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By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune

Brady Flanigan, Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –A proposed residential development tied to a future Trussville City Schools site drew lively public comment and a pointed debate among

and the audience during the Trussville City

New owners of Dobbs Ford celebrate first year of managing dealership

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

ALDOT seeks public input on I-459 concrete replacement project in Hoover

HOOVER, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Transportation is looking for public input on a proposed concrete replacement project along Interstate 459 in Hoover. The project would cover

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

Page 3

See ALDOT, Page 4

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

By Terry Schrimscher

Wrongful death lawsuit filed after fatal shooting of Auburn graduate in Trussville

Brady Flanigan, Editor

SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

The parents of Whitney Harlow Robeson, the 22-yearold Auburn grad killed in a shooting in March at a home in Trussville, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man charged in her death.

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.

Filed Friday, May 15, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, the suit names Jeffrey Scott Towers as the primary defendant and was brought forward by Carin G. Robeson and J. Matthew Robeson who are representing their daughter’s estate.

Robeson was shot March 7 inside Towers’ home on the 7700 block of Deer Trail. Trussville Police responded at about 9:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to UAB St. Vincent’s East Hospital, and pronounced dead at 10:49 p.m. 54-yearold Towers has since been charged with reckless manslaughter.

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

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.

plaint, Robeson was visiting Towers’ home when he began showing her and his son, Brandon Towers, a collection of antique firearms in the attic.

The lawsuit says Towers was handling a .22-caliber revolver when the firearm discharged.

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

handled was loaded,” the complaint states, “and as he displayed the weapon to Whitney and his son, a single shot was inadvertently discharged.”

“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-

“Whether known or unknown to Defendant Towers, the firearm being

“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

The bullet struck Robeson in the upper left side of her chest. The complaint states an autopsy found Robeson died from a gunshot wound to the chest that caused fatal injuries to the

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

Retired Air Force Major & substitute from Leeds indicted on federal child exploitation charges

Brady Flanigan Editor

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A retired U.S. Air Force Major from Leeds has been indicted on federal charges related to production and possession of child sexual abuse material.

abuse of a child.

ages and videos containing child sexual abuse material, including material Brown allegedly recorded or produced by him personally.

Brown was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on New Year’s Day, with bond set at nearly $2 million in the state case.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

IRONDALE, Ala. – Bee

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

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

63-year-old Daniel Martin Brown was delivered a five-count indictment in U.S. District Court for four counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. Federal prosecutors said the alleged incidents happened in Jefferson County between January 2014 and December 2025. Brown was previously arrested in January by Leeds police on state charges. Following that arrest, he was charged with 10 counts of producing pornography with a minor, 10 counts of possession of child pornography with intent to distribute, and one count of sex

Brown was previously a lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and substitute teacher in Alabama and Florida.

The federal case was investigated by the FBI Birmingham Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting.

Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin previously mentioned the state investigation began following someone coming forward and reporting being victimized by Brown years earlier. Investigators executed a search warrant on New Year’s Eve at Brown’s home on Southern Trace Circle, where officers found evidence of more victims. Investigators seized hidden cameras, images, and videos stored on Brown’s computer. Irwin said detectives found hundreds of im-

in the coming weeks, which will serve as an expansion from its current location in Hardware Park. In addition to educational opportunities and STEM programming, the center will also sell a range of products sourced from bees, including honey and beeswax, as well as supplies for beekeepers. It will be built across from the all-new Ruffner Sports Complex, which

opened on Saturday.

The case was initiated as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative focused on child sexual exploitation and abuse.

“When looking for a place to build our new beekeeping store, we continued to hear comments about how Irondale was doing great things,” said founder Adam Hickman.

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

Anyone who suspects or becomes aware of a child being sexually abused or exploited is asked to contact law enforcement. The FBI Birmingham Office can be reached at 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at CyberTipline.org.

See BEES, Page 3

afterward, Thomas said he just needed to air his frustrations because the council sometimes delays making decisions it needs to make.

By Chris Basinger, News Editor

left lung, heart, and aorta. It also states toxicology found no drugs or alcohol in her system.

He discussed his motion to add unaddressed items from the February meeting to a consent calendar for approval. That approach was denied.

Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates recently confirmed the manner of death was certified as homicide.

The lawsuit accuses Towers of negligence and wantonness. It alleges he failed to inspect the firearm, confirm whether it was loaded, or handle it safely in the presence of others. The complaint also claims he did not display basic firearm safety protocol, or proper firearm handling.

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

The complaint creates space to sue the unknown firearm manufacturer, alleging the weapon may have been defective or lacking basic safety features. The damages the family is seeking are unspecified, and they have requested a jury trial.

Towers was arrested May 11 and later released on a $30,000 bond. A settlement docket hearing in the

See AUBURN, Page 5

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 See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2

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

Burglary reported at Wendy’s in Moody, investigation ongoing MOODY, Ala. – A burglary and attempted arson occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, at the Wendy’s at 2045 Village Drive.

According to Moody Police Chief Reece Smith, officers observed broken glass

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

See BONES, Page

Hewitt-Trussville quiz bowl team headed to national championship

Leeds High School freshmen take action to address rising school shootings

By Tanna McGuire

Brady Flanigan Editor

LEEDS, Ala. – Over

TRUSSVILLE, Ala.

– Following one of the strongest seasons in the program’s history, the Hewitt-Trussville High School quiz bowl team is headed back nationals.

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

On Friday, May 22, the team will travel to Atlanta to compete in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments High School National Championship Tournament. The event will pit 320 of the nation’s highest performing high school teams against each other in a fight to be number one.

schools.

Quiz bowl is a competition where teams of four students use buzzers to answer questions spanning a range of academic interests from science and math to sports, pop culture, literature, history, and more.

Hewitt-Trussville entered the nationals following a particularly successful year in the Alabama Scholastic Competition Association’s 7A division, which is

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

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 ad vocating for more frequent and comprehensive drills.

often considered the state’s most competitive division, reserved for the largest public, private, and magnet schools.

“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 Huskies qualified for the 2026 ASCA Varsity State Championship on Feb. 13 after finishing 5-1 at the state qualifying event at Jefferson State Community College in Hoover. During their run, HTHS defeated Indian Springs School, Iqra Math and Science Academy, as well as Thompson,

Oak Mountain, and Vestavia Hills high schools.

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 and ready to handle anything that could happen.”

McCormick highlighted the importance of turning awareness into action.

After that the team advanced to the Final Four at the ASCA Varsity State Championship on April 10, where they earned fourth place in the state after defeating McGill-Toolen Preparatory School, Auburn High School, and Grissom High School.

“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we

Coach Josh Haynes said it was the best finish in the See CHAMPIONSHIP, Page 5

See STUDENTS, Page

Bryant

A concept of the new education center in Irondale. (Foxhound Bee Company)

Pictured: Beatrice McCormick, Madilynn Johnson, and Amelia Davis.

Mayor Dave Thomas delivers a lengthy dissertation to members of the city council. (Terry Schrimscher/Trussville Tribune)

Gavin Hall, Cade Watkins, Emmie Scott. (Marshall Smith & Abigail Spusta missing)

The Trussville Tribune

190 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

Brady Flanigan, Editor trusstribeditor@gmail.com

Terry Schrimscher, Interim Managing Editor tribunenews2@gmail.com

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

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

Brannon Dawkins, Tribune Unscripted Producer & Account Manager

Little House on the High Prairie

Sean Dietrich

Visitors often walk through this high prairie farmhouse and say they can feel her. They don’t know how. They don’t know why. But she’s here.

