announces series of
By Nathan Prewett,
the Tribune
Trussville chamber awards
$12,000 in scholarships to seven local students
By Chris Basinger, News Editor
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce awarded $12,000 in scholarships to seven students in the Trussville area via its 2026 Chamber Scholarship program.
According to the chamber, six students received $1,500 Academic
By Terry Schrimscher
Brady Flanigan, Editor
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –
The Springville City Council took a detour Monday night before it returned to unfinished business held over from the Feb. 17 meet-
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.
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – It started with a mysterious social media post from a Birmingham gossip column—anonymous, theatrical, and easy to throw away. Instead, it led the Tribune to investigate claims of unpaid wages, missing tax documents, questionable alcohol practices, and public safety concerns connected to Velma’s, one of Trussville’s best known karaoke bars.
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.
The Tribune made contact with four of Velma’s former employees. Two agreed to be named: Morgan King and Alexis Holliday. Two agreed to be quoted in full on the promise of anonymity, for fear of retaliation.
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.
focus on city business.
afterward, Thomas said he just needed to air his frus 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
One suspect commits suicide, another jailed after aggravated child abuse investigation in St. Clair County
Many other cities in the prove non-controversial items with a single vote through a consent agenda, a procedural process used to
sacrificing for the greater good,” he added.
As part of the investigation, The Tribune conducted extensive interviews with former staff, reviewed private messages, police statements about a March 2026 high-speed chase involving a vehicle that left Velma’s, information tied
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.
to a fatal April 24 wreck involving a woman sources claim had been at Velma’s prior to the accident, and reporting on a deadly December 2025 shooting outside the bar.
Although not technically a filibuster, the lecture was designed to prolong the meeting allowing Thomas to air his displeasure at the lack of
consistent across multiple interviews and were supported in part by records and messages reviewed by the Tribune.
“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-
While The Tribune was unable to verify all allegations, former employees’ accounts were broadly
“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.
Despite several attempts to make contact with owners Royce and Tammy Butler, The Tribune was unable to receive a substantive response prior to publication.
ing process, Thomas led the ness 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.
Speaking to The Tribune
MARGARET, Ala. –
The Margaret City Council on Monday, May 4, rejected several efforts to censure Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Ray, as ongoing disputes connected to city spending, transparency, and official conduct continued to spill into public discourse.
The council’s decision came after days of tension, including a heated special-called weekend meeting on Saturday, involving public complaints against Ray and ongoing arguments between Ray and Mayor Matthew Tortorice about how city money is being spent and who holds the authority to approve it.
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.
The prospects of a censure against Ray first surfaced Saturday, when complaint documents accusing Ray of misconduct toward city employees were presented for council review. No action was taken, but the topic returned Monday.
from the interim city clerk, who described Ray’s public criticism of her as unprofessional, arguing that his repeated calls on the weekend for special meetings amounted to harassment of city employees.
opened on Saturday.
earlier wrongful-termination lawsuit and former employees he described as disgruntled. He also alleged some had been coached by Tortorice.
By Tanna McGuire
LEEDS, Ala. – Over
Items from the February agenda were addressed individually. The purchase
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 2
The People Behind the Bar Velma’s carries a history in Trussville older than its ownership. The bar dates back to 1938, making it one of the city’s oldest licensed bars, a roadside joint long known for burgers, beer, See VELMA’S, Page 3
ALDOT to close both northbound Chalkville Mountain Road ramps May 18
says From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
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
Beginning May 18, ALDOT plans to close both northbound ramps at Chalkville Mountain Road (Exit 141) as part of the next phase of the effort to widen Interstate 59, according to an advance notice delivered to officials of the City of Trussville.
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.
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.
Birmingham-based Foxhound Bee Company is preparing to break ground on the 5,000 square foot facility
Records of the complaints obtained through a public records request included a recent allegation
Other complaints dated back several years, including allegations of adverse conduct and insubordination. One complaint alleged Ray called a city employee homosexual and referred to a judge with a racial slur. Ray denied that allegation and said many of the complaints were tied to an
in the coming weeks, which will serve as an expansion from its current location in Hardware Park. In addition to educational opportunities and STEM programming, the center will also sell a range of products sourced from bees, including honey and beeswax, as well as supplies for beekeepers. It will be built across from the all-new Ruffner Sports Complex, which
“When looking for a place to build our new beekeeping store, we continued to hear comments about how Irondale was doing great things,” said founder Adam Hickman.
“Everyone on the project seemed to speak highly of working with Irondale and its leadership. So, when we approached the
During Monday’s meeting, a motion to remove Ray as mayor pro tem failed to get a second. Another proposal, a formal resolution to censure Ray, also failed. A third effort to expand the censure language to all council members and the mayor also failed.
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.
sentiment, emphasizing thecal toll that school shootings take on students and their families. “You shouldn’t have to worry about beinging to learn,” Johnson said.
In his State of the City address in February, Mayor James D. Stewart announced plans for the prop-
“When people’s lives are on the line, we can’t just do the bare minimum,” Davis 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.
“Schools should take intruder drills as seriously as they do fire or tornado drills.” Johnson echoed this
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.
“School shootings are such a huge problem, and we See BEES, Page 3
erty 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
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 per semester. However, Davis believes these measures are insufficient and is advocating for more frequent and comprehensive drills.
See STUDENTS, Page
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
Sean Dietrich
Our Father, which art in heaven, hi. How are you doing? How’s the family? Have you made any progress on that request I made earlier about Florida Powerball?
Right now, as I’m sure you know, I am miles above Madrid, Spain, captive inside a plane. There are hundreds of us human passengers crammed inside this aircraft, like oysters in a can.
And I can’t help but watch all the people.
Such as the young woman, with her phone sitting face-up on her tray table. She is traveling alone.
She keeps scrolling pictures of her kids. And I’m pretty sure she’s crying because she keeps dabbing her eye with her pinky.
At least I think they are images of her kids, because the children in the photos look just like her. She’s with them in many pictures, too. Holding them. Playing with them. Smiling with them.
I know heartsickness when I feel it, God. I can feel hers. Give her strength.
And the man on my other side. He is older. He looks like he’s in frail health. There is a telltale scar on his neck, right at the base of his throat, from what I believe is a tracheotomy.
His wife keeps fussing over him. She’s nervously asking whether he’s taken his medication. She’s so adamant about this. So panicky.
From front page
In other business, the 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
She is also quite insistent that he not eat much salt. She is forbidding him to eat the sodium-packed airline food, but to eat instead the special salt-free food she packed even though this “special” food tastes flavorless and not unlike—to use his exact words—“something passed through the system of a cow.”
Ease her fears. Restore his health.
And the college-age girl behind me. I can hear her conversation with the older woman who is sitting beside her. They obviously don’t know each other. The older woman is sort of forceful and loud.
The young woman is accommodating and nice. Too nice, actually.
From their conversation, I can tell things about this
training, certification tracking and scheduling.
The council also approved a total of $5,250 in discretionary funds for the Shades Valley High School Future Business Leaders of America. Of that amount, $3,500 was allocated from Mayor Stewart’s discretion-
girl. She’s afraid of upsetting the woman beside her. Terrified of disagreeing. She hardly knows this woman, and yet she is deeply interested in making this woman like her. Replying with all the right answers. Answering agreeably to every question. She is a classic people-pleaser.
Help her. For this is one of the worst sicknesses of all. I should know. Because I have it, too. Don’t let her lose herself for the sake of obligation. Help her discover herself, however she can. Help her take care of herself. To love herself, so she can learn to love others.
