he never said that comments should be prohibited.

“I would like it to be know that I never said that they should be silenced,” he said. “That’s what my comment was. I mean, I don’t want it to be turned into a mockery.”

He added that he did not want misinformation being

spread during discussions among the public.

The council heard reports from department heads for the month of April. The Moody Police Department received 975 calls for service, 36 traffic accidents, 85 citations, 102 completed reports, 39 misdemeanors, 18 felonies, two juvenile cases, 36 arrests and the monthly vehicle expenditures was $6,785.30.

In April the fire department reported 157 total responses, five fires, 90 med-

ical emergencies, mutual aid received once, 144 fire pump inspections, 12 re-inspections and three permits issued. In other business the council:

• Approved a request from Fire Chief Larry Horton to send a firefighter to an EMS Expo in Orlando in September for expenses not to exceed $1,485, Approved Horton’s request to have the breathing air compressor serviced and air tested for $863.36,

• Purchased four firefighting nozzles for $5,600, Approved sending Horton and the Operation Captain to attend the AAFC Annual Leadership Conference on Aug 1 – Aug 6 for expenses not to exceed $2,450, Purchased an Apple iPad Pro for the fire department for $1,099.99,

• Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts to purchase popsicles for attendees of

the Summer Kickoff on May 28 for a cost not to exceed $600,

• Approved a request from Parks and Recreation Director Mike Staggs to purchase an indoor/ outdoor sound system for the Civic Center for a cost not to exceed $7,500,

• Appointed Rutledge as a board member and Eastis as secretary to the Moody Commerce Park (HWY 78) Architectural Review Committee, Appointed Rutledge as a board member and Eastis as secretary to the Kelly Creek Commerce Park Architectural Review Committee and

• Purchased tables and chairs for a new event room for a cost not to exceed $12,000.

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

Trussville man charged with manslaughter in March shooting of Auburn grad

Staff Report

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

A Trussville man has been charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Auburn grad Whitney Robeson, 22, of Henrico, Virginia, according to a statement from the Trussville Police

Department and Jefferson County Jail records.

Officers arrested Jeffrey Scott Towers, 55, of Trussville on Monday evening. Trussville Police responded to a report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound on March 7, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., in the 7700 block of Deer Trail. The shooting was reported as accidental. Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates determined that Robeson sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. When officers arrived, they located the victim who was identified as Robe-

son. she was transported to UAB-St. Vincent’s East Hospital in Birmingham, where she was pronounced dead at 10:49 p.m. that same evening.

“Following an extensive investigation conducted by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division, de-

tectives obtained an arrest warrant on May 11, 2026, through the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for Jeffrey Scott Towers of Trussville,” according to the statement from TPD.

“Towers has been charged with manslaughter and was issued a $30,000 bond. The Trussville Police Department served the arrest warrant on May 11th at 1710 hours and took Towers into custody without incident.” Towers was transported to the Jefferson County Jail at 7:02 p.m. on Monday and was released after posting bond at 11:32 p.m.

deputy police chief for the UAB Police Department. The city said Washington will spearhead development of the city’s police department including building foundational policies and procedures, establishing operational frameworks, and developing relationships with local, county, and regional law enforcement agencies.

City officials noted that the creation of a municipal police department will be gradual and strategic, adding that financial limitations currently require a measured approach to building a fully functional department.

“Chief Washington’s ap-

pointment represents an important step forward for the City of Center Point,” the release said. “Her leadership, experience, and vision will help lay the ground-

work for a professional and community-focused public safety department that reflects the needs and values of our residents.”

Washington expressed her gratitude for being selected for the role.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the City of Center Point’s first Police Chief,” she said. “This is an opportunity to build a strong foundation for the future while developing meaningful relationships within the community.”

A pinning and swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Refresh Church Event Center, 117 12th Court NW in Birmingham. The city said the public is invited.

A 25-year-old Birmingham man has been charged in the deaths of Eric Ashley, Jr., Akira Berry, and Landon Brooks, who were shot and killed while driving last summer.

Jacorrian McGregor, 25, has been charged with capital murder (two or more persons) and is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.

of

let holes in the

Leeds BOE member Kathy Dutton honored after 18 years on board

Nathan Prewett

LEEDS, Ala. – The Leeds Board of Education honored its longtime member, Kathy Dutton, for 18 years of service during a meeting on Tuesday morning.

of

wrecked in the front yard of residence.

All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Police believed it was a targeted shooting and that the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

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

Bones

From front page

When officers arrived, a victim was found with injuries to the face, neck, and chest, and were taken to UAB Hospital for treatment.

Police said the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. He was located about 20 minutes later, around 8:15 p.m., on the 7400 block of Mississippi Avenue. Authorities said the suspect resisted arrest and assaulted officers before being taken into custody.

al properties to fulfill two functions, the first being to clarify that anyone renting properties for commercial or residential use is considered a business and requires a business license. It also creates a charge schedule that is specific to rental properties that are commercial or residential.

Black further explained the schedule in this recorded livestream.

The second ordinance concerned trash or garbage services for businesses located within or at single-family residential properties. These include home occupations, minor or major home occupation rentals, and residential rentals.

Black said that such places generated “additional levels of waste.” Pinson’s waste service is optional for residents, but the ordinance now requires that businesses located on residential properties to subscribe to the trash and yard debris collection service.

