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By Crystal McGough Associate Editor
PINSON – Valentine’s Day is only weeks ways and while some couples may already be making plans, others may not have even started thinking about it yet. WhethSee PVAC, Page 3
Moody Council enters agreement to develop entertainment center By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune
MOODY – At a meeting on Monday, Jan. 9, the Moody City Council entered into an agreement to develop an entertainment center at a property located behind the Publix. See MOODY, Page 5
Leeds Board of Education approves pavilion renovations for elementary, 2023-2024 calendar By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune
LEEDS – During a short meeting at the Leeds Board of Education Building, the See LEEDS, Page 4
MortgageRight in Leeds holds grand opening & ribbon cutting From The Tribune staff reports
LEEDS — MortgageRight in Leeds held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Thursday, Jan. 12, with the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and a host of Leeds area business professionals See MORTGAGE, Page 3
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Moody environmental landfill fire
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2022 All-Tribune Football Team
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Trussville business owners donate $15,000 check to Alabama Fallen Warrior Project From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Members of the Trussville Veterans Committee, American Legion Post 205, and City Leadership were present when local business owners Jayraj and Zinkal Patel presented their second $15,000 check to the Alabama Fallen Warrior Project. The Patels have pledged to donate $50,000 to the Alabama Fallen Warrior Project and other veteran causes. “The Patel’s have been so generous in honoring our veterans,” Councilmember Jaime Anderson said. “They are a wonderful testament to our community and country, and we are so proud to have them and their businesses in Trussville. I would encourage everyone to support them whenever they can.” The Patels, who immigrated to the United States from India in 2010, are the owners of Wing it On in the Publix Shopping Center and Beau Lash & Brow Spa on Truss-
Photo courtesy of Jaime Anderson
ville Crossings Parkway. Jayraj initially met the Trussville Veterans Commit-
tee members at a Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce lunch, where he heard about
the Wreaths Across America program and knew he wanted to donate to the cause. Through continued conversations with members of the Trussville Veterans Committee, the Patels knew they wanted to give back in a big way and decided to give big to the Alabama Fallen Warriors Project that is currently underway in the town they live, work, and play in. “When Americans think of the word Heroes, they think of first responders, military members, and athletes,” Trussville Veterans Committee’s Chad Carroll said. “Who we don’t think about are the community members that make a difference within their community. The Patel Family has touched this community in many ways with their donations to the veteran community. They are the real Heroes.” If you’re interested in learning more or donating to this project, visit http://alabamafallenwarriorsproject. org.
Sen. Shay Shelnutt considers bill to cut ADEM budget over handling of Moody landfill fire By Erica Thomas 1819News
TRUSSVILLE — An underground landfill fire continues to burn in Moody, and the smoke churning out of the blaze is causing health issues for people in surrounding communities. Now, one lawmaker is ready to take a stand against one of the largest agencies in the state. The smoke from the fire has been blanketing parts of western St. Clair County and eastern Jefferson County. Billows of smoke have been continuously crawling over the treetops and homes downwind of the fire. Although the fire was first reported in late November, it is unclear when or how it started. Two of the largest subdivisions in the city of Trussville, Carrington Lakes and Stockton, are some of the most impacted areas. Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat said he has heard from people in his city that are dealing with coughing and sinus issues.
Landfill fire in Moody continues to burn. Photo by Ron Burkett/ The Trussville Tribune
“It’s pretty prevalent, particularly in the Carrington Lakes area, but I’m sure there are other areas as well,” Choat said. Debbie Pitts Palmer lives in Trussville and said she couldn’t escape the smell. “If you go to a door, front door, back door, it doesn’t matter where you are. It stinks, and you can smell it,” said Palmer. “It’s just a horrible smell. It’s terrible. The stench is horrible.
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There’s something in it. It’s not just your regular fire.” Although the “environmental” landfill was only permitted for natural debris such as leaves, limbs and trees, Palmer and others believe there is more underground than natural debris. On Friday, an online petition had over 380 signatures calling on the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to act.
“ADEM has failed Alabamians for years,” the petition reads in part. “ADEM has displayed consistent inaction to properly enforce laws that are in place to protect Alabamians when permits are violated, and our waterways or air are polluted.” The petition calls on Gov. Kay Ivey to bring new leadership to ADEM. Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville) agrees that the ADEM has not acted quickly and efficiently to the fire. He is having a bill drafted to make changes to operations within the ADEM. “I am looking at maybe cutting their budget,” Shelnutt explained. “Maybe moving some money around to somewhere else that would have maybe acted and done more for the situation than ADEM.” Shelnutt said he is worried about what the ADEM allowed to be placed in the landfill and its failure to re-
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Pinson Valley Arts Council to host ‘Heart & Soul’ Valentine’s Dinner and Dance charity
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See ADEM, Page 3
Clay Council accepts bid to remove condemned property By Terry Schrimscher For The Tribune
CLAY — The Clay City Council held its first scheduled meeting of 2023 Tuesday night, Jan. 10. City Manager Ronnie Dixon moved quickly through the brief agenda, which contained an update See CLAY, Page 5
Leeds Arts Council prepares to take the stage with ‘She Loves Me’ a romantic comedy By Hannah Curran Editor
LEEDS — The Leeds Arts Council is preparing to have every love-sick romantic on the edge of their seat with its spin on the iconic She Loves Me directed by Brandi McClaran. See LAC, Page 4
Springville accepting resumes for appointment to vacant council seat By Terry Schrimscher For The Tribune
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council held its first scheduled meeting of the year on January 9, with most of the agenda being addressed in the work session See SPRINGVILLE, Page 4
Leeds man arrested on multiple counts of possession of obscene matter From The Tribune staff reports
SHELBY COUNTY — A Leeds man was arrested on multiple counts of possession of obscene matter on Monday, Jan. 9. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, See ARREST, Page 5
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