A few weeks ago, I performed in Miss Lydia’s Sunday school class. I brought my fiddle and banjo, and I played old songs like “I’ve
ary 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 compa-
Got a River of Life Flowing Out of Me,” “Father Abraham Had Many Sons,” and the song about Andy: “…Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me…” And after the songs, Miss Lydia asked the kids to pray. And I expected them to pray for themselves. But when they opened their mouths, they began praying for their classmates. For their friends. For their younger brothers and their older sisters. One kid prayed for some homeless people he’s never met. Nobody uttered a single prayer for themselves.
And when the prayer was over, before the last amen, Miss Lydia said, “Help us to notice others. For whenever we truly see others, then we truly see you.” Amen.
nies 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.
Brady Flanigan, Editor
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
After launching its Comprehensive Plan Update in April, the City of Trussville is inviting locals back for the second round of input as city officials and consultants continue to build an idea of what the city might look like over the next 20 years.
Billed as a Community Ideas Exchange workshop, the second public event is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Trussville Civic Center. The event will be dropin style, where residents can come and go as they please.
The meeting follows the city’s April 16 kickoff, where consultants from Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative, of Franklin, Tennessee, introduced the larger Trussville 2.0 plan and asked locals to point out places they wanted preserved, improved, or reconsidered as the city grows.
At the kickoff, project leaders Brian Wright and Matt Noonkester said the comprehensive plan would focus heavily on housing, transportation, parks, infrastructure, economic development, and conservation. They also said every parcel in Trussville would eventually be assigned some role in the broader strategy, even if that means conservation.
The upcoming May 7 workshop is designed to broaden that process.
Residents will be able
to offer their thoughts on a range of issues tied to both conservation and development, including transportation, parks, housing and neighborhood choices, shopping, and any other ideas they want added to the city’s “thought wall.”
Officials say the input that is gathered will help identify and prioritize topics that will be addressed in the new comprehensive plan. Mayor Ben Short described the event as another chance for residents to help shape the city’s future. “If you weren’t able to attend the kickoff, or if you have more to share, there’s another opportunity coming
up on May 7th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Trussville Civic Center,” Short said at the time. “I’d encourage everyone to come out, be part of the conversation, and make sure your voice is heard as we plan for the future of Trussville.”
The city said the event will include the mayor, elected officials, city staff, and the city’s hired consultants. Residents can also participate in a virtual version of the Community Ideas Exchange workshop at FutureGenPlan.com from May 7 through May 18.
More information is available by emailing compplan@trussville.gov.
From front page and karaoke. In 2023, Tammy and Royce Butler reopened Velma’s at its 1911 Gadsden Highway location, presenting it as the revival of a local staple.
Several former employees said they helped make that revival happen, before coming to believe the business was not paying them correctly or engaging in proper practices.
King said she worked at Velma’s from November 2023 until August 2025, helping reopen the bar before being promoted to bar manager. Another former employee, whose name the Tribune is withholding, said she and King helped build the crowd that gave the bar its new identity.
For them, the job was as personal as financial. It meant late nights, rowdy karaoke crowds, regulars who became friends, and tip money that carried them through tough times. One former employee said she was supporting two children with the money she made there. King said she was newly a single mother with six children, dealing with a serious personal crisis around the time she began asking about money she believed she was owed.
Holliday said she stayed longer than she should have because she cared about the regulars and the crowd she helped build.
Across interviews with all former employees, money emerged as the most pressing issue.
The problem, they said, was never tips. Bartenders often received cash or electronic payments after close. The issue, they claimed,
was hourly wages and manager’s pay, which were supposed to be paid separately.
King said her problems began months before being fired.
“She stopped paying me correctly in January of last year,” King said, referring to owner Tammy Butler.
“And then I was fired in August.”
King said after reviewing paychecks and Apple Pay, she estimates she is still owed roughly $3,400.
“I was like, you owe me this much money; I want this money,” King said.
“And then she just started ignoring me after that.”
Text messages reviewed by the Tribune show King repeatedly asked for pay records and a check in August. On Aug. 22, King asked, “Hey, any update on the paystubs?”
A response from a contact appearing to be Tammy Butler said, “I have them and will send them as soon as I am back at my computer this evening. You do have another check coming.
I’ll have that for you probably tomorrow.”
The following day, King asked whether she should pick up the check or if it would be sent through Apple Pay. On Aug. 25, she wrote,
“I want my check and my paystubs (from February to August) today. It has now been 2 weeks. And you told me I’d have it by last Friday.”
Hours later, King wrote that she had received pay stubs, but asked when she would receive her check.
*Amount of rebate will not exceed purchase price.
“I had reached out to the owner like 15 different times asking for all my payroll and pay stubs, and it was just crickets,” she said.
Text messages show that the employee asked for “all of the hourly from start-current” and “all of my paystubs” on August 13.
A week later, the employee asked again. A response read, “You will be sent pay records on Friday via email and if you are owed any additional hourly amount, it will be processed that day also.”
But the requests continued.
The employee followed up on Aug. 22, mentioning that she did not see the records in her inbox. She asked again on Aug. 23, Aug. 25, Aug. 26 and Aug. 27.
On Aug. 29, she wrote, “8th request, my payroll and paystubs for the entirety of my employment sent to my email.”
On Dec. 2, the same employee asked for “any proof of employment/verification” from her time at Velma’s, including a pay stub, employee profile, or yearto-date document with her name and the company’s name attached.
Holliday, who was a bartender at Velma’s until late April 2026, said she never received hourly pay at all.
“I have never once ever received an hourly check,” Holliday said. “Never.”
“I never received an hourly check and neither did anybody else that worked there either,” she said.
Another former employee described a similar experience. She claims she was supposed to make $5 an hour but was not paid hourly wages, instead drawing her income from tips. She said she repeatedly asked Butler for payroll records and pay stubs.
A fourth former employSee VELMA’S, Page 4
ee, whose name is also being withheld, said the fundamental split was between tips and wages. While one was paid, the other was not.
“The manager pay, yes, I quit getting that,” she said. “It was more so the hourly pay that we never saw and was hard to get.”
The Paperwork
Several former employees also claim they did not receive W-2 forms from their time at Velma’s.
Holliday said she asked Butler for her W-2 after quitting. She noted that Butler asked what address she wanted it sent to. But by then, said Holliday, the delay had already affected her ability to file taxes.
“I can’t even file my taxes anymore at this point,” Holliday said.
Another former employee echoed a similar sentiment.
“I have children,” she said. “I need to file my taxes.” She said after being unable to obtain the forms, she reported the issue to the IRS.
“I don’t wanna get f— ed next year on my taxes,” she said.
Several former employees claimed to have contacted official channels, including the IRS, the Alabama Department of Labor, the Alabama ABC Board, and Trussville Mayor Ben Short.
Another former employee mentioned that she reported the missing W-2 to the IRS after being unable to obtain the form. Another said she tried to report the business to “everything that I could report her to.”
“This is not like vendetta because we got fired,” one said. “It just was a sketchy situation.”
Reputation and Retaliation
King and another former bartender said they were fired within days of each other in August, just after they had begun asking Butler about hourly wages and pay stubs.
King said she was fired without explanation. Later, Butler told her she was being let go for abusing her employee discount. King claims the actual issue was her friendship with the other bartender.
But King alleges Butler told others something more damaging—claims she had been fired for stealing, giving away free drinks, or stealing liquor.
King said the allegations followed her as she looked for new work. In a small restaurant scene, she
said, one allegation could haunt a worker from one application to the next. “Thanks for going to all my jobs, knowing I have six kids and recently a single mother,” King said, describing how she reacted. The other former bartender gave a similar account. She said she and King were close friends and were fired around the same time after they had begun asking questions about pay. She said she sought work at Walk-On’s, only to learn Butler had allegedly told the restaurant she had been fired for stealing. She said no such accusation was mentioned when she was fired.
“I couldn’t get another job in Trussville after the whole fiasco went down in August because the owners were slandering my name all throughout town,” she said. “Like, we struggled to find a new job.”