A teenage girl is in the farmhouse museum, taking the tour alongside me. She and her mom are in my tour group. The girl is looking at the old woman’s artifacts, nestled behind Plexiglass cases, taking lots of pictures with a phone.

“This is the clock SHE wrote about, Mom,” says the girl.

She.

Everyone here is on a first-name basis with “she.”

The girl says her grandmother is who first got her into the classic book series, back when she was little. The girl has been in love with “her” ever since. Her grandmother would read these books to her every night. And when her grandmother went on hospice care last year, the girl returned the favor.

The home is nothing fancy. It’s your typical Missouri farmhouse. Like something your grandparents grew up in. Musty smelling. Unlevel. Creaky. Two stories. Simple to a fault.

The home was built in 1894. She and her husband made a $100 down payment. There were two rooms. Her husband and a few local carpenters built the rest. Sometimes they paid workmen in bales of hay. Or with chickens.

I rest my own hand on the cracked and faded wood paneling. I feel like I’m in the household of an old friend. The teenage girl, however, is having an almost spiritual experience. She traveled here to Mansfield, all the way from Florida, to make this pilgrimage. She is carrying one of “her” books in her arms.

A paperback. Tattered and worn. And I kind of understand what she’s feeling. When you fall in love with a writer, you never fall out of love. I read the old woman’s books when I was a kid, too. I read eight of her books in one week. Then I read them again before returning them to the library. I was smitten.

Four of those books were written in this house. The others, written in the guest cottage next door.

When she moved into this home, she had only been writing for one year. She was new to the craft. Wet behind the ears. Much like the author of this column.

She cut her teeth in this house, writing articles for the “Star Farmer” of St. Louis. Then, the “Missouri Ruralist.” Farmers’ magazines. Homespun articles of practicality. When to plant your corn. How to treat a lame chicken. Salt-of-theearth stuff.

At age 65, she made it

big. America fell in love with her. For the rest of her life, she would receive fan mail from girls and boys all over the nation. And she wrote every child back. Each one. She wrote letters every day. Until arthritis said it was time to quit.

Their little fan letters are still scattered on her dining room table. “Dear Laura…” they begin. You can see her pencil marks on the table’s surface.

She died in this farmhouse three days after her 90th birthday. It was winter. She was tired. They say she went easily from complications with diabetes.

A television show in the 1970s would later depict her life. The show was fanciful and charming. Feathered bangs and all. But it was fiction.

Her real life was fraught with the marrow-crushing pains of pioneerism, dirt farming, illness, and infant death. Her husband had a

stroke as a young man. She lost a 12-day-old baby. They traveled by covered wagon. Diphtheria nearly killed them both. He wheezed and limped for the rest of his life.

I think what touches me most about this old homeplace is how similar the inhabitants were to my own people. My own relatives who grappled against the elements, against fate, against better advice, to build a life of independence and prerogative. To be fully American. Or die trying.

As I leave the farmhouse, the teenage girl asks whether I mind taking a picture of her and her mother. They sit on the porch. They smile.

“I can’t believe we’re on Laura Ingalls’ porch,” the mom says. “I wish Grandma could see us now.”

The girl clutches her well-worn paperback as though it is dear.

“She can,” the girl replies.

L oca L / R egion

Hewitt-Trussville cheerleaders receive championship rings

Brady Flanigan, Editor

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –

The Hewitt-Trussville varsity cheerleaders received their national championship rings today in recognition of their efforts as part of the program’s historic win earlier this year.

The Huskies won the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship in February at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, taking first place in the Super Varsity Division with a final score of 87.25. The championship marked the school’s first national title.

Hewitt-Trussville finished ahead of Ponte Vedra High School, Brentwood High School, and Louisville Male High School. The team gave up only .75 in deductions during its winning routine.

The Huskies were led to victory by their coaches Jenny Williams, Adam Purdy, Grace Cole and Lesley Muncher.

“Don’t let anybody tell you anything other than y’all were amazing. You were undefeated. You did a

is part of the next phase in expanding the interstate to three lanes in both directions.

ALDOT said the contractor is incentivized to reopen the entrance and exit ramps within 40 days.

great job,

coach Jenny Williams said. “Ya’ll competed in one of the four hardest divisions in that entire competition. There is nothing harder than a traditional Division I Varsity Division, and y’all worked your booties off. You did things that people never thought were possible, and you should be really proud of yourselves.”

Team members include Addy Cantley, Anderson Swann, Ava Bromley, Ava Lawley, Ava Claire Foster, Bentley Wells, Berkeley Hawkins, Cambri Burton, Elle Burke, Jordyn Gunter, Kali Cahallan, Kate-

Traffic on I-59 Northbound has shifted to the two inside left lanes so crews can work on the outside lane.

ALDOT said the change creates a different traffic pattern for drivers moving from I-459 north onto I-59 north, and drivers should use caution as they navigate the temporary ramp.

lyn Palmer, Keaton Jones, Kennedy Overby, Maci Moore, Mary Fran Lamons, Reese Burns, Sydni Williams, Zadie Ryleigh, Addi McAliley, Addi Windsor, Artemis Treadwell, Bella Curd, Blakely Holt, Heidi Hawkins, Isla Dearman, Kara Kendall, Lily Isom, Mia Greene, Piper Goodwin, Piper Stroud, Sophie Blount, Sydney Kinner, and Zoey Grace Earnest.

Tuesday’s ring presentation gives the team a permanent reminder of a season that ended with HTHS cheer at the very top of the national stage.

According to ALDOT, contractor Wiregrass Construction Co. has about four months left to open the widened northbound lanes in order to receive a $1 million incentive.

The full project is valued at around $70,377,000 and is expected to be finished by spring 2027.

Culinary incubator CAV Kitchen to open in Irondale

Terry Schrimscher

IRONDALE, Ala. –CAV Kitchen, a new commissary and culinary incubator aimed at supporting food entrepreneurs, has announced plans to open in Irondale in early 2027. The business will offer shared commercial kitchen space to food truck operators, chefs and caterers serving the Birmingham metro area.

“The plan is to have a membership-based system where entrepreneurs can license the spaces in either four-hour blocks or long term, up to six months,” said Ray Morris, CEO of Sabre Finance and organizer for CAV Kitchen LLC. “The plan is to have six smaller kitchens, three processing and bakery kitchens, and one demonstration kitchen.”

In addition to the kitchens and bakeries, CAV will also feature canning equipment unavailable in most commissary setups in the area, along with a variety of options for growing food businesses.

“The target market for this is food producers who have outgrown what can be produced under Alabama cottage law, along with those who would like to produce temperature-controlled, such as cakes and similar items that require refrigeration,” Morris said. “Food trucks and caterers looking to get established without a massive outlay of capital for a commissary kitchen are also high on our list of potential users.”

The commissary will also have an educational function, teaching chefs and entrepreneurs through training courses such as ServSafe and business strategy.

“We are looking at having two tracks of educational components along with special guest instructors. What we envision is having one track for entrepreneurs who have a background in the culinary arts and want more business training on how to get started or how to grow their existing business,” Morris said. “The other track will be for those who want more culinary arts training, where they can develop their skill sets before launching their business.”

