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TRUSSVILLE • ARGO• IRONDALE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO CENTER POINT • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • TRUSSVILLE • IRONDALE LEEDS • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE TRUSSVILLE • LEEDS • IRONDALE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • IRONDALE PINSON • CENTER POINT • IRONDALE • SPRINGVILLE • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • IRONDALE • SPRINGVILLE LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • IRONDALE ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • IRONDALE CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • CENTER POINT
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Lass But Not Least: Out With The Old
Page 9
October 24 - 30
www.TrussvilleTribune.com
New Pinson Elementary principal, Palmerdale interim fire chief introduced at council meeting
‘I am not going to seek reelection’ Trussville mayor announces
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Trussville residents are dressing up for a good cause. The 5th annual Trussville Witches Ride brought together hundreds of community members. “Some ladies in Truss-
See PINSON, Page 3
See WITCHES RIDE, Page 2 Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat announces that he will not seek reelection. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
MOODY, Ala. – The Moody Police Department reported Sunday afternoon that 16-year-old Diana Mackenzie Taylor had been located and was safe. That morning police were working to locate Taylor, who had last been seen at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 in Moody. Moody police officials thanked the community for their assistance while trying to locate the missing teen.
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat made an emotional announcement during his State of the City address on Thursday that he will not be seeking reelection next year. Choat, speaking at the Trussville Civic Center to community members, city officials, and business owners, began by recounting a trip he went on recently to Nova Scotia. “When we got back I had a clear vision on what next year, this coming year meant. One of the things
that did become clear to me was it’s time for a change,” Choat said. “I am not going to seek reelection next year. It was never my plan to stay here more than two terms, although I love what I do. I love the people I work with, great citizens, but it’s time.” “There’s leaders, there’s always leaders in a community, we’ve got leaders in this community that will step up and take over and just keep carrying the torch, and that’s what I hope they’ll do.” Choat continued, saying that the decision has been a burden on him but that,
Amerex partners with City of Trussville to build Miracle League field From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – The City of Trussville and Amerex announced a partnership on Thursday to build a Miracle League field as part of Trussville’s baseball and softball complex. Amerex Field will provide an inclusive space for children and adults of all abilities to participate in sports, extending the joy of teamwork and movement to everyone who wants to play. Designed by architect Ryan Vernon of Lathan Architects, the Miracle League field will feature a specialized surface that allows individuals with disabilities to safely participate. The field will also include accessible dugouts tailored for children with special needs, ensuring participants feel included. In addition to hosting adaptive baseball games, the field will be used for other activities, including games for younger, T-ball athletes. Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat shared the news
A conceptual drawing of Amerex Field.
during his State of the City Address on Thursday, adding that Amerex is donating $500,000 to the project. “This Miracle League field is more than just a part of our sports complex—it’s a place where memories will be made and the entire community can come together,” Choat said. “Thanks to the generous donation from Amerex, we are proud to bring this space to fruition not only to meet the needs right here in our community but for people from all over Alabama.” The new field will be integrated into the Trussville Parks and Recreation baseball program, creating opportunities for high school
students and other community members to volunteer as buddies for Miracle League players. While a nearby Miracle League field exists in Moody, Trussville officials worked closely with the Miracle League organization to ensure this project would complement, rather than compete with, existing programs. “At Amerex and all of the McWane Inc. family of companies, we are committed to protecting lives, whether through fire safety or by investing in projects that build stronger, more inclusive communities,” said Harrison Bishop, President and CEO of Amerex. “We are excited to be in a position where we can bring this Miracle League field to life and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the Trussville community.” The project reflects years of planning, and construction is already underway with an anticipated opening on April 1, 2025.
Audience members applaud Choat after his announcement.
“Quite honestly, four more years, I just don’t feel like I am ready to take that challenge on.” “We’ve got a full year, we’ve got a lot of challenges before us, we’ve got a lot of great things in the works, I’m looking forward to that, but I would expect…next October the new incoming mayor will have an opportunity to address you all and I’m sure that it’ll be someone that’s good and will be a good leader for our city.” “Our work is not done, but I thank you,” Choat closed with. “I thank you for the opportunity to do what I’ve done for what
2 new businesses opening in Leeds
will be nine years, a total of 17 years–two terms on the council and nine years as your mayor. It’s been a great honor for me and a privilege and from us, we say thank you.” The current municipal term is five years instead of the usual four years because the Alabama legislature added one year to move municipal elections a year away from the presidential election in November 2024. The next municipal election for mayor and city council will be held in August of 2025.
LEEDS, Ala. – The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds are getting set to welcome two new businesses to the city this week–Health Art Massage and Yellowhammer Antiques. Owned by Mike and Amy Coots, Health Art is
See MAYOR, Page 3
See OPENINGS, Page 2
From Tribune staff reports
Trussville Council, Rotary recognize World Polio Day By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.-The Trussville City Council voted unanimously to declare Oct. 24 as Rotary International World Polio Day in the city during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Councilor Lisa Bright, who is a member of the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club along with Councilor Alan Taylor, read the proclamation. “Polio cases have dropped by 99.9% since 1988 and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating this disease,” Bright read. “Today, Rotary has contributed more than $2.4 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries.” Rotary International is also working to raise $50 million per year, along with $100 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation annually, to continue providing medical support and educational materials to
Fran Aldridge of the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club accepts the council’s proclamation declaring Oct. 24 as Rotary International World Polio Day. Chris Basinger/ Trussville Tribune
fight polio. Fran Aldridge accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club. The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club currently meets at 7 a.m. almost every Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church Trussville. In other council business: • Approved a resolution to accept various streets throughout the Winslow Parc Subdivision • Approved a resolution
Inside the Tribune
News - Pages 1-8 Lifestyle - Page 9 Outdoors - Pages 10-11 Obituary - Page 12 Calendar - Page 13 Classified - Page 13 Sports - Pages 14-16
Trussville Witches Ride raises money for local 7-year-old By Scott Minshall, CBS 42
PINSON, Ala. – The new principal of Pinson Elementary School and the interim chief of the Palmerdale Fire District were introduced during a meeting of
From Tribune staff reports
Page 14
2024
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
16-year-old missing Moody girl found safe
Moody claims region title
Service & Maintenance • Lift Kits • Accessories 3620 Vann Rd Birmingham
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to authorize the mayor to sign a 15-year naming rights agreement for the Amerex Miracle League Field • Approved a resolution to engage Graham & Company for marketing the former Gold Kist Chicken Plant • Elected Ben Short as Council President and Alan Taylor as Council President Pro-Tem for the term of November 2024 to October 2025
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