The ordinance also states that anyone who holds a municipal business license in a single-family unit will not place any trash or debris on the exterior of the premises or along public properties, public streets and public right of ways. An exception would be if there is an arrangement in advance for collection within three

The injuries to the officers were reported as non-life-threatening. Both were taken to the emergency room, and one has already been treated and released.

hours. Failing to follow the policy can result in being subject to criminal littering, Black said.

“Well, there have been a lot of concerns and comments on social media about the trash service and hopefully this will alleviate some of those problems for tenants that don’t subscribe to the service that we have,” said Councilor Brad Walker. Both ordinances will become effective on Jan. 1, 2027.

Councilor Dawn Tanner briefly talked about an art contest held during the recent City Fest event featuring patriotic themes. There were 21 participants from the local schools. Their artwork was displayed at a table set before the council during the meeting.

During his report Mayor Hoyt Sanders sought authorization to take part in the Bulk Amnesty program where residents can have large items such as household furniture collected for free as part of the Keep America Beautiful 250 cleanup effort through July 3. He was unanimously granted authorization from the council.

Sanders briefly touched on an upcoming 2024-2025 audit for the city to begin in what he said would be a few days and will be followed by the 2025-2026 audit in the future.

He also mentioned plans to install welcome signage

Charges were still pending as of Thursday night. Irwin reported the suspect has a prior criminal history, including a capital murder conviction.

Police had not publicly released the name of the suspect, victim, or injured officers as of the latest reports. The investigation remains ongoing.

on Highway 75 at Bicentennial Park and Sweeny Hollow Tyler Loop Triangle. Specifications, lighting and costs will be further looked into, he said.

During reports from department heads Center Point Fire Chief Brandon Dahlen reported that there were 934 incidents in April, with eight of them being structure fires. There were 505 medical calls, 378 of which were transported. He urged the public to consider getting smoke detectors to prevent harm during house fires.

In other business the council:

• Declared structures on Loren Lane and Red Hollow to be unsafe and ordered their abatement, Purchased doors for the Pinson Public Library’s portico for $28,290,

• Authorized hiring for part-time positions of curator for the Pinson Historical Society and audio visual technician, Accepted the property where the historic Mt. Pinson Presbyterian Church stands as a donation, and

• Appointed Gwen Wardlow as City Treasurer.

Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.

A sixth generation native of Leeds, Dutton taught for 27 years in the city. She received her degree from UAB before going on to teach in Birmingham for a year and a half and then at the elementary school in Leeds where she taught fifth grade.

With her husband, former Leeds Councilor Johnny Dutton, she has four grandchildren in the Leeds school system.

When asked what inspired her to become a teacher she replied that it was the people that taught her when she was growing up, saying that she was able to remember most of their names.

“I vividly remember my first day in first grade,” Dutton said. “So it was my former teachers and I just one day went, ‘Oh, that’s what I’ll do.’”

Superintendent John Moore recalled the amount of progress that has been

gallon higher than a month ago and $1.32 more than the same time last year.

The increase is not limited to Birmingham. GasBuddy reported the statewide average was $4.04 per gallon, with Montgomery at $4.06 and Huntsville at $4.05.

AAA’s latest national figures show the broader trend is more dramatic. On May 7, the organization reported the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline had climbed to $4.558, up 25 cents for the

made. “You know, in 18 years the city and the board spent $65 million on public school facilities,” he said. “We’ve gone from a negative fund balance to $13 million. 59% graduation rate to 95% graduation rate. And Kathy has been right in the middle of all of that, and always asked ‘What’s the right thing to do?’”

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

meeting Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller gave his usual report on the district’s financials for the month of March.

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

The coroner’s office has reported that multiple missing person cases have been ruled out by the DNA analysis as the identity of the remains.

But she is not quite finished yet. She said that she still wishes to attend board meetings and be active in the district. Dutton has taught two people who were present at the meeting, including Moore himself.

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.

“If I didn’t teach you I’ll tell you right now I’ll give you a kidney if I could but for medical reasons I can’t,” she told the people gathered. “Anyway, I love y’all. You know I love these kids. But I’m going to be around just as much as I have been.”

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-

Dutton was presented with a plaque commemorating her time on the board. Scott Chambers was recently appointed by the Leeds City Council and will take Dutton’s place.

“You know, education’s a calling,” she said. “It is an absolute calling.” At the beginning of the

second straight week. AAA said that put the national average $1.40 higher than last year, and the highest it has been since 2022, when prices peaked at $5.01 a gallon.

AAA listed Alabama as among the 10 most affordable gasoline markets in the country, with a statewide average of $4.10, even as prices continue rising.

Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, Patrick De Haan, said the recent increases could continue.

“Average gasoline prices declined in just six states over the last week, but that relief may be short-lived,”

During that month the district received 71.06% of the general fund revenues, and 92.22% of the local fund revenues, up 2.93% from March of 2025. Expenditures and other fund uses in the general fund were 55.93% of the budget. Accounts payable were $434,85 for the month. Gross payroll expenses were $1,407,485. The month was ended with an excess of revenues over expenditures in the general fund of $3,992,813. The unreserved fund balance was $13,121,680. In other business the board:

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.

Adopted textbooks Elected school board officers, with Dr. Aaron Moyana as president and Crickett Ford as vice president, and • Set the salary schedule for the Fiscal Year 2027.