In April, the city council unanimously approved a tax abatement of noneducational ad valorem taxes for 10 years. The agreement, made possible by the Tax Incen-

tive Reform Act of 1992, specifies the facility must open within two years of the agreement and estimates the value of the tax abatement at $250,000, with an additional $180,000 saved in construction taxes.

The city expects the purchase and renovation of the building at 1507 Alex Drive to exceed $2.8 million, plus the cost of furnishings. Once open, CAV Kitchen and Sabre Finance expect to bring at least 65 jobs to the city. According to Morris, the company closed on the purchase of the building last Tuesday.

“The mayor and his staff could not have been more accepting,” Morris said. “We didn’t ask for the moon. We wanted to make a fair deal because we look forward to being part of the community and bringing more jobs and companies to the area.”

CAV Kitchen plans to lease production space to local food businesses when it opens at 1507 Alex Drive in Irondale.

Photo by Terry Schrimscher.

I-459 from Lorna Road to the western edge of Little Shades Creek east of Interstate 65. The work would include construction of new twomile auxiliary lanes from I-65 to Acton Road going in both directions, a change

ALDOT said is intended to reduce congestion caused by merging.

ALDOT said more than 115,000 vehicles travel that stretch of I-459 every day, which contributes to the deterioration of the aging con-

crete. The department also said the project could involve temporary ramp closures at the I-459 interchange with I-65. If needed, the planned detour would use U.S. 31 to State Route 119 to I-65 both ways. The project is currently scheduled to be let to contract by the end of 2026. Construction is expected to last up to 15 months. ALDOT posted a presentation on its website and is encouraging residents to review the project details and submit comments by June 12.

Clay Council passes 5 mill ad valorem tax aimed at funding local education

Nathan Prewett

CLAY, Ala. – A 5 mill ad valorem tax ordinance was approved by the Clay City Council on Tuesday night, May 12, to use collected funds from property taxes for public education.

A first reading was held at the April 21 meeting where it was explained by Mayor Jane Anderton that the ordinance would create a fund for school leaders to request funding from pending approval by the council.

This has since changed from having a designated fund to having it as a line item in the budget, as has been done before. It will be given out of the general fund budget, Anderton said.

During a public hearing, Bill McAllister asked if the policy was the same as the one that was rescinded in September 2025 under the administration of Charles Webster.

Anderton explained that the previous 5% property tax was started in order to fund a police station or create the city’s own school system, but they were eventually found to not be feasible, which led to it being repealed. The ad valorem tax passed on Tuesday night was a new and

Council meeting Tuesday night, May 12. At the center of the discussion was a proposed land development agreement with DDB Capital, the adjacent Riggins property, and a rezoning request for property along Camp Coleman Road and Praytor Road. City leaders say the arrangement could help secure 25 acres for a future school, something officials have described as badly needed.

But the proposal also drew concern from nearby residents and from Councilor Jim Miller, who questioned whether the city is moving too fast before key issues are resolved.

“I think that it would be appropriate before we have a memorandum of agreement with the owner … to say what we really want them to do and what we don’t want

separate policy from the last one, she said.

“The proceeds of this are intended for education-related public purposes,” Anderton said. “That doesn’t lock us in to one recipient or one use but preserves the council’s discretion on keeping the use tied to education-related public benefit.”

She explained further that she believed the ordinance should pass that night before June 1, after which the state legislature will take action requiring a referendum for any taxes. This would cost the city money, she added.

Matt Clay expressed concern about items that are put into the general fund without a way to track them to make sure that they are going toward their intended purpose.

“Accountability is built into this ordinance,” Anderton said. “And that’s important because of public funds, so they must be traceable, revealable and only used for public purposes. So any recipient of these funds has to use those proceeds only for that approved purpose. They need to maintain the records for that if required by the council and be subject to an audit or review by the city if need be.”

them to do,” Miller said. Miller focused much of his criticism on traffic and infrastructure, arguing the city has a history of allowing development to move ahead before the proper improvements are in place.

“The problem is, is that we have a track record of waiting until after the development and the homes go in until asking for these infrastructure improvements that we need,” Miller said. “Make sure we have the infrastructure in place before we start building new homes.” Residents made similar arguments during the public hearing.

Longtime resident Dr. David Dobbs said he no longer trusts promises from developers unless they are clearly written and enforceable.

“I’ve gotten a little bit prejudiced against somebody telling me they’re gon-

Dissent came from Councilor Nathan Thompson, who said that the ordinance was unnecessary when the schools are already being funded by the city. He said that the previous tax brought just under $4.4 million before it was removed and that as of April the city has $12.8 million, with much of it going towards schools.

“I don’t see why we’re taking money from the citizens,” he said. “If there’s a great plan in place that we need this money for I’m all about taxing for this money but let’s give the people an

na do something if it’s not written down,” Dobbs said. Josh Trimble, whose driveway sits near part of the proposed layout, said he could end up with roughly 25 houses near his access point and argued the city should stop approving growth in areas already strained by traffic. Jessica Campbell said she grew up in the woods around the property and fears the development would worsen congestion without solving TCS’ overcrowding issue. Deborah Wallace said Highway 11 backup already stretches into the area, warning that emergency access and road rage are becoming serious concerns.

Some residents also questioned whether the land donation was being used as leverage to secure rezoning approval. “Third, uh, the quid pro quo for the, for the school is also concerning. That’s shady as hell,” resi-

opportunity to vote on it. Let’s make this a 6 mill tax so that residents can have an opportunity to vote on it if we want to put this tax back in place.”

He criticized the way that the tax was announced, saying that there were problems with downloading a copy of the agenda packet until it was eventually fixed.

Councilor Carla Youngblood, who is chair of the finance committee, spoke in favor of it and stated that she did not believe that it would hurt the citizens and would be against it if it did.

Councilor Jody Harris afterward cited a bond in

which the issuer agreed to levy and collect taxes to the maximum extent allowed by law.

“My concern is this bond issue—and this is just one, we have three—requires us to raise the maximum possible revenue,” he said. “And by law the maximum we can raise are property levies without a referendum is 5 mills.”

The coroner’s office per-

The ordinance was passed by a 5-1 vote, with Thompson’s being the only one against.

During public comments, Hunter Merola, a former employee of the city, said that he had been arrested after a warrant was issued for him several weeks before. He stated that he had a criminal hearing in the near future and asked Anderton if it was true that she would not pursue charges if he did not go through with an employment hearing.

Anderton replied that she would drop it if he resigned in addition.

His mother later spoke and said that he had been fired because he was “not respectful” to Anderton. She said that the incident stemmed from an alleged unauthorized use of a vehicle due to him not returning

dent Matthew Pearson said.

Project representatives and city officials disagreed.

“We are trying to be as transparent as we possibly can with every detail of this development,” Council President Jaime Anderson said. “We want the public to have the entire city council packet. We want them to see everything that we see.”

it on time when it was in a repair shop. However, she insisted that her son was not a criminal.

In other business the council:

Adopted the city’s flood damage prevention ordinance that has updated language to comply with state law,

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.