Alcohol Practices Several sources also questioned the legality of the bar’s alcohol practices. ABC regulations in Alabama require retail liquor businesses to purchase spirits from ABC wholesale stores unless permitted otherwise. Rules also prohibit “brown-bagging,” or the act of bringing personal alcohol onto a licensed premises, with narrow exceptions. King alleged that alcohol was bought from gas stations and noted at least one instance where a regular carried in a personal bottle of Crown Royal Apple.
“We had a regular come in one time and we were out of Crown Apple and it was his favorite,” King said. “And he’s like, ‘can I just go get a bottle of Crown Apple and bring it in?’ And they were like, ‘yeah.’ And we sold it to him, like we charged him for it and sold it to him—his own bottle of liquor.”
Another former employee described alcohol being moved from Van’s Music Hall—a bar in Leeds owned by the Butlers prior to closing on New Year’s 2026— to Velma’s.
“If Velma’s was out of something, whatever the case may be, and they couldn’t get to the ABC store or they were at their budget, the owner would go to Van’s and get whatever was needed from Van’s and transport it from Van’s to Velma’s,” the source said.
A third former employee said beer and seltzers were sometimes bought from a nearby gas station when Velma’s ran short.
“Sometimes we were under the impression that she didn’t have enough money to buy from the distributors,” the employ-
ee said. “So whenever the weekend would hit and we had nothing in the coolers, we would basically beg her to go buy beer so that we would have stuff to sell.”
Holliday said the practice continued until she resigned in April 2026.
“She buys beer from the gas station,” Holliday said.
Former employees also provided text messages appearing to show Butler asking workers to check alcohol inventory or arrange for bottles to be moved between locations.
In one message reviewed by the Tribune, a person identified as “Tammy” asks whether the bar has “any extra midori” and later asks for “2 vodkas,” “2 Tito’s” and “Pinnacle if we have it” to be run to Van’s Music Hall. The message also says, “I have another whole bottle in my car I can bring to Velma’s.”
In another message, the same person asks how much beer remains in the walk-in cooler and says, “Anything you see we need beer wise let me know and I’ll pick it up before I come back over there in just a few minutes.”
Another message, dated Oct. 24, shows an employee asking, “Is someone bringing us beer still.” the contact replied, “I know you need mich ultra. What else” and later, “Ok. He’ll be there shortly.”
Sales Pressure Behind the Bar
Sources also described a bar culture they claim prioritized sales over safety.
As bartenders, they said, they were often the ones expected to keep the room moving, keep customers drinking, and make calls about when someone had enough.
“She would text us near the end of the night, be like, our sales are not enough, push more alcohol on them,” King said. “I’m like, well, they’re really drunk. And she’s like, ‘don’t care. Keep pushing it.’”
She also claimed employees were allowed to drink on the clock.
“She would let us drink on the clock, which is again illegal,” King said. “She would let them buy you shots so their tabs will be higher and our sales will be better.”
In one screenshot provided by King, the message read, “Hey, would you do your favorite boss a huge favor? ‘Will you make me a bushwhacker and bring it out to me? I’m leaving my house right now. I’m gonna drink it on my way over to Van’s.’”
cally not make us, but highly encourage us to overserve to get checks higher,” she said.
That employee said staff sometimes wanted to slow customers’ drinking but were discouraged from doing so.
“After we’ve said ‘no, you know, they’ve had enough, we’re gonna give them water, make them chill out for a little bit’, she’ll be like, ‘oh, just give them one cup of water and then give them another beer,’” she said.
Public Safety Concerns
A fatal shooting outside Velma’s in December 2025, a high-speed pursuit involving a vehicle leaving the bar in March 2026, and a two-fatality crash in April 2026—which former workers claim one driver had been at Velma’s earlier that night—also raised safety concerns among former employees.
Former employees said the incidents shaped how they viewed the bar, especially as they were raising questions about pay, management, and alcohol service.
One source said she viewed the three incidents as emblematic of why she believed regulators need to take a closer look at the bar.
On Dec. 20, 2025, 32-year-old Christian White was shot and killed outside Velma’s during an ugly Christmas sweater party, according to AL.com.
AL.com reported the shooting happened at 1:05 a.m. in a grassy area between Velma’s and an adjacent business. Police confirmed at least one of the men involved had been at Velma’s that night.
Kanen Isaac Harper, 24, of Moody, was later charged with murder in the death of Christian White. Court testimony indicated the confrontation began after Harper arrived at Velma’s with his ex-girlfriend. It was reported an argument involving two women began inside the bar before moving outside.
Holliday said White was her friend, and the tragedy personally affected her. A different former employee described him as a best friend.
“She’ll say the owner says that it didn’t happen on their property because it was technically like the animal clinic property,” the former employee said. “However, it was right in the grassy spot right in between,” an area she described as the bar’s overflow parking.
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.
ing that multiple vehicles in the parking lot had been struck by a silver F-150. Police said the driver was ejected from the vehicle and transported to UAB Hospital. Criminal charges were filed, and a felony warrant was issued for attempting to elude law enforcement.
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. On July 13, 2024, Ashley (28), Berry (28), and Brooks (5) were shot in their car in the 1700 block of Indian
The former employee said she was told by a bartender at Trussville Social that Cardenas had been drinking there before being cut off there and going to Velma’s.
“He got cut off at Trussville Social, and then he went to Velma’s,” she said.
From front page
She said two of her friends were in the parking lot when the vehicles were struck.
“They just so happened to be there,” she said.
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.
“They were in the parking lot when he was leaving, and he hit four vehicles in the parking lot, and these two had to do police statements.”
A little more than a month later, 36-year-old April J. Ballard, of Leeds, and Jesse R. Southard, 20, of Birmingham, were killed in a head-on crash on Interstate 65 in Shelby County on Friday, April 24.
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.
The coroner’s office per-
On April 24, April J. Ballard, 36, of Leeds, and Jesse R. Southard, 20, of Birmingham, were killed in a head-on crash on I-65 in Shelby County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Former employees said Ballard had been at Velma’s earlier that night.
One source said she and King both knew Ballard well, and were attempting to support her ongoing efforts at sobriety.
“Me and Morgan both, she would come in and we would fix her little cute cocktails with just Sprite and ginger ale and like a cherry, just something to make you feel fun, and she would sing,” the former employee said.
“All of Velma’s knew to kind of watch out for her and help encourage her to stay on the right track,” she said.
Holliday said she was Ballard’s bartender the night of the fatal crash. She said Ballard had three White Claws and one mixed shot, and claimed Ballard was not drunk or overserved.
“She wasn’t drunk,” Holliday said. “She wasn’t overserved.”
Still, Holliday said Ballard’s death was part of what made her decide she needed distance from the bar.
A bushwacker is a frozen cocktail made from rum, coffee liqueur, and crème de cacao.
In one message from March 2, the sender wrote, “We’re $330 from last Saturdays sales.” Later, “$200 away,” a short while after, a message saying “150.”
Another source described feeling a similar pressure to sell drinks.
“On slow nights, nights that weren’t looking too good, Tammy would basi-
The same former employee also described a March incident that Trussville police later confirmed began in Velma’s parking lot, where police said a silver Ford F-150 driven by 22-year-old Ashton Cardenas struck multiple vehicles before leaving the area and leading officers on a highspeed pursuit that ended in a crash near Mohawk Drive.
During the incident, TPD said dispatch received calls from Velma’s report-
clock and other bartenders also do the same thing,” Holliday said. “So I feel like she was just targeting me.”
let holes in the side of it wrecked in the front yard of residence.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Holliday said after that she quit.
Police believed it was a targeted shooting and that the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.
“I told her that she kept on screwing me out of my money and she wasn’t a good person to work for anymore,” Holliday said.