Meetings generally take place every second Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Leeds Board of Education Building located on 1517 Hurst Avenue.

De Haan said. He pointed to rising oil prices and stagnant geopolitical negotiations as factors pushing costs up. AAA also said that while crude oil dipped below $100 a barrel during negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices overall remain under pressure from global supply concerns.

Notice is hereby given that Service Company, Inc., 110 Greenbrook Dr., Hazel Gre 35750, has completed all wo Well #17 and #18 Project 3-010-23 3-011-23, for Trussville Gas All persons having any claim materials, or otherwise in conne with this project, should imme notify the above named cont Trussville Gas and Water, 127 Street, Trussville, AL 35173.

Diesel prices similarly continue to climb. GasBuddy reported the national diesel average at $5.623 per gallon. AAA said the national average cost of electricity at a public EV charging station held steady at 41 cents per kilowatt hour.

discretionary funds for the Shades Valley High School Future Business Leaders of America. Of that amount, $3,500 was allocated from Mayor Stewart’s discretionary fund, along with $1,000 from Councilor John London and $750 from Councilor Aaron Sims. The council has called a special meeting for May 6 at 6 p.m. to consider an agreement with JJA Properties AL LLC and BIJ Motors AL LLC. The companies currently have a project development, funding and cooperation agreement with the City of Irondale that provides tax incentives for Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham, located off Grants Mill Road. The meeting is expected to amend or extend that agreement.

The cowardice of the ‘6-1’ special session

Jeff Poor

If you live in a competitive legislative district, you have likely received your fair share of glossy cardboard mailers highlighting the conservative credentials of legislative candidates over the past two months.

Defending our rights, Alabama families first, protecting life, Trump Republican, conservative fighter – there is no shortage of bold-printed hypercharged phrases on these mail pieces.

A funny thing happened on April 29. The U.S. Supreme Court issued its long-awaited ruling on Louisiana v. Callais. The 6-3 decision, which was not unexpected, restricted race-based gerrymandering and created the possibility of several newly redrawn congressional districts nationally, including in Alabama.

After the reluctant Governor Ivey called a special session of the Alabama Legislature, lawmakers were allowed to put their “conservative fighter” credentials to the test.

The objective was to lay the groundwork to replace the existing congressional and state senate maps imposed on Alabama by the federal courts.

Alabama is under a federal court-imposed mandate to use its existing congressional map through 2030, which includes two majority-minority districts, as part of the lower federal court’s interpretation of the Voting Rights Act.

If all goes according to the legislature’s plan, Alabama would revert to the maps drawn in 2023, signed into law by Ivey but struck down by the federal court.

In that scenario, Alabama returns to the congressional map that has most-

ly been in place since the 1990s, which includes six Republican districts and one Democratic district.

With the backdrop of other states completely drawing out the loyal opposition party, be it California and Virginia attempting to eliminate Republican districts, and Texas and Florida attempting to eliminate Democrat districts, there was an expectation from Alabama Republicans that the GOP-supermajority legislature would follow suit.

Legislators insisted that 6-1 is the best that they could do under the circumstances. A new 7-0 map would have required overcoming additional hurdles, both legal challenges and time constraints.

A 6-1 map is better than the 5-2 status quo, so here we are with many unknowns that still lie ahead.

That is an entirely acceptable approach. The problem for the Alabama Legislature is that it was not communicated properly. With two weeks to go until the May 19 primary election, the Republicans in the state house imposed a media blackout on themselves. The leadership in each chamber determined that the proper course of action was to have

one or two members serve as the spokesman for the entire caucus.

Essentially, grown men and women duly elected by the voters of their districts were told two weeks out of the Republican primary to stand down.

The justifications for that communications strategy varied. Some said it was to prevent legislators from making ill-advised statements that could be used in legal proceedings challenging legislative maps. Others said it was to avoid any outlandish statement that would give the liberal national media that had converged upon Montgomery a chance to bash Alabama. Does a media blackout fit the make-up of the “conservative fighter” that Alabama supposedly needs?

This is student government association-caliber stuff. The Alabama Legislature has a flawed messaging strategy.

While Democrats are going hard with the invective, leveling accusations of racism and filling the balconies with rabble-rousers, who are chanting and singing spirituals, your conservative fighters are cowering in the corner, afraid of a bad headline or having to

answer for performing their constitutional duties in a deposition.

The dirty little secret is, regardless of what is said publicly, Democrats are still going to call you racist, and the national media is still going to portray Alabama negatively.

Alabama’s motto is not, “We dare defend our rights … unless Eric Holder is threatening a subpoena or Rachel Maddow is going to say mean things about us on MS NOW.”

Voters are far more engaged on national politics than state politics. For the state’s power structure, which is both a blessing and a curse.

The legislature can increase taxes, pass so-called economic development bills that pick winners and losers or concoct a scheme that allows the cost of a new prison to double from $600 million to $1.2 billion, and do so with barely any notice from the public.

We will also allow a governor who has not given a press conference in years to operate on cruise control and live under a much lower standard than Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden had to live by.

On redistricting, national politics enters the discussion. At stake potentially is the control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and now the public cares more. This is what they are talking about on Fox News, on national talk radio and in conservative online circles.

If Alabama has the most conservative legislative body in the country, as House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter has proclaimed, where has it been fighting and standing up for the reputation of the state this last exasperating week?