• Awarded an asphalt/ paving contract to Central Alabama Asphalt & Construction, LLC in the amount of $389,500, Awarded a labor, material and equipment contract to Massey Asphalt Pavement, LLC in the amount of $286,800,

• Tabled consideration of a request for a liquor license by Deerfoot Liquor to examine potential constitutional ramifications, and Amended a resolution authorizing $3,500 to be added for a fireworks display at Clay City Fest.

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

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. From front page 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. 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. Investigators believe the skull was moved from its original location, which remains unknown, to the property by the homeowner ’s dog.

gins family, not the developer, would be the entity donating the school property. Miller argued that Trussville should not understate its power to shape growth through zoning.

“We as a city also have rights,” Miller said. “Our citizens have rights to a quality of life.”

Short pushed back, saying the city must balance residents’ concerns with the rights of property owners and the risks of de-zoning.

“We signed a statement of intent describing exactly what we were going to do, and that was a very transparent process,” DDB Capital Managing Director Derek Distenfield said.

City leaders said the arrangement had been reviewed by the city attorney’s office. Mayor Ben Short clarified that the Rig-

“We can buy land. We can de-zone land and pay a property owner for harming them of the highest and best use of their rights,” Short said. “I truly believe … there is a legal requirement that we as a city provide the means of a property owner the highest and best use of their property.”

The proposal remains in the first-reading phase, meaning no final decision was made Tuesday night.

Clay Mayor Jane Anderton (far left) and Councilor Nathan Thompson (far right) debated a proposed 5 mill ad valorem tax to fund public education. Photo by Nathan Prewett.

state championship since he launched the Scholars Bowl program in 2013.

“This was an incredibly special team for me to coach at Hewitt-Trussville this year,” Haynes said. “They cared for each other, displayed great discipline, and believed that they could compete with the best teams in the state.”

“They exhibited ‘The Husky Way’ and handled adversity any time it showed up in gameplay,” he continued. “I am proud of the way that they have represented our school and community.”

This year also marked a milestone across the Trussville school system, according to Haynes. For the first time, Hewitt-Trussville Middle School teams qualified for the Elementary State Championship and Middle School State Championship, with every team from HTMS and HTHS qualify-

criminal case is scheduled for July 22.

Attorneys John Amari and Dain Stewart, who represent Towers in the crim-

Burglary

at the main entrance upon arrival. Inside, there was a strong odor consistent with a liquid accelerant.

Smith said investigators, with assistance from the Moody Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, determined that two separate areas within the business appeared to have been deliberately set in an attempt to start fires.

The investigation is ongoing.

Pictured: Abigail Spusta and Marshall Smith.

ing for ASCA State competition. The national tournament will mark Hewitt-Trussville’s fourth appearance at the High School National Championship Tournament and its third in a row. The team most recently competed at nationals in 2025, where it finished 4-6.

Several players with national experience return for the 2026 competition, including Gavin Hall, Marshall Smith, and Abigail Spusta, who competed at the

inal case, described what happened as “a tragic event” and noted that Towers “has no criminal history, has been a productive and upstanding citizen for his entire life and is not guilty of these charges.”

2025 national tournament in Atlanta.

This year’s team will be captained by Spusta and includes Sara Graham, Gavin Hall, Will Murray, Elizabeth Schroeder, and Marshall Smith.

Hewitt-Trussville could also face familiar Alabama competition at nationals, as Hoover, Southside and West Point are set scheduled to attend.

Tournament results will be updated throughout at NAQT.com.

Robeson graduated from Auburn University in May 2025 with a degree in interior design and had just begun working in Birmingham as a trade consultant with Restoration Hardware prior to her death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact De-

tective Latimer at 205-6400347.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS

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

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

Project Name: Tapestry Village Phase I Gas Main Extension

Project Number: 2-004-25

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

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

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

3. Installation of taps and services

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

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

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

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

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

Mayor Woodfin proposes $614.7 million budget for Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

– Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has proposed a $614.7 million fiscal year 2027 operating budget that would increase spending on street resurfacing, community violence intervention, public transportation, and pay for city employees. The proposed budget is balanced at $614,693,822, up from the city’s amended FY2026 budget of $596.9 million.

“As a city, we continue to show what is possible when we work together with shared purpose and a united vision for Birmingham’s future,” Woodfin said. “This proposed budget reflects our shared priorities and continues investments in neighborhoods, young people, public safety, and the employees who serve Birmingham every day.”

Business taxes remain the city’s largest revenue generator, projected to bring in $462.6 million for FY2027. That includes

$152.9 million in sales tax, $132.4 million in occupational licenses, and $71.2 million in general business licenses. Property taxes are projected to bring in $48.5 million.

The proposed budget brings in more than $19 million for neighborhood revitalization, including $12 million for street resurfacing, $3 million for weed abatement, $1.5 million for demolition and blight removal, $1.53 million for critical home repairs, $500,000 for traffic calming, $300,000 for recycling, and $200,000 for the city’s façade improvement program.

The budget also maintains support for several programs, such as Birmingham Promise, mental health support in Birmingham City Schools, and Common Ground conflict resolution programs.

The proposed budget doubles funding for community violence interven-

tion from $1.5 million to $3 million, including $450,000 for the RESTORE Youth Re-entry Initiative.

Transportation would rise to $17.3 million, in support of the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, Birmingham Xpress Bus Rapid Transit, Birmingham On Demand microtransit, and ClasTran.

The proposed budget also includes $3 million for services for the homeless, along with about $800,000 in annual Community Development Block Grant support.

City employees would see about $10 million in salary adjustments, including merit and longevity pay. The city is also proposing more than $5 million in additional healthcare and a $500 premium payment for active full-time employees.

The proposed budget is now set to move to the Birmingham City Council for consideration.

Irondale launches free remote small business training program

IRONDALE, Ala. — The City of Irondale is now offering free on-demand small business training for restaurants, startups, local entrepreneurs, and other businesses with a new partnership between Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. and Retail Strategies. The program is designed to help businesses modernize, grow, and sharpen their skills at no cost.

Some available topics include training on artificial intelligence, social media and digital marketing, Canva, retail and restaurant strategy, branding, customer growth, operations, and several more. Enrollment is available by scanning the QR code in the image above or downloading the LearnUpon app and entering the portal URL: smallbusinesssupport. learnupon.com.

The city said businesses that participate may also have opportunities to be spotlighted by Irondale as part of the initiative.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS

Project Name: Dew Drive and Birch Street Gas Main Replacement

Project Number: 2-004-25

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

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

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

3. Installation of taps and services

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

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

Joe Hobby

I’m in my bathroom, standing in a nasty puddle of water, with a plunger in one hand and a bent coat hanger in the other. It’s hard to believe that just twelve hours earlier, I was eating breakfast on a cruise ship, while a man in a white jacket asked me if I wanted more smoked salmon with my omelet.

Now, I’m at home trying to unclog a toilet - talk about a fall to earth.

After about an hour, all I had managed to do was slop disgusting water everywhere. So, it was time to move out of the coat hanger era of plumbing and into the 21st century.

I went to my laptop and booted up Chatty Cathy - my name for ChatGPT – aka, Artificial Intelligence. Despite having no real-world plumbing experience, which

Have a nice Bidet

still puts her slightly ahead of me, she suggested that I bail out the toilet, then pour in a cup of dishwashing liquid and a half gallon of hot water.