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
“And I told her I’ll never be working there again. And then at the end of the message I said, oh, and where’s my W-2?”
for Comment
The Tribune contacted the owners of Velma’s to request comment about the allegations.
Butler identified Boles Holmes White LLC, of Birmingham, as the firm to speak with, identifying Jeff Holmes as the preferred contact.
Upon contact, Holmes noted that he had been made aware of the conversation with Butler, but that he was not currently engaged to speak on the matter.
“I haven’t been engaged to do anything, so I don’t know what I can tell you or not tell you,” Holmes said. Holmes noted that while he has represented the Butlers previously, he was not currently engaged with them.
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.
“I have no current representation with them at this point,” Holmes said.
“Those are individuals I have done some work for, their business, from time to time over time.”
“There’s not any current engagement that I have with them about any matters at this point,” Holmes said.
The Tribune has since attempted to contact Butler and Holmes seeking clarification, but received no further comment.
Former Employees Say They Wanted to be Heard For former bar manager Morgan King, the allegations did not begin with an anonymous post. She claims she had been trying to get people to listen since August 2025.
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.
“All I’ve been able to do is just tell people what happened to me and hope that somebody listened,” King said. “And now finally somebody has.”
Holliday said she stayed at Velma’s longer than she should have because she cared about the place and the people who came there.
Ballard was killed early Friday morning. Holliday said she was scheduled to work later that day but gave up the shift because she needed a mental break after the tragedy. According to Holliday, the next day, Butler took her off the schedule about 10 minutes before her shift was supposed to begin, citing an allegation that Holliday had taken a shot behind the bar.
While not permitted, Holliday said employees drinking behind the bar was never considered an issue.
“I had her back,” Holliday said. “I picked up the slack for her. I brought her tons of good business.”
Those who spoke out said that was part of what made the situation tough: many of them cared about Velma’s before they began questioning its management. But the allegations did not rest on one person’s account. They emerged from overlapping claims about pay, tax forms, reputation and the way the bar was run.
“Everyone else there on staff drinks while on the
By the time they started comparing stories, they said, the problem no longer looked like one bad night at the bar. It looked like a bad habit.
From front page
The ramp’s closure will affect both northbound ramps at Exit 141 and is expected to have a major impact on traffic in the area.
From front page ALDOT
tion into aggravated child abuse investigation in Cropwell, according to St. Clair County Sheriff Bill Murray.
Murray did not provide the number of victims or their gender, but said the ranged in age from 7 to 18.
Murray said his office received reports involving potential physical and sexual abuse of minors, as well as concerns regarding aggravated child abuse and mistreatment of those minors.
“After a thorough investigation, Shelli Edwards, 39, of Cropwell, AL, was taken into custody for aggravated child abuse,” Murray said. “She is currently being housed at the St. Clair County Jail in Pell City with no bond pending her initial court appearance in St. Clair County District Court.” Edwards was booked into SCCJ just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The Sheriff said
From front page
throughout St. Clair County and the Leeds area, said an announcement from the City of Moody.
“These hygiene closets will provide students with access to essential personal care items, helping remove barriers to learning and promoting dignity, confidence, and well-being,” said the announcement. “Through this effort, Kiwanis continues its mission of serving
ALDOT also said the
In the notice, ALDOT Communications Coordinator Jon Paepcke said the ramp shutdown will be “almost identical” to the southbound ramp closures carried out last summer. According to the notice, the contractor is incentivized to reopen both ramps within 40 days, putting the target reopening date around Saturday, June 27.
contractor is contractually committed to opening the new, widened northbound side of I-59 to traffic in September. The three southbound lanes opened in November.
Paepcke said ALDOT expects to send out a more detailed public traffic advisory in the next week or so.
an arrest warrant was also obtained for Jeffry Edwards, 45, of Cropwell, AL, who was charged with first degree rape.
“Upon attempting to serve the arrest warrant, St. Clair County SWAT team members discovered the suspect inside his residence, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Preliminary information suggests the injury occurred as SWAT team members arrived on the property,” Murray said.
At Murray’s request, the Oxford Police Department
will conduct the death investigation and the scene is being processed by Jacksonville State University’s Center for Applied Science Forensics Team.
There were no reported injuries to law enforcement personnel.
“The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the sexual abuse allegations,” Murray said. “The victim’s age ranges from 7 to 18-years-old. Our investigation into these allegations does not indicate the potential for any additional victims.”
children and strengthening communities—one student at a time.”
From front page
“The behavior that has been listed, whether it happened or not, is not acceptable to a member of council,” Tortorice said. “This should’ve been a no brainer.”
Beyond conduct, recent debates also centered on money.
At Saturday’s meeting, Tortorice said tensions in the city had been growing since fall 2025, and they were tied in part to money spent on overdue invoices inherited from the previous administration, as well as the decision to pay off a fire truck early.
“I recommended it,” Tortorice said. “I suggested it, and I stand behind it because we had almost $6 million in the bank, and we were going to pay $200,000 in interest for this fire truck over 10 years. We had the money in the bank to pay it off.”
Ray accused the mayor of spending city money without proper approval.
“You are continuing to spend as much money as you can to drain this city to rock bottom, and noth-
From front page
Chamber Scholarships for achievement and contributions made to their local schools and communities: Ava Claire Foster, Jayda Hammonds, Rachel Purnell, Marlo Lolley, Avery Snuggs, and Clara Hansen. The chamber awarded a $3,000 Chamber Champion Scholarship to William Bozeman, the son of member Brian Bozeman of The Bozeman Agency. The chamber further noted that the scholarship recognizes a student’s community involvement, academic performance, and a parent’s involvement in the chamber.
ing has been approved right here,” Ray said. Ray later argued that the larger problem was that financial decisions were not being brought before the full council.
“I think the biggest thing is that they were not bringing things before the entire council,” Ray said.
“We’re making financial decisions to stroke checks for things that are not covered in the budget, and I guess we feel that from the mayor say that we can do that. But if it’s not been approved and it’s not in the general budget, that poses a very big concern moving forward.”
Tortorice rejected Ray’s critique, saying the city was operating within a financial plan already in place.
“I am an open book, and it feels like I’ve come to a point where I’m giving too much information, and people don’t understand it,” Tortorice said. “So they’re just misconstruing it, but just know there is a plan. It’s the budget, and we’re working through it, and we’re right in line with the budget.”
Residents have also begun voicing frustration over the city’s direction.
Margaret resident Phyliss Robinson said the public still is not getting clear answers about where money is going or who approved the spending.
“The arguments come from not being given the answers to questions that the people want to know, like, ‘Where’s the money going? Where did the authority to spending the money come from?’” Robinson said. “Because all I’ve heard in the meetings that I’ve attended, when they ask, we didn’t approve that and [the mayor] says it was in the budget. That’s his answer to everything I’ve heard.”
The failed censure motions now leave Margaret where it has been for weeks: divided, polarized, and increasingly public with its disputes.
The Margaret City Council is next scheduled to meet May 18.
He later added: “This is all been the plan. I’m trying to stick to the plan when I show people the numbers and tell them that we’re right along with the budget and they’re just like, ‘demand that we’re not.’”
and
ty
CENTER POINT, Ala. –
A man from Center Point has been arrested in connection with a domestic violence-related shooting that, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, has left a 29-year-old woman seriously injured.
Officials stated that the suspect then allegedly forced the woman into his vehicle and drove her to the hospital, where she was treated for her injuries.
Identified as Anthony
Deputies were dispatched at around 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, to UAB St. Vincent’s East Hospital to investigate a report of a woman who was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. According to the sheriff’s office, the preliminary investigation indicates the woman was involved in a domestic altercation with her husband on the 1700 block of 6th Place NW in Center Point, at a residence. During the incident, the suspect fired a gun, striking the victim.