Trussville

From front page two decades. What the city calls its “Community Ideas Exchange workshop” took place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Trussville Civic Center. The workshop followed the city’s kickoff event on April 16, where city officials and consultants from Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative, of Franklin, Tenn., discussed the Comprehensive Plan Update process. Officials stated the effort is designed to create a new long-term plan for Trussville as opposed to just updating its prior 2006 plan.

The workshop was designed to gather more public feedback on issues related to conservation, development, transportation, parks, housing, shopping, infrastructure, economic development, and land conservation.

The workshop consisted of a series of tables where attendees could prioritize developments they considered important by placing red stickers on ones they would not like to see come to Trussville and green stickers on the ones they would. Developments included things like single family homes, duplexes, townhouses, apartment complexes, mixed-use homes, and more. While

developments like single family detached houses received overwhelming support, apartment complexes received overwhelming opposition. Developments like townhomes received mixed support.

A similar process was done for land development. Options included trails & greenways, athletic parks, community gardens, and others. On the whole, all of these appeared to receive popular support.

An additional table was available for participants to write-in suggestions for officials to consider. Some that received support included “do something with the Pinnacle and Walmart shopping center” and installing a light at Deerfoot and Happy Hollow.

At the kickoff on April 16, project leaders Brian Wright and Matt Noonkester told residents that every parcel in Trussville would eventually be assigned some role in the city’s plan, even if that means being preserved for conservation. Mayor Ben Short described the May 7 event as another opportunity for residents to help shape the city’s future.

Residents who did not attend in person can still take part through a virtual version of the workshop at FutureGenPlan.com through May 18.

COVID kindergarteners excel against all odds

Angela Shorter

TRUSSVILLE – It’s been six years since schools reopened after a sudden and indefinite shutdown on March 13th in the spring quarter of 2020. Students from grades K-12 across the country were not to return to the classroom to complete the school year due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. As the fall session neared, there was uncertainty about reopening schools; however, Trussville City Schools made the decision to fully open all schools with social distancing and masks, of course; while offering a remote school option for those parents and stu-

Ken Lass

It is a typical weekday night in the spring for the Lass family. We have been issued the schedule of activities for our four young grandchildren. They range from baseball to flag football to hip hop dance to voice lessons and math labs. That doesn’t even include doctor and dentist appointments, play dates and haircuts. Sharon and I have received our assignments for the week. We have been drafted on to the transportation committee. Our mission: Tear the kids away from their I-pads, get them dressed, water bottles filled, cleats or ballet shoes in the backpack, get them to the venue on time, and bring them home with some semblance of all the things we left with. Sharon and I, along with our daughter and son-in-law, will all split off into different directions to accomplish this multi-faceted challenge. We do not mind this duty. It is, for the most part,

dents who chose not to return face-to-face. Seventeen of Cahaba Elementary students and families made that decision for their incoming kindergarteners. It was a brave decision to make. These families would stand out from their community—from the entire city—by making this choice to secure the safety of their children and their families. After all, it was their child’s first year of “big” school— the beginning of their formal education. And, this was unprecedented! Beyond this, they would work harder this school year than most as they were taking on a huge responsibility

for their child’s education in a time of uncertainty and innovation. On that first day of kindergarten in August of 2020 when other students were gathering in classrooms in their new outfits and cool backpacks, 17 sweet and excited 5-year-olds (and their parents) sat in their homes and met each other and their teacher for the first time via Zoom as their elementary education began. For the next 179 days they learned to read; write letters, numbers, and stories; count and do many math skills; as well as engage in science and social studies concepts via Zoom and video lessons recorded by their

teacher and facilitated at home by their parents. By the end of the year, only seven of the 17 kindergarten students remained in the remote classroom. (They were joined by 10 first graders and two second graders.) The other kindergarten students either moved to other schools or made the decision to return to the classroom face-to-face. Those seven students stood out among their classmates. At the end of the year, they were awarded many of the highest awards in kindergarten. This year, six years later, those students are wrapping up their elementary years and preparing to go to middle school. As their el-

ementary years wind down, they continue to soar. They’ve been growing both academically and socially these past 5 years in a face-to-face environment with their peers. They have remained at the top of their class throughout the years achieving such accolades as receiving a perfect score on the math portion of ACAP (the state required assessment), A and A/B honor roll, admission to the gifted program, Wall of Fame, PACEsetters, Star students, classroom spelling bee winners, school-wide Spelling Bee Champion, runner up and 3rd place Spelling Bee winners; millionaire readers,

Voices From the Back Seat

a joy to be part of their lives. However, there is one aspect of these adventures that one must be prepared for. Apparently, when a young grandchild is strapped into a car seat, with little to do during a journey but stare out the window at the passing scenery, their enquiring minds begin to work in overdrive. This inevitably causes them to blurt out a string of random questions. They ask about everything their world has exposed them to, and the questions usually have no connection to each other. Subject matter changes abruptly. Of course, as their Grampa, I feel obligated to represent the voice of wisdom and knowledge to them. So I try to come up with answers to all their queries. If I don’t know the answer, or if I don’t know how to explain the answer, which happens often, I just make something up. Something that will, at least, sound plausible enough to hold them off until they’re old enough to understand

the deeper response. To give you an idea of the range of their curious minds, here are a few samples of actual questions the grands have popped up with, while alone with me in the car:

“Grampa, why do some people put junior, or II or III after their names?”