Ol’ Chatty was rightit unclogged, that is, until the next morning, when it backed up again. That’s when I gave up and called a plumber - after all, I am a man who knows my limitations.

He cleaned out the line in minutes, and quickly found the source of the clog - one of my black socks. Not a kid’s toy, not a paper towel. A sock. Mine.

The second he pulled it out; my wife gave me one of her patented “this is your fault” looks.

“I didn’t do that,” I protested. “Believe me, I know the difference between a commode and a washing machine.”

“Yeah, I know you do. You actually use one of them on a regular basis.”

Ignoring that totally unnecessary sarcastic zinger, I stood there and tried to figure out how it happened. We have three dogs and no kids, so it quickly turned into a game of Clue. Mr. Plumber… with a sock… in the bathroom.

We came up with a couple of theories - but none of them were provable. I didn’t care. I was just happy it was fixed, so I headed to the golf

course, looking for some peace and quiet, which in hindsight, should have worried me.

When I got home, there was an unusual sound coming from our bathroom - a shriek followed by laughter. Nobody has ever made a noise like that on a toilet and had it go well. I got closer and my wife emerged, smiling.

“What just happened?”

I asked. “Was it your IBS?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. After the plumber unclogged the pipe, I had him install a bidet. I just used it for the first time.”

She said it like someone who had just discovered fire.

I peeked inside, and didn’t like what I saw. Attached to our commode was a strange device with two silver adjustment knobs. It looked like a porcelain Time Machine.

I shook my head. “Why would you do that?”

This was not like buying a throw rug without checking with me. Installing a bidet in a bathroom that I use has long-term consequences - for me.

“Because you are always complaining about how much toilet paper I use, and this will take care of that. Besides, everybody in France uses these.”

I bristled. “But we don’t live there. We’re closer to Paris, Texas than we are to Paris, France.”

However, it’s true that for years I have been griping about her toilet paper consumption. At one point, I think Charmin was sending her birthday cards. Once, I got so frustrated, I made the mistake of suggesting she was using more paper because a certain part of her anatomy was… expanding.

That did not go well. Still, the fact remains that she uses more rolls of toilet paper than teenagers on Halloween night. I’m old school about this kind of thing. I believe in going paperless, just not in the bathroom. I do not like the idea of pressure washing my posterior. Besides, I already fought with that toilet for over an hour. I’m not about to sit down and give it a rematch - especially now that it was armed and possibly holding a grudge. And I’m not certainly asking Chatty Cathy for her opinion on using a bidet. How could I trust her? She doesn’t even have a butt. And considering what the plumber charged me, he’ll probably be taking a cruise of his own pretty soonwhile I’m at home, afraid to sit down and flush.

No one to blame but themselves

Jeff Poor

Mo Brooks, a former six-term congressman, is poised to win a seat in the Alabama Legislature.

Such a move is unprecedented, going from one of the world’s most exclusive clubs as a member of Congress to likely being relegated to a backbencher in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Even his closest longtime confidantes ask, “Why, Mo?” Brooks is a true believer. He always has been.

My first encounter with Mo Brooks came in 2006, when the then-Madison County Commissioner made an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor.

He was the same idealist that he is now. That played

well to the setting, which at the time was the University of South Alabama College Republicans. Unfortunately, winning statewide required a better showing in south Alabama than the hearts and minds of civically engaged college students.

Luther Strange won that contest, only to lose in the general election to Democrat Jim Folsom, Jr. But Mo Brooks would go on to serve in Congress and come close to winning in two other statewide bids for U.S. Senate.

On the eve of the Republican primary election for State House District 20, he has run a campaign as he always has — a consistent, textbook conservatism that other Republicans have long dismissed.

His opponent, incumbent James Lomax, has not gone down quietly without a fight.

Were the people of South Huntsville clamoring for a political journeyman to begin a new chapter in Montgomery?

It isn’t a story about Mo Brooks as much as it is a story about the Alabama Legislature and those who serve in leadership for the Republican supermajority.

In the wake of this year’s legislative session, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter has boasted about the Alabama Legislature’s conservative efforts.

It’s certainly not a liberal body. But there is much left to be desired by the right flank of the Republican Party when it comes to state government.

That’s why someone like

Mo Brooks has emerged out of nowhere to run for a seat, and most see it as a demotion.

It is no accident that the brand of Republican that dominates Montgomery is a far cry from the Mo Brooks types.

For conservatives underwhelmed by their state government’s legislative branch, the problem is that Alabama has an engagement problem. The Fox News-ification of American conservative politics allows those who run state government to fly under the radar.

They can survive bad votes like tax increases, unpopular reconstitutions of state commissions and agencies or shady backroom deals made under the cloak of confidentiality in a closed-door caucus meeting.

The public in Alabama is far more concerned about Iran and gas prices, illegal immigration, election integrity or perceived misdeeds

by woke Democrats done to undermine President Donald Trump. There are only so many hours in the day to devote to public affairs, and state government is small potatoes, in their view.

Brooks is not the average “concerned citizen.” He and the handful of people who drafted him to run for his old State House seat are aware enough to recognize the ideological disconnect between the legislature and the likely Republican voter of Alabama.

Sure, the Alabama Legislature can likely survive with business as usual, a set of beliefs and values that does more to satisfy entrenched special interests than to promote any ideology or orthodoxy consistently.

It has been that way since the end of Reconstruction in Alabama.

It may not be a large number, or even a majority, but some people feel let

down by those who serve them in state government.

That is what makes a Mo Brooks’ candidacy possible, and this is a lesson those in power will have to learn the hard way.

Suppose the Alabama Legislature had moved to close partisan primaries, pass reforms to government agencies like the Department of Archives and History or local library boards or figure out how to get to a 7-0 Republican-leaning congressional map. What if there were no threat of gambling expansion?

Would there be a lane for someone like Mo Brooks to return to the Alabama Legislature?

Would it even be worth his time to run for a lower office?

Probably not, but here we are.

Regardless of the Brooks-Lomax outcome on Tuesday, this will not be the last time the state’s power structure is challenged from the right.

Even if it is a small number of so-called right-wingers who are not a direct threat to those in power, it will be persistent.

This isn’t a raging wildfire, but it is a continual burn underneath that, if untended, could escalate to something much bigger.

In other words, the public’s longing for the Alabama legislative and executive branches to be more “conservative” is not going away.

help address potential tur moil, with a Governor Tu berville looking to notch conservative victories. If not, more Mo Brooks-type scenarios will find their way into Alabama electoral politics.

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

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Trussville Public Library

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Gladys Porter Lagle

march 24, 1932 — may 5, 2026

Gladys Porter Lagle, Age 94 of Chilton County, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

She was a dedicated Christian, who put God before all else. A wonderful mother and wife, a true homemaker who really defined the word. Her family was the most important thing in the world. This love and dedication extended through three generations. She was the center of the family and loved by all. She was a faithful member of McEntyre Baptist Church. She will be forever loved and missed.

She is survived by her brother Roger Porter (Dotty), Sons; Joel Davis (Debra), Gary Davis (Susan), Stewart Davis (Darlene); 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Mr. & Mrs. Elbert Porter; sisters Louise Morris, Lois Gladen; Brother, James Porter; husband Horace A. Davis; and husband Jake Lagle. Pallbearers will be Grandsons: Caleb, Zachary and Travis Davis, Dewayne Battles, Brandon Black, and Phillip Byram.