Canada, 40, detectives arrested the suspect at approximately 2:28 p.m. Thursday on the 5400 block of 12th Court in the Wylam area. The arrest was without incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
Canada was charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling or vehicle and first-degree domestic violence. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-3251450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Jeff Poor
For most of the latter half of the 20th century and the early decades of this century, Democrats have been the net beneficiary of mandates created by Congress in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The irony is that those mandates were put in place because of the sins of the past, committed mostly by southern Democrats.
But in a democratic republic that is somewhat market-based in determining outcomes, Band-Aids used to address society's ills from generations ago were not meant to last forever, which is a problem for the modern Democratic Party.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a blow to one of the era's antiquated institutions by limiting the use of race as a determining factor in creating election districts in its 6-3 Louisiana v. Callais ruling.
It is not clear how this will affect Alabama, which has had its share of redistricting drama over the past few years.
Begrudgingly, Gov. Kay Ivey called a special session to address the high court's decision. However, immedi-
Joe Hobby
I was two days out of knee surgery, lying on my bed in a Lortab-laced fog, when I sat up and uttered a sentence to my wife that I never imagined would come out of my mouth.
“Hey, I’m going to get my walker, go to the kitchen, and take a Flomax.”
The instant it passed my lips, I thought, “Sweet Moses…what did I just say?”
“I don’t say things like that,” I told myself. “Old people say things like thatreal old people.”
Then the thought struck me like a geriatric thunderbolt.
I am 72.
And folks…that is old.
For example, if I was involved in a car accident right now, the local news anchor wouldn’t say, “A man was injured.”
ate redistricting for the 2026 midterm elections is a long shot.
Alabama is under injunctions in three federal cases — Allen v. Singleton, Allen v. Milligan and Allen v. Caster.
Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed emergency motions this week in three cases asking the court to lift injunctions and potentially allow a 2023 map to take effect.
That saga will play out over the coming days and weeks, and it could be ugly.
Big picture, did Democrats believe this arrangement would last in perpetuity? If so, that is where they went wrong.
The preclearance redistricting mandates were allowed because there was a provable concerted effort to undermine the black vote in southern states. For decades, Democrats benefited from that, and people generally accepted those mandates.
But Democrats got greedy.
Around this arrangement came an entire industry, led by the likes of Eric Holder and Marc Elias, which profited from challenging state legislatures every decade
after reapportionment.
The status quo, which certainly benefited the Democratic Party, is now undermined by the Louisiana v. Callais decision.
All this could have been avoided if there had not been this push to expand the use of 20th-century anti-racism remedies by left-wing election lawyers.
In some ways, it is similar to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, the country's long-standing ruling that legalized abortion.
Rather than be permissive of efforts to nibble around the edges that challenged the legality of abortion, the U.S. Supreme Court took a sledgehammer
to the legal justification of the Roe decision.
Now, many states have outlawed the practice of abortion.
Had Democrats not been trying to game the system and add congressional seats in the perpetual quest for power, an existing system would likely still be in place today.
In other words, had Democrats not tried to have states like Alabama and Louisiana create additional Democrat-majority districts, incumbent southern black Democrats like U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell would not have their seats threatened by GOP majority-led state legislatures.
Alabama is at a crossroads. If not now or in 2028,
certainly in 2030, the Alabama Legislature, with a Republican supermajority, could try to redistrict in a way to erase all Democratic representation in Congress.
What will they do? What should they do?
There is merit to keeping the long-standing arrangement of six Republican districts and one Democrat district.
Aside from the obvious, which is good to have one Democrat representing the state at times when there is a Democrat in the White House or a Democrat majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, there are enough Democrat-voting Alabamians who are geographically contiguous to justify a Democrat district.
However, it is possible that all seven of Alabama's congressional districts could be drawn to be Republican-leaning districts without gerrymandering that would be obvious to the naked eye.
The trick to making all seven red would be splitting up Montgomery and Birmingham and diluting the Democratic vote. It would not be unprecedented, given the recent redistricting efforts in other states, both
No. They’d say, “An elderly man was transported to the hospital.” Operative word: Elderly. That hits a little different when it’s aimed directly at you.
I’ve also noticed that fifty-year-old people say “yes sir” to me now.
“Yes sir.” When did that start happening? I still remember being the guy who said “yes sir” to people who were old. Now, I’m apparently the guy those people were talking to.
And here’s a sobering thought: I am older than Bear Bryant was when he died. Let that sink in for a moment. Don’t try to soften it with that nonsense about “seventy being the new fifty.” Seventy is not the new fifty. Seventy is the new seventy.
And what’s depressingwhat’s really depressing - is
that I’ve realized that I’m too old to even have a midlife crisis.
Everyone knows what a mid-life crisis looks like for most men. They buy a sports car, start going to tanning beds, maybe ride around on a Harley. Then come the gold chains, the gym memberships, and the urge to chase younger women who are far more interested in their net worth than their looks.
Thankfully, none of that appeals to me anymore.
For starters, sport cars are too low to the ground. Getting in one would look like a slow-motion accident. I’d have to roll out of it like I was exiting a kayak. And once I got down there, I’m not entirely sure I could get back up.
I don’t want a Harley either. Not because they’re not cool. They are. But every time I see a guy my age riding one, all I can think is, “That guy’s chiropractor is going to be very busy tomorrow.”
And tanning beds? My dermatologist would tackle me in the parking lot before I ever made it through the door.
Forget the gold chains, too. They would get in the way of my Life Alert that I wear around my neck. I still go to the gym. But
my reasons for going have changed. Function has replaced form. I don’t care about being a hottie anymore. I just want to maintain enough flexibility and upper-body strength to put on my sneakers without having to call in reinforcements.
To heck with six-pack abs. I want Skechers independence.
And honestly, I’m glad I’m not “out there” chasing women. That just sounds exhausting.
Besides, chasing women at my age would be like a dog chasing a car. What would I do if I caught one?
What kind of pick-up line would you use? “Hey baby, I love your legs. Who did your knee replacements?”
I’d probably panic and ask if she knew a good orthopedic surgeon.
Republican and Democratic, but how would Alabamians react to such a proposal?
Given the Fox News-ification of the likely Republican voter electorate, it would likely have significant support. Getting Alabamians to care about the issue du jour in our state's public policy, be it economic development or some mundane deregulation push, doesn't ignite the same spark as taking the fight to Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries here at home.
Look no further than how fast Gov. Kay Ivey folded last week from her initial declaration that Alabama would not be able to move on redistricting until 2030, so no special session would be needed. Four days after an intense public pressure campaign, Ivey called a special session. That was in just four days in a state with a history of apathy toward state politics.
The lesson: You might be able to get your gas tax hike or special interest carveout. But when it comes time to find a place on the national stage, you'd better not back down.
On top of that, when you are 72, getting lucky means the waitress says, “I went ahead and gave you the senior discount.” And a little action means the MiraLAX is working. So, there I stood in our hallway - well, sort of stood, leaning like the Tower of Pisa, using a walker to make my way to the kitchen, so I could take a pill that helps me with a post-surgery pee. A walker. Flomax. And a knee that still sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies when I try to climb the stairs.
That’s when I realized something. I don’t need a mid-life crisis. I need an extended warranty. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to look for my bifocals. I need to go see what time Gunsmoke comes on.
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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.
●CenterPoint City Council Meetings:1st and 3rdThursday of eachmonth, at 6:30 p.m.
● Pinson City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
● 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.
● Irondale City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Pinson Public Library
●ClassicCinema: Friday July 26 at 2p.m.- Come and watchaclassicmovie in the library auditorium!
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.