“Because they have the same name as their father, or grandfather, and they don’t want people to be confused over which person they are talking about.”

“Grampa, if a cat has a litter of kittens, and then later has another litter of kittens, are the kittens from the two litters related to each other?”

“I guess so. They have the same mother. So they would be brothers and sisters, or at least half brothers and sisters.”

“Grampa, how do you know where everything is?”

“Well, if I’ve been there before, I just try to remember how I got there.”

“Grampa, what’s a blood disorder?” (Wonder where they heard about this?)

“I suppose it’s something wrong with what’s in your blood, or the way it flows through your body. It would make people pretty sick.”

“Grampa, did they have cartoons when you were a kid?” (How old do they think I am?)

“Yes. Good ones. Like Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, and Tom and Jerry.” (This resulted in a puzzled look on my grandson’s face because he’s never heard of any of those.)

“Grampa, if both of my arms got cut off, would I die?”

(Remind me to check the violence level on his video games) “No, but you would have to hug me with your legs from then on.”

“Grampa, what happens to people who are not Christians when they die?”

(Yikes. I take a long pause before replying to this one. Want to choose my words carefully.)

“Well, the bible says only those who accept Jesus

as Lord and Savior can go to heaven. The others will go to a place of suffering called hell.”

“What happens in hell?”

(Yeah, I was afraid there would be a follow-up question. Do I really want to get graphic about this? I choose to try to keep it light.)

“People have to suffer and endure painful things in hell. Like being forced to watch reruns of The Bachelor.”

“Grampa, how do a man and a woman make a baby?”

(Ouch! Wasn’t expecting this one. Shouldn’t Mom and Dad be having this conversation? Don’t they learn about this in school somewhere? I decide to try to stay as generic as possible.)

“Um....uh.....well, when a husband and wife really love each other, and when they have more love to give, God may bless them with a baby.” (Please Lord, no follow-up question. Please don’t make me explain the mechanics.)

“Grampa, how did Jack’s get its name?”

SHINE choir performers, CES Dawgs (Safety Patrol), and so much more. In a time of overwhelming uncertainty, daily changes, distance, loss, fear, and educational innovations, these families persevered. Through hard work, resilience, and dedication, Cahaba Elementary remote kindergarten students defied all odds and made an amazing transition from distance learning to the classroom. They are well-prepared to excel through middle school and beyond.

Mrs. Angela Shorter is a teacher at Cahaba Elementary School in Trussville, Alabama.

(Whew! Never has a sudden change of subject been so appreciated.) “I’m guessing that the name of whoever started the first restaurant was Jack.” And so it goes. One question after another. I guess these inquisitions come with the territory of grandparenthood, but they can be exhausting. Then again, I suppose I would rather have them ask me these things than their classmates and friends. No telling what kind of answers they might get. The Q & A sessions resume every time we’re in the car together. And sooner or later, each of my four grands has gotten around to asking the same question. The exchange goes something like this:

“Grampa, how old are you?”

“How old do you think I am?”

“I bet you’re pretty old. Are you 30 years old?”

“Why, yes.....yes, that’s exactly how old I am.” (Who am I to argue with a child?)

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ATTENTION HOMEOWN

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

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

TCSCentral Office

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bicentennial Park:Thursday, July 25 at 4p.m.- It’stimeto saygoodbyetoanother wonderfulSummerReading Program!Enjoy free access to theSplashPad, crafts,food trucks,& so much more!

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

●Parks and RecTrivia: Thursday,July25at6 p.m.

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

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.

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● 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.

● ican Legion Post 205, Clay-Trussville, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Clay

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

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF SHELBY

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

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

Jordan Michael Cook

june

o bitua R ies

was a puzzle genius & enjoyed bowling. Jordan loved cooking breakfast & taking 10 minute showers every night. He also loved art, since his mom was an art teacher. Jordan was preceded in death his maternal grandparents, Archie and Mary Evelyn McDonald of Dothan, paternal grandparents, Jim and Peggy Cook of Birmingham as well as several loving aunts and relatives. Survivors include his parents, Jim and Janice Cook, twin brother, Jarrod, his sister, Julie Aderhold, brother, Jeremy Cook, his aunt and uncle, Annice (twin to Janice) and her husband Joel Sorrells, cousin Joanna Huddleston an her husband Robert, several loving nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends. Jordan would want you to know that “Life is short–make it count, BE KIND and Know JESUS!” An additional celebration of Jordan’s Life will be held this summer with details to follow.

Mavis “Maria” Chasteen Swinford

august 22, 1934 — april 28, 2026

Funeral service for Mavis Chasteen (Swinford), 91, who died April 28, 2026, will be on Tuesday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama, with graveside service at 3:00 p.m..

Mavis was preceded in death by her husband, Whitten L. Chasteen, and Glenn Swinford; her parents Aron and Pauline Hubbard; her sisters Irene Hubbard Cooper and Mildred Hubbard; her brothers Lamar Hubbard, Aron Hubbard, Jr., and Marston Hubbard. She is survived by her daughter, Vickie Chasteen Meeks, and her grandson David Whitten Meeks; her brother Brent Hubbard; her sisters Audrey Talton and Brenda Swann; and many nieces, nephews and special friends.

Mavis was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Gadsden. Her love language was food, she was a great cook and baker, a wonderful hostess, and had a passion for antiques and reading. She made her family and guests always feel special. No amount of time would have been enough, though she gave us beautiful memories to last a life time.

