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By Erica Thomas 1819News
WALTON COUNTY – Authorities in Florida closed beaches Friday after a series of shark attacks in Walton County. Three people were injured, including two Mountain Brook teens. See SHARK, Page 5
Irondale explains position on public prayer, reopens train platform By Terry Schrimscher
IRONDALE, Ala. – The Irondale City Council met for the first regular meeting of the month on Tuesday, June 4. The meeting featured only one item of new business on the agenda but took time early in the meetSee IRONDALE, Page 4
20-year-old from Center Point killed in crash From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A 20-year-old Center Point man died from his injuries following a crash in Birmingham on Friday, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Markarris Jerrelle Thomas was involved in a two-vehicle crash on June 7 shortly after 1 p.m. near See CRASH, Page 5
Seniors evacuated after fire starts at Grayson Valley senior living facility By Chris Basinger Staff Writer
GRAYSON VALLEY, Ala. – A fire at a senior living home in Grayson Valley caused a brief evacuation of the facility Friday morning. According to Center Point Fire District Captain See FIRE, Page 5
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Jimmy Johnson to lead HTHS Track and Field
My Life As A Hobby
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Mountain Brook mom describes daughter’s harrowing shark attack
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Allen Gillespie honored with state proclamation for his 50 years in education By Chris Basinger Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Allen Gillespie was not sure why he was asked to remain standing at the front of the room during Monday night’s Trussville Board of Education meeting, but he would soon be overcome with emotion after learning what was in store for him. The board had just wrapped up recognizing all of the Trussville City School District educators and staffers who were retiring at the end of the school year, of which Gillespie was one of them. Having been in education for 50 years, most recently as the Hewitt-Trussville High School choral director, it was finally time for retirement--well, his second retirement. He initially called it a career in 2009, but after just a few weeks he got a call from Trussville City Schools and agreed to teach part-time, thinking that it would only be for a few more years.
Jack’s in Trussville reopens From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – The Jack’s location at 1460 Gadsden Highway near Trussville reopened last Thursday following a monthslong rebuild from the ground up, according to the chain. “Guests can expect the same Southern hospitality and hearty food but with a fresh new design,” said
See JACK’S, Page 3
Allen Gillespie shakes hands with Rep. Danny Garrett after being presented with a state proclamation recognizing his 50-year career. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
Budweiser Clydesdales trotting into Trussville From Tribune staff reports
five-decade career,” Garrett read from the proclamation. It went on to recount Gillespie’s entire career from building the Huffman High School choral department to include four choirs in 1976, establishing the inaugural choral program at the newly-opened ClayChalkville High School in 1996, and agreeing to come
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales will visit Birmingham next week as part of a cross-country tour celebrating 14 years of partnership with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first respond-
See GILLESPIE, Page 3
See CLYDESDALES, Page 3
Trussville World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday
Leland Dockery Tribute CruiseIn rescheduled for June 23
15 years on and countless lives impacted, it was finally time. “One of our retirees I’ve asked to stay up here with us,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin said, motioning to Gillespie. Martin then introduced Alabama State Rep. Danny Garrett, who took the stand. “Senator Shelnutt and I wanted to do something special for you, so we have
a proclamation from Governor Ivey, it’s a joint proclamation from the House and the Senate,” Garrett said. The resolution was also co-sponsored by representatives who serve the districts of Gillespie’s former schools. “Whereas, with great pride and special pleasure, highest honors, commendations, and congratulations are conveyed to Mr. Desmond Allen Gillespie after a
By Blair Moore For the Tribune
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – On June 10, 2024 friends and family of Leonard Cooper gathered at Cracker Barrel to celebrate his 100th birthday. A decorated World War II veteran, he has been a resident of Trussville since 1961. Raised in New Hope, Alabama, Leonard married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Moore in 1943 just one day before he left for the army. “It was her idea to marry so quickly,” said their daughter Joy Cooper. “In fact, she wouldn’t take no for an answer.” The two were a couple since the day Mary walked up to Leonard during grade school and asked if she could write him a note. “He said yes, and they were thick from then on,” she said. Cooper served as a military police officer in Marietta, Georgia for two years and transferred to Camp House, Texas before being stationed near the Rhine River to fight the Germans. He was on the banks of the Danube River when the war
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Local car enthusiasts will get another chance to view classic cars at the 5th Annual Leland Dockery Tribute Cruise-In, which has been rescheduled to Sunday, June 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Originally set for June 1, the event was postponed due to rain.
See CRUISE-IN, Page 6
World War II veteran Leonard Cooper celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday He has been a Trussville resident since 1961. Submitted photos.
ended. Cooper was sent home on furlough to greet his newborn daughter before taking jungle training in order to fight the Japanese. In the meantime, the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb that ended the war. Cooper returned to be honorably discharged and was decorated three times for bravery, even receiving The Bronze Star Medal. While in Germany, Cooper served as an ammunition
Springville approves new police cruiser, Education Coordinator position By Terry Schrimscher Trussville World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday
bearer, traversing hazardous, well-fortified enemy territory, at times through places no one else wanted to go. “Private Cooper fearlessly pursued his course and made repeated trips over exposed terrain to en-
sure an adequate supply of ammunition to the squad,” the citation for The Bronze Star reads. “His dauntless courage and determination in accomplishing his mission enabled the squad to
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. – The City Council of Springville met for the first regular meeting of the month on Monday, June 3. Much of the discussion took place in the work session prior to the regular meet-
See 100-YEAR-OLD, Page 3
See SPRINGVILLE, Page 4
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