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www.TrussvilleTribune.com
23-year-old Leeds man dies from injuries in crash
Trussville honors fallen service members at Memorial Day ceremony
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Leeds man died Monday night after the vehicle he was a passenger in struck a utility pole in Birmingham, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. At approximately 9:22 p.m., Alante Lytrell Porter, 23, was riding in a vehicle
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May 30 - June 5
From Tribune staff reports
Stephens makes history with signing
Tree Talk
2024
72-year-old dies in Memorial Day drowning at Logan Martin Lake From Tribune staff reports
ST. CLAIR COUNTY – A Riverside man drowned Monday night at Logan Martin Lake while attempting to help dock a pontoon boat, according to ALEA Sgt. Jeremy J. Burkett. At approximately 10 p.m., Delbert W. Shaw, 72,
See LEEDS, Page 3
Trussville Scouts place 2,000 flags at Jefferson Memorial Gardens for Memorial Day From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Cub Scout Pack 216, based in Trussville, planted over 2,000 flags on the graves of veterans at Jefferson Memorial Gardens on Tuesday in See SCOUTS, Page 1
Birmingham man dies in I-59 exit ramp crash From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was killed after his vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler on an exit ramp on Thursday, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. At approximately 3:40 p.m., 45-year-old Renardo Laron Fletcher’s vehicle was involved in a collision with a semi truck at the See I-59, Page 3
Pinson man wanted on burglary charge From Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY–A Pinson man is wanted in Jefferson County on charges of third degree burglary and first degree receiving stolen property, according to Crime Stoppers. Debarthony Jermaine Watkins, 32, is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 175 lbs. He has short brown hair and brown eyes. See WANTED, Page 4
See DROWNING, Page 4
The laying of the wreath at Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Veterans, Gold Star Families, first responders, and dozens of community members gathered at the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument in Trussville Monday afternoon to honor the memories of those who lost their lives in service to their county. Dedicated on Memorial Day 2023, the monument honors the 227 members of the Alabama military who
have died in the global war on terror since the September 11 attacks. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jim Miller, a Trussville Veterans Committee Member, welcomed attendees to the event and introduced Trussville resident and Army veteran Rob Langford, who sang the National Anthem. The Trussville Police and Fire Departments presented the colors. Pastor Ray Shackelford from GraceLife Ministries provided the invocation.
The presentation of the colors. Chris Basinger/ Trussville Tribune
“We are here today to pay tribute to all our heroes who while wearing this country’s uniforms have fallen in various battles throughout our country’s history,” Shackelford said. Mayor Buddy Choat then took the podium and said, “we’re very proud and very honored to be able to have this service in Trussville,” adding that the city plans to make this service an annual tradition. Gold Star Family Speaker Roy Williams, who lost
his brother Army Maj. Dwayne Williams in the September 11 attack on the Pentagon, then gave his remarks. “Gold Star Families are something that no one really wants to be a part of because it means that you have lost a loved one, unfortunately, to tragedy but this nation was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of people like my brother Army Maj. Dwayne Williams and everyone who
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.– The Trussville Public Library is set to celebrate the start of its annual Summer Reading Challenge with a kickoff event next Friday. The event will be hosted in Masonic Park, directly
See MEMORIAL DAY, Page 2
See LIBRARY, Page 3
Springville holds contentious council meeting over Big Canoe Creek management By Chris Basinger Staff Writer
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. – A Springville City Council meeting ended abruptly last Monday when council members voted to adjourn after Mayor Dave Thomas began a filibuster to obstruct the business of the meeting. The council was in the midst of discussing the future management of the Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve (BCCNP), a topic that has put the mayor and council members at odds in recent weeks. Before the council adjourned the meeting, Thomas indicated that he was prepared to go on with the filibuster until midnight and said he would “use every tool at [his] disposal, if necessary, to accomplish goals.” Though the council voted to end last Monday’s meeting before addressing all of the business on the agenda, members eventually reconvened Friday morning for two separate special
The Springville City Council meets for a special session Friday morning. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
sessions to finish its business. The major point of contention at the May 20 meeting was on if the city should create a new department, including the position of a new department head, to manage the BCCNP. The preserve, which officially opened to the public in February, is a 422-acre Forever Wild property just north of Springville that features 7.4 miles of trails.
It currently falls under Springville Parks and Recreation’s management umbrella. During the discussion on the proposed creation of a new BBCNP department, council members reiterated their support for the preserve, but were hesitant to rush into creating a whole new department after the preserve had just opened due to budget concerns and the need to have funds avail-
Trussville Public Library kicking off Summer Reading Challenge
able to address imperative issues. “When we look at this community as a whole, we have to consider the expenses and the things that come along with doing something like pulling something and creating its own department,” Council Member Austin Phillips said. “I think the nature preserve has served the community well thus far, I think it’s young, I think it’s still got some legs to grow and I think maybe there is a potential for something more in the future.” Thomas asserted that the change would not immediately cost the city any additional money since it would be a restructuring, though they would plan on hiring both a department head and an education coordinator in the future. He said he was trying to be proactive, pointing to public comments and letters in support of expanding educational opportunities at
From Tribune staff reports
Arrest made in Birmingham gas station mass shooting From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Police Department has made an arrest as part of the investigation into a shooting at a Birmingham gas station in early May that left one dead and six injured, according to Officer Truman Fitzgerald.
See ARREST, Page 4
Mountain Brook resident killed in storms identified From Tribune staff reports
MOUNTAIN BROOK — Police in Mountain Brook closed Montevallo Road from Petticoat Lane to Overhill Road due to a downed tree on a structure at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, officials said. According to the Mountain Brook Fire Department,
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 4
See STORM, Page 4
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