Bro. Chriss Cornutt from Gum Springs Baptist Church will be officiating.

Special thanks to ACG Hospice, especially Madison Smith, Lauren Clark, Jay Beggs, and Chaplain Matt Rose.

Alfred Preston “Pete” Heard

may 17, 1949 — may 10,

2026

Alfred Preston “Pete” Heard, age 76, beloved husband, father, brother and Pawpaw, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Pete was born in Cullman, Alabama on May 17, 1949, and was raised in Fultondale. He graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School in 1967. Following graduation, Pete proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman during the Vietnam War from 1969–1974.

After his military service, Pete’s compassion for others led him into a career in nursing. he earned an associate degree in nursing at Jefferson State, where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. and later completing his bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Caring for others was woven throughout Pete’s life, both professionally and personally.

Pete loved music and used his voice to bless others for many years. He enjoyed singing with a barbershop quar-

tet and performing for audiences both large and small, often performing solo with just his guitar or banjo. He especially loved leading singing in the Lord’s church, where he also faithfully served as an elder for many years.

Pete had a deep love for Scripture and enjoyed teaching Bible classes and encouraging others in their faith.

Pete also enjoyed fishing, Alabama football, sharing a good joke, and spending time with those he loved most.

More than anything, he loved the Lord and cherished his family.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Heard; his daughters, Tina Howse (Jeff) and Amy Sandlin (Rob); his grandchildren, Maura Howse, Adrian Jones (Harrison), Alex Sandlin (Kendal), Addison Sandlin, Aden Sandlin, and ; his siblings, Joan Morgan, Jean Brooks (George), and Judy Simmons (Michael); as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Heard and Anita Holt Heard.

Most importantly, Pete loved the Lord and sought to serve Him faithfully to the very best of his ability. His family finds comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended and that he is now at peace.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith, in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

In lieu of flower, the family requests to please make donations to Sacred Selections of Birmingham in honor of Pete.

Margaret Ann Choat

january 21, 1932 — may 7, 2026

Margaret Ann (Morgan) Choat, age 94, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Jack Choat.

Margaret Ann retired from Motion Industries after many years of service and had also been employed by Alabama Power.

She leaves behind her sons, Buddy(Ginny) and Dennis. Affectionately known as Meme to her five grandchildren, Katie Thompson(Brandon), Will Choat(Morgan),Molly Flournoy(Layne),Jack and Aiden Choat and her 7 great grandchildren, Brice and Cooper Thompson, Carter, Sam and Whit Choat, Ellis and Beau Flournoy.

Margaret Ann was a member of Trussville First Methodist Church and previously at Huffman Methodist Church. The family will have visitation Thursday, May 21 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a family graveside service immediately following the visitation.

Elizabeth Jordan Creel

february 16, 1953 — may 12, 2026

Elizabeth Jordan Creel, age 73, was called to be with our Lord in heaven on May 12, 2026. She passed peacefully with her husband by her side at Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. She is survived by her husband Gerald D. (Jerry) Creel, her daughters Lauren Creel Turner (Michael) and Leigh Anne Creel Vaughan (Perry); her grandsons Michael Dean Turner and Ian Hezikiah Vaughan; and her sister-in-law Donna Kirkland Jordan. She was preceded in death by her father Major Clifton Deloach Jordan, her mother Betty Danley Jordan, and her brother Clifton Deloach Jordon, Jr.

Beth was born in Opp, Alabama and lived there several times during her childhood. As an army brat, she lived at military bases where her father was stationed including Fort Ord in Monterrey California, Fort Campbell Kentucky, Germany and Panama. Her family would return to home base in Opp whenever they could not go with Airborne Ranger Major Jordan. The family landed in Fort Walton Beach, Florida as Major Jordan’s final post was at Hurlburt Field. Beth graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach. She then graduated from the University of Alabama where she joined the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, earning a Batchelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Beth continued to live in Tuscaloosa after graduation, teaching Kindergarten, until she married Jerry on January 26, 1980. She started married life in the Birmingham, Alabama area, moved the Slidell, Louisiana in 1992 and then returned in 1999 to live in Trussville, Alabama. She retired from teaching in 1992.

Beth was always a beach girl – never got the sand out of her shoes – and achieved a life goal of having her own place on the beach at Miramar Beach, Florida. She delighted in having a place for her daughters and grandsons to enjoy, loved to watch the ocean from the balcony, and loved visiting and going out to eat with beach friends. Going to church on the beach at “Hope on the Beach” at Gulf Place on 30A was a favorite thing, as was having a whole other set of stores to shop. Beth was a member at First Baptist Church Trussville and particularly loved her Sunday School class who gave her so much comfort and support. She was a great friend to many and craved the conversations had while visiting with them. She dearly loved her fur babies and was desperately missing her mini-poodle Phobe while in the hospital. She was always one to put others before herself, was joyous with family and friends in their success and good fortune but never condemned them for failures or shortcomings. There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service for Beth which will be held at First Baptist Church Trussville (in the chapel) at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Guests are invited to stay for a reception immediately following. Beth loved flowers so of course they are welcome.

Bobby James Tillman

july 4, 1937 — may 12, 2026

Bobby James Tillman, age 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 12, 2026. Bobby is finally physically well and walking with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born on July 4, 1937, Bobby was a beloved son of the late Rev. John M. and Susie Tillman. Bobby spent his childhood in Trussville, AL, where he resided the rest of his life. Following his graduation from Hewitt Trussville High School, Bobby enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War Era. Upon returning from his service in the Navy, Bobby began his work career with McWane Pipe, where he retired as a supervisor.

Possibly due to the fact that he was born on a national holiday, Bobby, known as “Cowboy” to some of who knew him well, loved celebrating all holidays. He was so happy being with his large extended family as they gathered for each celebration. Bobby received great joy in decorating his house for each holiday and then showing it off to his family, especially his young nieces and nephews.

Bobby delighted in the small things in life. He loved sitting on his back porch and watching the birds at his feeders, sometimes having twenty feeders at a time. Bobby also loved vacationing in the Smoky Mts. with his wife, Barbara, and his sisters and their husbands.

Bobby accepted Christ as his Savior as a teenager, and remained active at First Baptist Church Trussville until his health no longer permitted him to attend. He loved fellowshipping with the men in his Sunday School class and the men looked forward to him telling them a new joke each week.

Bobby was preceded in death by his infant son, Baby Chris; his wife, Barbara; his brother, Johnny Tillman; and brothers-in law, Ralph Taylor & Don Timlowski; and nephew, Robin Taylor. He is survived by his daughters, Tasha Tillman; Tanya (Gay) Martin; grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Martin; Kaitlyn Martin; great-grandchildren, Reid Martin, Crissi Cambron and Casen Cambron; Hazel Taylor, Faye Timlowski, his sister-in-law, Marion Tillman and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home at ABCH, P.O. Box 361767, B’ham, AL 35236-176 or the charity of your choice.