Heartfelt thanks to Long’s Loving Care and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate, kind-hearted and gentle caregivers, nurses and pastoral care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice, or your choice of Church or charity.

Benny Carroll Feltman

september 29, 1940 — april 29, 2026

Benny Carroll Feltman, age 85, passed away on April 29, 2026. Born September 29, 1940, in Hamilton, Alabama, his family later moved to Lineville, Alabama where he spent his childhood and graduated high school. He attended the University of Alabama for several years (Roll Tide) before enlisting and serving his country as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War (1964-1965). A dedicated public servant, he enjoyed a 44year career with the State of Alabama in the Ad Valorem Tax Division, retiring in 2018.

A lifelong Christian, Benny was active at his church, Centercrest Baptist in Center Point, AL, where he was a deacon for many years. He also held a great passion for American military history, particularly World War II and the Civil War and enjoyed vacations to as many southern battlefields as humanly possible to make sure his young children were well-educated on field tactics and troop maneuvers. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edwina Lambert Feltman; his parents, Harvey Raymond (HR) and Gaitha Cashion Feltman; his brother, Robert Thomas Feltman; and his sister, Jane (Feltman) Jones. Benny is survived by his second wife, Lynn Feltman; his children, Amy C Feltman, Andrew H Feltman (Elizabeth), and stepson Sam Denney; his grandson, Drew Feltman (Morgan); great-grandchildren, Lyanna E. Feltman and Landon Hanaway; and many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

Diane Marie Davidson Folse

july 2, 1947 — may 1, 2026

Diane Marie Davidson Folse, 78, of Vestavia Hill’s passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Folse, sister Dana Davidson Blair, parents Brooks and Doris Davidson, and beloved pets Magnolia, Tex, Zoe, and Sophie. She is survived by her daughter Molly (John Nobinger) of Vestavia Hills, son Allen (Valentina), and grandson Nicholas of Hoover.

Diane was a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School and Samford University, where she studied biology and music. She worked for 40 years at Birmingham’s Southern Research Institute. After retirement, she returned to Samford to earn her pharmacy technician certification.

A talented painter, calligrapher, pianist, seamstress, quilter, and baker, Diane enjoyed pairing her love of the arts with her interest in science and mathematics. For many years, she taught piano lessons, served as an organist and pianist at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Trussville, and was known for her beautifully decorated cakes. She loved animals and delighted in spending time with her grand dogs. She was a member of The Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham and cherished her time as part of the Cathedral Choir.

In the face of adversity when faith and courage were needed, Diane often found peace in words from Victor Hugo: “Be like the bird that, pausing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings.”

Visitation for

“Sonny” Dixon

community life, and lasting friendships. A man of steadfast faith, Charles was a dedicated member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church for more than 50 years. His servant’s heart was evident in his role helping establish and support the church’s bus ministry, ensuring that children and teenagers always had a way to attend and experience the love of Christ. His quiet acts of kindness and commitment made a lasting impact on countless young lives. Charles devoted many years of his professional life to Alabama Crankshaft, where he was known for his integrity and his gift for building meaningful relationships. After retirement, he embraced a life centered on family, service, and travel—finding joy in both familiar places and new adventures, always with gratitude and a warm spirit.

He leaves behind a legacy of love in his surviving family: his children, Ronnie Dixon (Kathy) and Tammy Flowers (Kirk); his six granddaughters, Ronni Dixon Roye, Jae Skinner (David), Lindsey Buse (Jonathan), Jimmi Amick (Josh), Sydney Reddoch (Malcolm), and Brett Cole (Jake); and twelve treasured great-grandchildren. He is also fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Sonny will be remembered as a man of deep faith, unwavering love, and gentle strength—someone who lived with purpose, gave generously, and inspired those around him through both word and example. His life stands as a testament to devotion: to God, to family, and to community.

A graveside service to celebrate and honor his life will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 5, at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home or Big Oak Ranch, causes that reflect Charles’s lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him—and in the countless lives he touched along the way.

In memory of Charles R. “Sonny” Dixon, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:

• Alabama Baptist Childrens Home

• Big Oak Ranch

Lady Huskies Battle Into North Regional Finals

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

FLORENCE – The Lady Huskies (43-9-1) picked up a pair of wins to advance to the AHSAA Class 7A North Regional championship.

Hewitt got a 6-1 win over Sparkman early Monday morning before defeating Vestavia 8-7 with a walk-off later in the afternoon.

Against Sparkman, the Lady Huskies jumped on the board early and cruised to the win.

Kylie Grace Hendrick’s first-inning RBI scored Presley Hull before Taylor McLaughlin’s RBI triple scored Chloe Krackenberger and Hendrick. Emily Renda’s RBI single scored Emily Bates to give Hewitt a 4-0 lead.

Erin Coleman scored on an error in the third to push

the lead to 5-0.

Harper Looney tossed a complete game, allowing one run and three hits with five strikeouts. McLaughlin and Renda had two RBIs. Hendrick and Hull had two hits.

The Lady Huskies faced a familiar foe in Vestavia in Game 2 and rallied for an 8-7 walk-off win.

The Lady Rebels took an early 4-0 lead in the first, but Hewitt rallied back with a Corey Goguts home run in the bottom half of the first.