●GlowParty:TeenFinale: Thursday,July27at4 p.m. -Celebrate theend of another successful teen summer readingprogram duringour Glow PartyTeenFinale. Enjoysnacks,games,music,& otherglow-in-the-darkactivities!
●SplashBashatPinson
● 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.
●Moody City Council Meetings:2nd and 4thMonday of eachmonthat6 p.m.
Trussville Public Library
●SummertimeStories: Thursday,July25at9:30 and 10:30 a.m. -JoinMs. Alicia fora summer-themed
March 9 at 1:30 p.m. - Extensive ACT review class
● Chess Club: Monday, March 10 at 5 p.m. - Learn the basics, cool tricks, strategy, opening, and tactic in chess from a ChessKidsNation coach
to lightful exciting & beloved stories
● Storytime for Growin’ Beans with Ms. Allison: Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m.
march 8, 1973 — april 28, 2026
Tricia Sparks West, age 53, was called to her heavenly home April 28, 2026. She leaves to her legacy, her loving husband of 31 years, Lonnie Allan West; her daughter, Sydney West Bradshaw (TJ) and her beloved granddaughter, Libby. Tricia is survived by her mother, Patricia Jean Sparks and sister, Dawn Harville (Kevin). She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends that she loved so dearly. Her father, William M. Sparks, Jr., along with her paternal grandparents, Anne and William M. Sparks, Sr. and maternal grandparents, Mary and Kelly Jackson, all have preceded her in going home to be with the Lord.
Regis and Huntsman. He was a steady, dependable worker who showed up day
many men of his generation, he worked hard, provided faithfully, and kept going
to be done.
Stanley loved fishing more than just about anything, and he was good at
wait, and
greater
● Books & Brews: Monday, March 10 at 7:15 p.m. - An evening Adult Book Club meeting at Ferus Artisan Ales
Stanley loved watching movies and laughing at a
in his hands or watching YouTube. He was an artist at heart and
- Our theme is Smell. We’ll read books, have fun, do a craft, & have a snack
Tricia was born on March 8, 1973, in Alabama where she continued to reside for the remainder of her life. In her early life she loved dancing, being a phenomenal student, and taking trips to Virginia to spend time with her mother’s large family. She is a 1991 graduate of Erwin High School and a 1997 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. She married her husband Lonnie in 1994 after 5 years of dating. When she became a mother to Sydney in 1999, Tricia dedicated her time to raising and educating Sydney all while supporting Lonnie, who worked as a firefighter at two departments. She thoroughly enjoyed taking trips to the beach, shopping with Sydney, loving on all her pets, and simply spending time with Lonnie who she regularly referred to as her best friend. Later in life she was the best mother-in-law to TJ, the greatest “Hunny” to her granddaughter Libby, and treasured
mother Jean whom she all tremendously adored.
Tricia loved her Lord and Savior and was a member of Faith Community Fellowship in
couraged his daughter, Stacy, to follow her own creative path, something
● Ukulele Club: Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Beginner ukulele club
for
is such a testament
will always carry with her.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Helen Jett; his brother, Thomas Jett; and his sister, Florence “Flo” Mickle.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Luzetta “Ricky” Jett; his daughter, Stacy, and her husband; his siblings, Steve Jett, Terry Jett, Maxine Morgan, and Flora Ruth Greene; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
● Preschoolers at Play: Wednesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for a short movement and story with Ms. Alicia followed by free play with various toys
● Goat Yoga: Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. - Announcing “Goat Yoga” with our friends at Olive Valley Farms & our host, “Yoga with Kayla.” This will be a day of yoga, laughter, & the adorable company of friendly goats! Registration required
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville, Alabama. Family visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., with public visitation following at 11:00 a.m.
3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
Tricia’s family
When Stanley said goodbye, he often said, “Adios, amigo,” which means “goodbye, my friend.” But Stanley never meant it as goodbye forever. He doesn’t now. His family doesn’t now. And the Lord he believed in never did.
● Council 3rd T at 6
● Leeds Meetings: of each
● Moody Council Meetings: 4th Monday 6 p.m.
● Children’s Storytime: Thursday March 13 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun
● Tech Tuesdays: Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m.Drop by for helpful tech tips and tricks with Mr. Keith!
Please bring your device with you if you are able
february 13, 1931 — april 27, 2026
● Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, March 13 at 1
p.m. - A place for homeschool teens to hang out, socialize, and play games
Trussville Public Library
● Young Adult D&D: Friday, March 7 at 4 p.m.D&D for ages 18-25
● ACT Prep: Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. - Extensive ACT review class
Lora Mae, age 95, of Birmingham, AL, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026.
● Geek Guild D&D (Teens): Tuesday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m. - We’re playing Dungeons & Dragons! Delve into the Forgotten Realm in this fantasy Role-Playing Game.
Lora Mae was born on February 13, 1931, in Weir, MS, to the late John McPherson and Dovie McPherson. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found joy in caring for her home and family. She loved cooking and spending time visiting with friends and loved ones. She always had a smile on her face, and her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
● Cult Classic Cinema: Thursday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. - An evening highlighting the other half of Trussville’s Core Collection of movies–Cult Classics. This month’s feature: “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986) Pinson Public Library
● Junior Jamz: Wednesday, March 12 at 10 a.m.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Frances Mower (Johnny), Johnnie Dee Cole, and Mary Louise McPherson; her brother, Marion McPherson; her beloved husband of 65 years, John William Cobb; her son, Byron Cobb; her son-in-law, Gary Heflin; her brothers-in-law, Bennie Cobb, Tommy Alvin Cobb, Billy Calvin Cobb (Sara), Robert Cobb (Creasie), and David Cobb; and her sister-in-law, Virginia Jackson (Rufus).
- Bring your little kiddos to jam at the library! We’ll provide a variety of musical instruments for the children to explore
● ACT Prep: Sunday
● Dahl’s Delightful Kits: March 3-8, All week - Join us as we celebrate the imaginative world of Roald Dahl! Stop by the library
● Let’s Jam!: Thursday, March 13 at 4 p.m. - Are you learning to play an instrument or have you been playing for years? Come jam at the library!
Lora Mae is survived by her daughter, Sandra Heflin of Birmingham; her sister-in-law, Barbara Cobb of Lucedale, MS; many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbors, and friends; grandchildren: Lee Heflin and William Heflin of Birmingham, AL; Lynn Yousif (Nidal) of Hoover, AL; Loretta Martone (Luke) of Huntsville, AL; great-grandchildren: Austin Isbell and Isla Gass. Visitation for Lora will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Her funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Keith Best officiating. Her great-grandson, Austin Isbell, will deliver a eulogy, followed by a reading by her granddaughter, Loretta Martone. Burial will immediately follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville. Jefferson Memorial in Trussville directing. Her smile will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Fourthranked Hewitt (15-4-6)
knocked off top-ranked Florence (20-2-2) in dramatic fashion Saturday night, using clutch penalty kicks to get the win, 3-2. Brennan Greer got the Huskies on the board in the 20th minute to make it 1-0. Florence answered with 12 minutes remaining in the first half to tie the game. In the second half, Hewitt’s back line took control, led by a standout effort from Jonathan Emmerich. Typically a midfielder, Emmerich was moved to center back for the postseason, and the adjustment paid off.
Emmerich was active throughout, disrupting attacks, winning challenges, and helping anchor a defense that held Florence scoreless through regulation and overtime.
Neither side could break through in the second half, and both five-minute overtime periods went scoreless. The match was decided
in a penalty kick shootout. Greer, Andrew Bell, and Steven Richards each converted their attempts, while goalkeeper Bryant Steele turned in a standout performance, stopping three of Florence’s five shots to seal the win. With the win, Hewitt advances to face Bob Jones in the Final Four on Wednesday, May
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
GULF SHORES — Tri-
buneland programs turned in a series of solid performances at the AHSAA State Track and Field Championships this weekend.