Ellen Lee Madison

december 14, 1944 — may 17, 2026

Ellen Lee Cantley Madison, age 81, of Locust Fork, Alabama, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026. Born on December 14, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, Ellen was the beloved daughter of Robert “Bob” Jackson Cantley and Allyne Montez Massey Cantley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert “Bob” Cantley and Allyne Cantley; her brother, Roland “Sonny” Cantley; her stepdaughter, Sharon Dowler; and her beloved husband of 52 years, Henry Lynn Madison. Ellen is survived by her daughters, Michelle Madison Cain and husband Everett, and Meredith Madison Humphryes and husband Danny; her brother, Larry Cantley, and his wife Jham; her stepdaughter, Deborah Allen; and her son in law, Phil Dowler. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Allen Cain and wife Susan, Miranda Gajdos and fiancé Alex, Andrew Cain and wife Kaylee, Abigail Humphryes, Damian Allen, Matthew Wooten, and Jessie Wooten, along with numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly. Ellen will be remembered most for the deep love she had for her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with those she loved, and she devoted her life to caring for and supporting them. Her kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind treasured memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. A memorial service will be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, Alabama, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the service following at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to gather for fellowship at Ellen’s home following the graveside service.

Judith L. Roeder

february 7, 1944 — may 12, 2026

Judith Lamar Roeder, 82 years of age, of Pinson, Alabama, passed away on May 12, 2026 at Cavalier Nursing Home Trussville, Alabama. Judith was born on February 7, 1944 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Conrad and Mary Wiley. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Conrad Roeder of 54 years and her brothers, James and Larry Wiley. Judy graduated from Woodlawn High School and furthered her education by completing business school and later attended Jefferson State College. She spent the majority of her career as an Accounts Payable Freight Clerk for Motion Industries, where she made several life long friends. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and dedicated to serving the Lord by teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, actively participated in youth group activities, managing the church resources room, and preparing the Lord’s Supper. She was known for her pillow that she carried everywhere and had a great sense of humor. Judy loved hosting family and friends at her home, where many nights were spent playing cards, board games, and watching movies. She enjoyed cooking holiday dinners and baking brownies and Christmas fudge. She was always active in her daughters’ lives and supported them in all of their pursuits.

Judy was a loving and devoted wife to her husband and family. She leaves behind her adored daughters Dawn Taylor (David) and Heather Johnston (Brian), and three grandchildren David Taylor II, Jake Johnston, and Zach Hutson. Judy is also survived by five siblings, Anita Adams, Sue Holcomb, Janice Wiley-Dorn, Robin Wiley (Charmaine), Gina Heaton (Kerry) and many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. with services following at 12 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 1591 Gadsden Highway Birmingham, Al. 35235 on May 19, 2026. Pallbearers will be David Taylor, Sr., David Taylor II, Brian Johnston, Jake Johnston, Zach Hutson, and Kerry Tanner.

Your love, kindness, and strength will remain in our hearts always.

Huskies Advance To First 7A Finals Since 2022

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

TRUSSVILLE – Sec-

ond-ranked Hewitt (32-9) punched its ticket to the Class 7A championship series Saturday with a 7-1 victory over ninth-ranked Thompson (2719) at Phil English Field.

The Huskies got on the board in the bottom of the second inning. A Sawyer Jackson walk scored Andrew Walker before Jace Riggan’s sacrifice scored Blake Bales. A Thompson balk scored

Bryson Clements to give Hewitt a 3-0 lead.

Hudson Mitchell scored on a passed ball, and Walker’s double scored Taylor Alfano to extend the Huskies’ lead to 5-0 in the third inning.

Bales later scored on a Wes Hardy single in the fifth to make it a 6-0 game. Hewitt’s final run came in the sixth when Alfano’s bunt scored Riggan to give the Huskies a 7-0 lead.

Cale McIntosh earned the win for Hewitt, allowing

one run on four hits over six and one-third innings with eight strikeouts.

Bales, Walker, and Taylor Alfano each had two hits. Riggan, Walker, Hardy, Alfano, and Jackson each had an RBI.

The Huskies last played for a state title in 2022 and will look to bring home their first state championship since 2016.

The Huskies will face Auburn at 2 PM at Choccolocco Park in Oxford on Thursday.

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

and a

Miller was 3-for-4

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 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

trip to the regional championship round.

with

Team celebrates an out. Credit: Tonya Duckett

Lady Blue Devils punch ticket to state

By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor

ALBERTVILLE – The quest for back-to-back state championships continued for the Moody Blue Devils as they wone three straight games in the region tournament to earn their spot in the state championship bracket after defeating Lincoln, Northside, and cross-town rivals, St Clair County.

In their first game, the Lady Devils faced off against the Lincoln Golden Bears. After being hit by a pitch, Zoey Terry scored on a triple by Peyton Harry in the first inning to put Moody up 1-0 over the Golden Bears. After two scoreless innings for both teams, The Lady Devils would strike again, putting up three in the bottom of the fourth. Terry walked to bring home Raegan Massey followed by a Cheyenne Moore single that brought home Terry and Abi Gray to make it 4-0 heading into the fifth inning. Lincoln scored one in the

top of the sixth for a final of 4-1 with Moody advancing. Cheyenne Moore led at the plate with two RBI on one hit followed by RBI from Zoey Terry and Peyton Harry. Laney Saunier pitched the complete game allowing three hits and one run and sitting four in the win. Next up for Moody would be the Northside Rams in a game that went scoreless for the first five innings. In the top of the sixth, Moody’s Peyton Harry would hit a sacrifice fly bringing Zoey Terry home for the score. The Lady Devils would do it again in he seventh as Cheyenne Moore was walked with the bases loaded bringing Lydia Feltman to the plate to give Moody the 2-0 advantage. Thanks to great pitching and stifling defense, Moody would seal the 2-0 victory by holding off the Rams. Harry and Moore were credited with an RBI each while Saunier went six innings on the mound allowing five hits and zero runs and striking

out four. Natavia Garner pitched the final inning and gave up just one hit and no runs to preserve the shutout.

The final game of the tournament for the Lady Devils came against a familiar foe in the St Clair County Saints, a team that Moody split with in the regular season with the Saints winning the previous meeting 9-5. Moody would get their revenge with an 8-1 victory over St Clair to advance to the state championship round. The Blue Devils scored all eight of their runs before the Saints got on the board with a run in the fourth. Zoey Terry, Peyton Harry, and Bella Turley all had a pair of RBI to lead the Lady Devils at the plate. Saunier capped off a brilliant tournament allowing seven hits and one run while striking out two in the tournament finale.

The Lady Blue Devils sit at 29-15-1 on the season as they head into the state tournament on Tuesday against Faith Academy at Choccolocco Park in Oxford.

Lady Tigers head to state on walk-off single by Taruc

By Henry Williamson, For the Tribune

ALBERTVILLE, Ala.

– The Springville Lady Tigers kept their season alive during regionals on Thursday at Sand Mountain Park, winning three straight games to stave off elimination and received qualifier two for the state tournament in Oxford.

Georgia Chancellor was handed the starting job all five games for Springville. The UAB commit recorded 28 innings, 46 strikeouts, and 524 pitches thrown in just over 24 hours.

The Lady Tigers opened with a 10-0 mercy rule victory over John Carroll in game one on Wednesday after five innings. Leah Bowden led off the bottom of the first and homered to go up 1-0. Bowden factored again in the third and connected on another. This time it stayed inside the park and scored Avery Gore and Lilly Kellett for her second home run of the contest. Springville batted through the order once and plated seven in the inning. The tenth run came in on a sacrifice fly by Anna George to end it. Bowden finished 2-for-2 and with four RBI.