Hewitt stormed back in the second. Renda’s RBI scored Bates, and Hannah Claire Miller’s RBI scored Renda before Cate Bruce and Goguts scored on an error to give Hewitt a 5-4 lead.

Hull’s RBI triple scored Miller, and Coleman’s RBI scored Hull to give the Lady

Huskies a 7-4 lead in the fourth.

Vestavia tied the game at seven in the sixth before Miller’s single scored Renda and gave Hewitt the win and a trip to the regional championship round.

Miller was 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Renda had two hits.

“We’re super proud of the fight, grit and resilience we showed throughout today,” Hewitt coach Taylor Burt said. “It wasn’t always pretty, but we found a way to win and we’re proud of that. We had a lot of girls really step up today and come up big in clutch situations. The job’s not finished, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to go get after it next week.”

The Lady Huskies will face either Vestavia or Huntsville.

Huskies advance to semi-finals with win over Tuscaloosa County

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

NORTHPORT – Hewitt (30-8) punched their ticket to the 7A semi-finals with a 5-2 win over Tuscaloosa County in the second-round tiebreaker Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats got on the board first in the opening inning.

The Huskies took a 2-1 lead at the top of the third inning after Sawyer Jackson singled to score Bryson Clements before Cale McIn-

tosh’s sacrifice fly scored Jackson. A Hewitt error allowed County to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth.

The Huskies regained the lead at the top of the sixth inning after Andrew Walker’s single scored Kaleb Kynard, and Blake Bales grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Taylor Alfano. A Wes Hardy groundout scored Lane Bilodeau to make the score 5-2 in favor of the Huskies. From there, Hewitt held the Wildcats scoreless, in

large part due to pitching. McIntosh got the win for the Huskies. The senior gave up four hits and two runs in seven innings of work, with nine strikeouts. Hudson Mitchell, Walker, and Jackson had two hits. Bales, Walker, Hardy, McIntosh, and Jackson had RBIs.

The Huskies have won ten of their last eleven games and will face Thompson in the confines of Phil English next Friday with a trip to the championship game on the line.

Moody Advances to the Semifinals

By Tyler Lacey, For the Tribune

MOODY – The Moody Blue Devils (25-7) punched their ticket to the 5A AHSAA semifinals Friday night after two close victories over the Madison County Mustangs.

The Devils hosted the Mustangs Friday with semifinals berth on the line, and Moody took care of business.

In Game 1 the Devils got on the board early. Marshall Teofilo scored after stealing home, and Jagger Ludolf later scored after a line drive to center field by Levi Crowe. Those would be the only runs of the game until the bottom of the seventh inning, when the Mustangs scored off a ground ball to left field. The Devils closed game one with a ground out to first base, winning 2-1.

Bryant Hardin pitched a complete game, throwing three strikeouts and allow-

ing one run on five hits. Game 2 was a similar result, but a harder fought battle for the Devils. After falling behind early 1-0, Moody responded when Carter Mitchell doubled to center field, allowing Hardin to score. The Devils added another run at the bottom of the fifth with Ludolf

very next play, Teofilo singled off a perfectly placed bunt to load the bases and ignite both the crowd and Moody dugout. A sacrifice fly ball to deep center field

by Jayden Hicks, allowed Collin Turner to score the Blue Devils’ third run of the game. Despite a late push by the Mustangs, Madison County were not able to overcome the deficit as the Blue Devils secured a 3-1 win. James Leatherwood pitched a complete game throwing seven strikeouts and allowing one run off seven hits.

Moody’s pitching was dominant in both games, allowing just two combined runs. Hardin and Leatherwood each threw complete games.

Coach Kelly praised both pitchers following the wins.

“Those two guys, since they were freshman, have been huge for us,” Kelly said. “What they’ve done for us in the playoffs has been amazing. It’s been complete game after complete game, just leaving their guts on the field.”

Former Hewitt Star Kenleigh Cahalan Taken in AUSL Draft

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

and Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – For-

mer Hewitt standout Kenleigh Cahalan was selected as the 17th overall pick by the Portland Cascade in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Draft.

The current Florida Gator transferred from Alabama after her sophomore season.

While at Hewitt, Cahalan was one of the top prep players in the country. She was ranked as the nation’s No. 1 player by Per-

fect Game Softball during her senior season and was named Alabama Miss Softball and MaxPreps Alabama Player of the Year in 2022. Cahalan was a two-time finalist for Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2021 and 2022 and earned All-State honors every season from the eighth grade through her senior year. As an eighth grader, she became the youngest Class 7A player ever selected All-State. With Cahalan, the Lady Huskies made three consecutive state championship series appearances,

winning AHSAA Class 7A state titles in 2019 and 2021. The Lady Huskies were also positioned for another title run in 2020 before the season was canceled because of COVID-19. Hewitt returned to the state finals again in 2022 before finishing runner-up to Thompson.

Cahalan played with the Birmingham Thunderbolts, helping guide her PGF 18U team to a national championship.

She started all 67 games as a freshman and opened her college career with a 14-game hitting streak. As a sophomore, she started all

53 games and earned Second Team All-SEC honors. In her two years at Alabama, she had a .290 batting average, 113 hits, nine home runs, and 61 RBIs. During the 2024 season, Cahalan led the Tide in batting average, hits, doubles, and triples before transferring to Florida. Cahalan has turned in a fabulous 2026 season for the Gators. Through 56 games, she is batting .379 with a .449 on-base percentage and a .718 slugging percentage while totaling 47 runs, 15 doubles, 15 home runs, and 60 RBIs.