Center Point (Class 5A)
Center Point turned in one of the strongest overall performances among area teams, highlighted by multiple individual titles.
Ke’Asia Washington captured the Class 5A state championship in the shot
put (38-4), while Amya Phillips won the triple jump (36-1.75) and added a runner-up finish in the long jump (17-5.75). Angel Jimerson placed third in the 300-meter hur-
See HUSKIES, Page 11
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
GULF
SHORES
–
Hewitt-Trussville’s track and field program turned in a strong showing at the AHSAA Class 7A Outdoor State Championships, with the boys finishing runner-up and the girls placing third overall.
The Huskies totaled 103.5 points to claim second place in the boys standings, finishing behind Hoover (130) and ahead of Vestavia Hills (97.5). On the girls’ side, the Lady Huskies scored 62 points to place third, trailing Auburn (112.5) and Hoover (100).
“This weekend at the AHSAA 7A State Track and Field Championships proved to be a significant and memorable one for our program, both on and off the track,” head coach Jimmy Johnson said. “As we competed at the highest level in the state, our family also celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of our son from Samford University, making this an especially meaningful weekend for my wife and I.”
The Huskies were led by two individual state champions on the boys’ side, while the Lady Huskies added a relay title.
Junior Devin Kouanvih captured the Class 7A state championship in the 200
meters, running 22.08 into a stiff headwind after posting the fastest qualifying time in prelims. He also added a ninth-place finish in the 400 meters.
Demetri Hall Jr. added another gold medal, winning the 300-meter hurdles in a personal-best 37.96, a time that ranked among the top marks in Alabama this season.
“Our team was led by an outstanding group of athletes,” Johnson said.
“Juniors Noah Jordan, Max Ryan, Devin Kouanvih and Demetri Hall Jr. set the tone, combining for multiple state championships along with several runner-up and thirdplace finishes.”
Raphael BoakyeYiadom placed fourth in the 110-meter hurdles, while Daryl Thomas Jr. finished fifth and added a sixth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles.
In the field events, the Huskies turned in a strong performance in the triple jump, where Boakye-
Yiadom placed third, Zion Westry finished fourth and Ethan Ridley was sixth. Ben Reeves added a runner-up finish in the pole vault, and Charlie Peacockplaced sixth.
Noah Jordan finishing second in the 1600 meters and third in the 3200 meters. Max Ryan placed third in the 800, while John Paul Amari added a sixth-place finish in the 3200.
“Day one was a solid start for both our boys and girls teams, but across the first two days, we know we left valuable points on the table,” Johnson said.
“Like every team competing at this level, we faced our share of obstacles. What stood out most, however, was the resilience of our athletes. They never gave up and continued to push through every challenge.”
The 4×100-meter relay finishing secondand the 4×800 relay placing third.
On the girls’ side, the
See RUNNER, Page 10
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Lady Tigers took it to Center Point and Hayden on Friday night before dropping one to Corner on Saturday and winning the finale on the same day to take home the 5A Area 12 championship and extend their postseason into the playoffs.
The area tournament started for Springville against Tribuneland foes the Center Point Eagles. The Tigers would make quick work of the Eagles, hammering out 11 runs in the first inning
and the final four runs in the second to run rule Center Point 15-0 in 2.5 innings. MJ Middleton led at the plate with two hits, driving in four runs for the Tigers. Kennadi Samuelson started the game pitching two no-hit innings while tallying five strikeouts. Middleton came in for the final inning and followed suit by allowing no hits and adding another strikeout for the Tigers. Game two was against the Hayden Wildcats. Springville used a methodical gameplan to advance in the tournament with a 6-2 win over Hayden. The Tigers scored a run in the first,
third, fifth, and seventh to go with a two-run sixth while allowing Hayden’s only two runs to be scored in the bottom of the sixth. Aida Locklear got it done with the bat, getting three hits and bringing two runs across the plate. Georgia Chancellor owned the mound, going the distance and allowing just two hits and two runs while striking out 11 batters.
The Corner Yellowjackets were up first on Saturday for the Tigers and they got the best of the eventual champs by a single run in a high-scoring affair. The Tigers would go into the seventh with a 10-9 lead but
a two-run inning by Corner would cause the two to compete in a final game on Saturday. Despite the loss, Locklear had two hits and four RBI for the Tigers. Chancellor picked up the loss on the rubber, going the distance and striking out
eight. In the area finale, the Tigers looked to the usual suspects at the plate, putting up 13 runs and they emptied the bullpen using four different pitchers to hold Corner to just six runs and bring home the area title. It
got tight in the fifth inning as Springville entered with a 6-1 before Corner used a five-run effort to tie it up. The Tigers would put up seven in the final two frames to seal the deal. Chancellor had four RBI on a single home run to go with Leah Bowden’s two hits and three RBI, one of her hits being a home run as well. Samuelson added three RBI on two hits as well. Samuelson, Middleton, Addi Kearby, and Chancellor combined to allow six hits and six runs while striking out seven. The Tigers, now 30-8-1, will look to the playoffs this coming week.
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
MOODY – The Moody Lady Blue Devils continued their quest to repeat as 5A state champions over the weekend by taking it to Carver and Tribuneland rivals Leeds to bring home another 5A Area 10 championship and advance to the playoffs.
The Carver Rams were the first victim for the Blue Devils on Friday and Moody wasted no time putting this one to bed. The final was
Lady Huskies were anchored by a state championship performance in the 4×800-meter relay, which ran 9:32.05, the fastest time in Alabama this season.
Junior Mary Durham led the distance group with a runner-up finish in the 800 meters and a fifth-place finish in the 1600, while Emmie Goodell added a fourth-
15-0 and the Lady Devils scored all 15 in the first inning before the game was run ruled after three scoreless innings for the Rams. Cheyenne Moore, Kennedy Hockman, and Teylor Simmons each had two RBI to go with four others bringing a single run across the plate. Lily Gill pitched three scoreless and hitless innings and struck out four in the 15-0 effort.
Next up for Moody was cross-town rivals, the Leeds Greenwave in the Battle of the Bridge, area tournament
place finish in the 800 with a personal-best time.
“Juniors Mary Durham and Emmie Goodell also played a pivotal role in our success,” Johnson said.
“Both athletes delivered strong performances in the 800-meter run while also helping lead our 4×800 relay team to a state championship title. Their consistency and competitiveness were key in setting the tone for our distance group.”
edition. Moody jumped out 12-0 in the first two innings before Emma Stone and Joselyn Hernandez put Leeds on the board and kept the game from getting run
Freshman Olivia Reese added a third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles, while senior Jaliyah Edwards led the field events with a second-place finish in the discus and a third-place showing in the shot put.
Savannah Bullock, Brooklyn Vandegrift and Lia Carter also contributed points across field events.
“Jaliyah Edwards once again delivered an incredible performance, building
ruled in the third. However, Moody put five more on the board in the bottom of the fourth to seal the deal at 17-2. Peyton Harry stacked up four RBI and Natavia
on her MVP recognition from sectionals,” Johnson said.
The Lady Huskies’ 4×100-meter relayalso reached the finals and placed seventh.
In para-ambulatory competition, Hewitt-Trussville continued to dominate.
George Merchant swept the boys events he entered, winning the 100 meters, discus, javelin and shot put. On the girls’ side, Caylin Kennemur scored in four events with first-place finishes in the 100, 200, discus and shot put, while Sarah Thomas added first-place finishes in the 100 and 200 meters.
“I want to make special mention of our para-am-
Garner added three to lead the Lady Devils at the plate. Gill got her second win of the day with a four-inning performance that allowed four hits and two runs.