MJ Middleton chimed in with three RBI and two hits. Chancellor completed the shutout and struck out twelve on one hit.

Game two was against cross-town rival St.Clair County. The Lady Tigers were faced with a tougher challenge and fell behind 4-0 in the bottom of the second on a bases clearing triple by Jayla Bass. Springville fought back while down 7-2 in the seventh. Kennadi Samuelson hit a solo shot to

center, Bowden tripled for an RBI, and Kynlee Taruc scored her with a single to draw it within one, but they were stopped short. Samuelson drove in three runs on two hits in the 7-6 loss.

Entering Thursday, Springville was moved to the consolation bracket where they’d be matched with Corner. The Lady Tigers burst to a 6-1 lead in the bottom of the second, but Corner closed the gap that following inning with a pair of RBI doubles from Layton Hurst and Cree Brandy to reduce it to 6-5. Momentum swung both directions and the Yellow Jackets tied it at 8-8 in the sixth after an error. Kellett grounded a go-ahead two-run single to help Springville hold on for a 10-8 win. Bowden and Chancellor racked up four hits apiece. Northside would be the Lady Tigers next opponent shortly after. Springville scored all four runs in the first inning as Chancellor knocked an RBI single to left field. Kellett and Middleton were hit by a pitch back-to-back with the bases loaded to provide a 4-0 cushion. Chancellor paved the way through the remainder of the game, striking out 13 of the 27 batters she faced to notch another shut-

out. Leah Bowden, Kynlee Taruc, Izzy Brantley, and Mari

all scored a run. The finale was a rematch with St.Clair County. It was all knotted up at 2-2 until the Saints pulled free in the fifth. Demetria Dean tagged up from third to score, and an infield pop-up turned into an error that pushed two more across to increase the lead to 5-2. The Lady Tigers trimmed the deficit to 5-4 on an RBI single from Aida Locklear in the fifth and Middleton scored from second on an error. Springville had one last turn to bat in the bottom of the seventh. With two outs and the season on the line, Maddie Nolan delivered. She singled to bring home Brantley and sent the game into extras. Kynlee Taruc walked it off and lined a single to center as the Lady Tigers survived 6-5 in thrilling fashion. Chancellor capped regionals with a eight strikeout performance through seven innings and two earned runs. Middleton batted a perfect 4-for-4. One RBI was included from Nolan, Brantley, Locklear, and Taruc.

Springville climbs to 34-9-1 and are set to meet Houston Academy at Choccolocco Park on Tuesday, May 19th.

Beth Glenn

Springville girls advance to 5A State Championship. Credit: JP Taruc

The Moody Blue Devils advance to state. Credit: MHS Softball

Moody bested by ACA in semifinals to end season

By Henry Williamson, For the Tribune

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.

– The Moody Blue Dev-

ils’ second ever semifinal appearance was spoiled by defending 5A champion, American Christian Academy on the road Friday night in a sweep, marking the conclusion of an iconic season.

“That’s a really good baseball team. I don’t know if anything could’ve been done differently outside of just attacking more fastballs,” Moody head coach Eamonn Kelly said. “They pitched it to every one of our weaknesses and hats off to them. You felt like you did something right and then they make a great play or you scold a ball and they go catch it. We put our best two pitchers out there on the mound, threw our bullpen at them, and gave them our best shot.”

The Patriots’ offense found the barrel and erupted during the bottom of the second in game one. An intentional walk loaded the bases, then the next batter watched ball four, granting the first run. BJ Garth dropped a double near the fence to clear everyone, and Hunter Elmore brought him in on a rocket down the line

to build a 5-0 advantage.

Two were in scoring position for Moody in the fourth.

Levi Crowe singled on a misjudged infield pop-up. JB Leatherwood was also on and moved over to third. Crowe stole second on a wild pitch, but the Blue Devils failed to score after a groundout completed the inning.

ACA went without a run from there on until the sixth. Clayton Rice placed a bunt and reached on a throwing error, scoring Britton Taft. Garth lined a two-run single up the middle for his fifth RBI to go up 8-0. That would be the final score as William Dutton, Jayden Hicks and Levi Crowe all logged a hit for the Blue Devils in the shutout.

Game two was scoreless through the third. ACA surged in front 3-0 on a three-run shot by Elmore that sailed over the batter’s eye, and Moody was in another difficult situation.

Leatherwood started game two for Moody and struck out seven before being relieved by Preston Michell in the sixth. The Patriots added to their lead on a single to right field by Drew Jackson. The cutoff man was overthrown, and the ball went into ACA dugout, giving Taft and Caleb

McAusland the opportunity to score.

The Blue Devils rallied with two outs in the seventh and tried to chip into the deficit but came up short. Jayden Hicks laced a single to left field, and Dutton followed that up with a single that passed by through the hole. Hicks crossed home on an RBI single from Leatherwood to put Moody in the run column and still trailed 5-1. ACA got the third out on a strikeout to advance to the state finals.

“These eleven seniors have built something that’s gonna be hard to continue,” Kelly said. I hope my young guys see that and want to be a part of it. They’ve continued to be mentors towards them, and it’s just such a tight group. At the end of the day, this group’s gonna remember each other forever. 20 years from now, 30 years from now, as one of the greatest Moody teams ever. I know they’re not happy we lost tonight, but later on, they’ll look back and always know it was a heck of a run and a magical season for this team. I just enjoyed the ride, and it’s fun to watch them.”

Moody’s 2026 campaign finishes with a 27-9 overall record.

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Merritt Daniel Claims State Runner-Up Finish In Mobile

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

MOBILE – Merritt Daniel capped an outstanding postseason run this week by finishing as the runner-up in the AHSAA Class 7A State Golf Tournament. The Alabama High School Athletic Association state tournament was held at RTJ Magnolia Grove in Mobile.

Daniel fired a final-round 3-under-par 69 on Tuesday, the lowest

round of the day in the 7A girls field, to finish with a two-day total of 142.

Grissom’s Klare Jamison claimed the individual state championship with a two-day score of 137.

Daniel advanced to the state tournament after a dominant postseason performance. She won medalist honors at the North SubState Tournament with a 73 at Hampton Cove in Huntsville and also shot a 69 at sectionals to qualify for substate competition.

Huskies Capture Title At DUPR Championship Series

By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor

CLAY – Clay Pickleball Courts hosted the 6th Annual DUPR High School Championship Series on May 9 as student-athletes from across the state competed in one of Alabama’s premier youth pickleball events.

Directed by Shane Shelnutt, the tournament featured 61 players representing 19 teams from eight schools.

Hewitt turned in one of the top performances, winning the Varsity Male 3 division. The Huskies’ Kyle Jones, Paul Bethune and Luke Stutsman finished ahead of the Gardendale and Oneonta.

The Hewitt squad is coached by Caraline Cox.

The annual event has become a showcase for developing young pickleball talent while promoting competition, teamwork and sportsmanship among Alabama middle and high school students.

Moody's 2026 season ends in the final four against ACA. Credit: Henry Williamson

Daniel finishes as runner-up in 7A. Credit: HTHS

Varsity Male 3 division winners: Kyle Jones, Paul Bethune and Luke Stutsman. Credit: Shane Shelnutt

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