Huskies Fall in Heartbreaker as Bob Jones Scores Late in Double Overtime

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

HUNTSVILLE –

Hewitt’s tremendous postseason run came to an end Thursday afternoon in heartbreaking fashion.

Bob Jones scored with 5.4 seconds remaining in double overtime to pull out a dramatic 3-2 win in the 7A State Semifinals at John Hunt Park.

Bob Jones took a 1-0 lead just 1:09 into the match

before the Huskies answered 24 seconds later on a Brennan Greer penalty kick. The Patriots got a second goal in the opening minute of the second half to take a 2-1 lead. The Huskies refused to give up and Jason Merriweather tied the game with 31.5 seconds left in regulation.

After nearly two scoreless overtime periods, the Huskies appeared to be heading to penalty kicks for the second game in a row.

However, Bob Jones had a different plan. The Pats’ Zachary McGee scored the match-winning goal with a little over five seconds on the clock to advance to the finals and end Hewitt’s season.

Daniel Decker’s Hewitt squad finishes with a 15-5-6 record.

The Huskies recorded 17 shots on goal. Bob Jones had 16 and Bryant Steele recorded four saves for the Huskies.

Huskies Capture Seventh State Mountain Bike Championship

MCCALLA – The Hewitt-Trussville High School mountain bike team won the 2026 Alabama state championship at Tannehill State Park this past weekend, the program’s third consecutive title.

The Huskies dominated the championship series throughout the spring, finishing first in five of the six races and winning the overall state title by 710 points. The championship was the seventh state title in school history.

Hewitt placed multiple riders among the top finishers across several divisions during the state championship series.

In the varsity boys division, Teague Jones finished ninth overall. Lenwood Jones placed third in JV1 boys competition, while Evelyn Murphree earned a ninthplace finish in JV1 girls.

Bailey O’Dell finished fourth in the JV2 girls competition, and Connor Cohagan placed ninth in the JV2 boys competition.

The Lady Huskies also turned in strong performances in the freshman girls division, where Isabelle Garver finished runner-up, and Lily Neal claimed third place overall. Lleyton Sharp added a fifth-place finish in the freshman boys division. Several Huskies also ranked among the team’s top point scorers for the season. Teague Jones led the way with 3,014 points,

followed by Lenwood Jones with 2,984 points. Garver totaled 2,951 points, while Neal added 2,896. Murphree finished the season with 2,872 points, Nicholas Davis scored 2,851, and O’Dell recorded 2,800 points. Davis Sharp totaled 2,794 points, while Lleyton Sharp and Cohagan finished with 2,344 and 2,192 points, respectively.

Hewitt Middle won its fourth consecutive state title with sixth graders Elizabeth Garver and Will Pendleton bringing home individual titles.

Clay-Chalkville’s Quinton Dial joins Mississippi Community and Junior College Sports Hall of Fame

PEARL, Miss. – Former East Mississippi Community College football standout Quinton Dial was inducted into the Mississippi Community and Junior College Sports Hall of Fame during Tuesday night’s 20th annual induction banquet held at the Clyde Muse Center on Hinds Community College’s Rankin Campus.

Dial overcame his humble beginnings growing up in his hometown of Clay, Alabama by discovering the weight room and finding his way to the gridiron at ClayChalkville High School. After being named the 2008 Class 6A Defensive Lineman of the Year and making the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Super 12 team as a high school senior, Dial became a two-year defensive force for Coach Buddy Stephens’ East Mississippi Community College Lions.

After being a member of EMCC’s first-ever MACJC State/Region 23 football championship team as a freshman in 2009, he enjoyed a breakout sophomore season by being named to the 2010 NJCAA All-American Second Team and NJCAA All-Region 23 squad after totaling 76 tackles, including 3.5 quarterback sacks.

“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Mississippi Community and Junior College Sports Hall of Fame. It is an incredible privilege to join this esteemed group of athletes,” Dial said. “I also want to express my deepest gratitude to East Mississippi Community College for nominating me for this prestigious honor. Your recognition and

support mean the world to me.”

Dial went on to complete his successful collegiate career in his home state as a member of back-to-back (2011-12) Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship teams with Coach Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. In 25 career games played for the Tide, he registered 45 total stops and 7.5 tackles for loss with 2.5 sacks.

Upon being selected in the fifth round of the 2013 National Football League Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Dial spent four seasons with the 49ers before winding down his pro career in 2017 with the Green Bay Packers and then retiring from the game in 2019. During his 59-game NFL career that included 34 starts, Dial recorded 145 total stops, including nine tackles for loss with 4.5

quarterback sacks.

Much of Dial’s success while in San Francisco was also accomplished off the field with his community service involvement. During a four-year span, he was a three-time recipient of the 49ers Community Relations Veteran Service Award. Dial was also very active in the Bay Area participating in several team fundraising events annually in addition to forming his own foundation whose mission was to support underprivileged kids.

A 2020 inductee into EMCC’s Sports Hall of Fame, Dial currently spends much of his time as an avid outdoorsman with frequent hunting and fishing trips.

Presently residing in the Bay Area of California, Dial and his wife, Mika, are the proud parents of four children – Tatum, Jayden, Ava, and Julian.