In the final game of the night, Moody took home the title with an 8-4 win over Leeds. The Greenwave found themselves with a 4-2 lead in the middle of the third before Moody put up three to go up 5-4. After that, the Lady Devils scored a single run in each of the remaining three innings while holding Leeds
bulatory athletes, George Merchant and Caylin Kennemur,” Johnson said. “Both athletes broke several state records in their throwing events — an extraordinary achievement that reflects their dedication and determination.”
Johnson also credited the support system behind the program.
“I want to thank our superintendent, Dr. Martin, our principal, Mr. King, and our athletic director, Mr. Walker, for their continued support,” he said. “Their leadership and belief in what we are building play a major role in our success.”
He also recognized the program’s foundation and
scoreless to finish things off and earn the area championship. Harry and Garner had two RBI each at the plate. Laney Saunier went the distance, pitching seven innings and allowing four hits and four runs while sitting seven batters.
Leeds falls to 7-20 overall on the season, but they are still alive in the postseason as they prepare to take on the St. Clair Saints on May 13. Moody improved to 2414-1 and they will take on Lincoln May 13.
future.
“I would also like to thank our coaching staff for their hard work, commitment, and the countless hours they pour into this program,” Johnson said. “To our athletes and parents, thank you for believing in the process.”
“Finally, we continue to honor the legacy of late former head coach David Dobbs. His impact remains a part of everything we do,” he added. “I could not be more proud of both our boys and girls teams. We are building something special here, and I truly believe this is just the beginning. The future of our program is bright.”
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
MADISON – Hewitt
started fast in its Class 7A first-round playoff series, sweeping a doubleheader at James Clemens on Thursday to advance. The Huskies opened the day with a 12-1 run-rule victory, then followed with a tighter 3-2 win in Game 2 to complete the sweep and punch their ticket to the second round.
Hewitt has now won eight games in a row since dropping three in a row in early April.
In the opener, Hewitt got a dominant perfor-
mance from Hudson Mitchell. The right-hander allowed one run, with eight strikeouts in six innings of work. The Huskies used a fiverun third inning to shoot down the Jets. Wes Hardy had two hits and four RBIs while Sawyer Jackson had three hits and two RBIs. Game 2 was much tighter, but the Huskies rallied late to win the game and the series. James Clemens scored twice in the first inning to take the lead, but would not score again. Cale McIntosh got Hewitt on the board in the
Later in
and
and
Riggan and McIntosh each had two hits. With the sweep, Hewitt advances to the second round of the Class 7A playoffs to face Tuscaloosa County on the road.
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – The
Hewitt Lady Huskies (419-1) erased a five-run deficit to Vestavia and rallied for a 14-5 victory to claim the Area 6 Tournament championship at Roberts Stadium.
Trailing 5-0, Hewitt’s Lila Riggan scored on an error to put the Lady Huskies on the board. Maci
Goin scored in the third to
From page 9
dles (47.19), and Zarya Jackson added a fifth-place finish in the 400 meters (1:00.33).
make the score 5-2. Emily Renda’s single scored Kenzie Noblin and Kylie Grace Hendrick to cut the Lady Rebels’ lead to one. Corey Goguts’ two-run home run got things going in the sixth. Presley Hull, Erin Coleman, and Noblin scored on an error to give Hewitt a 9-5 lead. Liv Bullington and Renda’s RBIs pushed the score to 11-5 before Coleman’s three-run double gave the Lady Hus-
kies a 14-5 lead.
Goins earned the win for Hewitt, allowing one hit over five and one-third scoreless innings while striking out one.
Coleman and Chloe Krackenberger had three hits. Hendrick had four RBIs.
The Lady Huskies now advance to the 7A North Regional in Florence, where they will face Sparkman Monday at 10:45 AM.
By Henry Williamson, For the Tribune
MOODY, Ala. – The Moody Blue Devils unlocked more baseball Thursday night behind two complete game outings from Bryant Hardin and JB Leatherwood, defeating Sipsey Valley at home twice to notch its second sweep of the postseason. It was quiet offensively from the start of game one. The game was tied at zero apiece through the bottom of the fifth until Moody finally heated up. JP Sands was aboard and soon moved to third on a wild pitch. Marshall Teofilo lined a single to center to bring him home for the first run. William Dutton was safe on fielder’s choice that loaded the bases and Leatherwood followed with an RBI single to score Teofilo, making it 2-0.
Teofilo drove in Sands again during the sixth after hammering a double to right, spreading the margin to 3-0. An infield pop-up hit by Jayden Hicks was dropped, allowing Carter Mitchell to score and grow the lead to 4-0.
Hardin was credited for the shutout, retiring the side in the seventh to claim the
4-0 win. He let up three hits and threw seven strikeouts total.
Moody seized control in the first inning of game two. Hicks nailed a ball that was missed by the left fielder and stretched it into a double. A balk was called and Hicks shifted over to third. He tagged up on a sacrifice fly from Dutton to go ahead 1-0.
Sipsey Valley looked to the bullpen in the fourth. The Blue Devils exploited that decision and created some separation. Hicks smoked a triple into right as Teofilo hustled around from first and scored for a 2-0 lead. A pitch snuck away on the next at bat and Hicks came across to extend it to 3-0.
A comeback was attempted by Sipsey Valley in their final plate appearance, but it was too late. Two runners were in scoring position and they both crossed on the same play caused by errors in the field. The Blue Devils turned a double play and clinched the 6-2 win and series.
Leatherwood contributed on the bump and at the plate. He wound up throwing 115 pitches and batted 3-for-5 in the game two victory. Moody advances to 25-7 overall and will prepare for a quarterfinal matchup against Madison Academy.
Moody added some extra cushion in the seventh. Mitchell laid down a bunt and tripled off an error from Sipsey Valley. Pinch runner Collin Turner rounded third and was able to score, putting it at 4-0. Dutton popped one up and took first after another miscue by the Bears that scored Mitchell. Leatherwood grounded an RBI single to center to lead 6-0 heading into the bottom of the inning.
Clay-Chalkville’s Leila McWilliams delivered a pair of podium finishes. McWillie placed third in the discus (122-0) and third in the shot put (37-7.25).
On the boys’ side, Colton McIntyre added a sixth-place finish in the shot put (47-10).
JayShaun Irby finished second in the high jump (64) and added a fifth-place finish in the triple jump. Jason Carter placed fourth in the 300-meter hurdles, while the 4×400-meter relay team finished sixth. Clay-Chalkville (Class 6A)
Pinson Valley (Class 6A)
JaKayla Tamper finished runner-up in the 100 meters (12.42) and captured the state championship in the 200 meters (25.06).
Keionna Wilson added an eighth-place finish in the 100 meters. The 4×100-meter relay team placed third (49.50), and the 4×400 relay added a seventh-place finish.
On the boys’ side, Maurice Allen contributed with an eighth-place finish in the javelin.
Shades Valley (Class 6A)
Shades Valley’s Eric Mitchell placed 10th in the long jump (20-11.75).
The Mounties also saw Osmond Williams compete in the 100-meter prelims and A’Mare White in the
300-meter hurdles. Moody (Class 5A) Eighth-grader Madelynn Crowe placed fourth in the javelin (108-11) with a personal-best throw.
Springville (Class 5A) Avery Daniel led the Lady Tigers with a distance double, finishing fifth in the 800 (2:28.34) and sixth in the 1600 (5:25.80). The 4×800-meter relay
team placed third (10:16.13), while Gabby Stone added a fifth-place finish in the discus (100-2) and a point in the shot put. On the boys’ side, the 4×800 relay finished fourth (8:27.83), and Jackson Gatgens placed fourth in the javelin (158-9). Ryan Freeman added a point with an eighth-place finish in the discus.
Republican
Standing
Fighting
Protecting
Supporting
Defending
Putting
