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My Life As A Hobby: I’m Getting Ornamental
Page 5
December 12 - 18
www.TrussvilleTribune.com
Trussville 2024 Christmas Parade this weekend, livestreamed by The Tribune
‘I want to provide good food to a town that really deserves it;’ New deli opening soon in Trussville
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to light up main street with holiday cheer during its upcoming Christmas Parade on Dec. 14. See PARADE, Page 3
Mistletoe on Main returns to Leeds this Friday From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala. – Leeds Main Street’s Mistletoe on Main event will return to the city this Friday, Dec. 13. Mistletoe on Main will run from 4-7 p.m., leading up to the Leeds Area Chamber’s annual Christmas parade that evening. “We’re thrilled to bring Mistletoe on Main back to See LEEDS, Page 3
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – After a decade honing his culinary craft, John Finney is ready to bring his vision for a new dining experience to life right here in Trussville. Henrietta’s Deli is set to open in the Trussville Entertainment District later this month, offering locals access to quality ingredients and a place to enjoy tasty, local dishes. Finney started his culinary journey at Jefferson State, and was hired out of school by famed Birmingham chef Frank Stitt to work at Highlands Bar and Grill. There, he worked his way up from making salads to becoming the restaurant’s sous-chef, during which Highlands won the James Beard Award. After four years, Finney moved over to Chez Fonfon where he served as the chef de cuisine for the last six years. When the time came for him to open a restaurant
Chef/Owner John Finney stands outside the soon-to-open Henrietta's Deli in Trussville.
of his own, he settled on opening a deli and decided it should be located in the place he calls home. “I was like, well you know what, there’s no place around here just to get a sandwich,” Finney said. “You can go to Subway, you can go to Jimmy John’s, and that’s totally fine if that’s the way you want to go, but there’s no homemade-type thing around here.” Finney and his fami-
ly have lived in Trussville since 2015 and he has partnered with Hewitt-Trussville and Jeff State’s culinary programs to share his love of fine food with the community. “I want to provide good food to a town that really deserves it,” Finney said. With family at the forefront, he chose Henrietta, his grandmother’s middle name, as the name of the new deli, which will focus
Moody drops a heartbreaker in the championship game
Page 9
2024
on a locally-made dining experience. “Everything that I’m gonna do is going to be made from scratch,” Finney said. “The vinaigrettes, the dressings, some of the sides, the potato chips–all that can be made in-house.” In addition to the sandwich shop, Henrietta’s will serve as a full deli storefront, selling meats, cheeses, oils, vinegars, locally made spices, towels, cutting boards and more. “I want to be able to have something for the guests that they can buy that they didn’t know that they needed,” Finney said. He plans to have the new restaurant open before Christmas. “I’m just excited to share my vision and my passion with Trussville. From talking to people…they’re just excited to have something different but really, really good,” Finney said. For a sneak preview of Henrietta’s, visit www. henriettasdeli.com.
75-year-old killed in Leeds shooting From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala. – A Leeds man was shot and killed early Tuesday morning, according to the Leeds Police Department. At approximately 6:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 8200 block of Jackson Avenue on a report of a shooting. When they arrived on the scene, they found Chris-
See SHOOTING, Page 4
Moody police officer injured after car hits parked patrol vehicle From Tribune staff reports
MOODY, Ala. – An officer with the Moody Police Department was taken to the hospital with minor injuries today after a car crashed into a parked patrol vehicle responding to a wreck along Interstate 20. At approximately 5:35
See POLICE CRASH, Page 4
Councilman Ben Short Moody Council approves over $200K to repair announces run for mayor in Trussville Industrial Park water tank From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. – Trussville City Councilman Ben Short officially announced his candidacy for Trussville Mayor today. Municipal elections are slated for August of 2025. The current five year term is a one-off put in place by the Alabama Legislature to move municipal elections off of a presidential election year. Mayor Buddy Choat announced at the State of the City address that he would not seek a third term after nine years in office. Short said he aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents with a strong focus on city planning and infrastructure. “I am running for mayor because I love this community and feel called to continue serving in this way,” Short said. “I am committed to responsible growth, city planning, ensuring the safety of our residents, and making sure our schools have the
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
Trussville councilman Ben Short has announced his plans to run for Mayor.
resources they need to continue being successful.” Short has been a part of the Trussville community since 2003 and began his career with the Trussville Police Department in 2011, serving as a police officer, detective, and public information officer. He was elected to the Trussville City Council in 2020.
As a city employee before his council tenure, Short said he was able to develop an in-depth understanding of local governance and law enforcement. His experience as an investigator with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office also allowed him to assist local agencies with See MAYOR ELECTION, Page 3
MOODY, Ala. – The Moody City Council approved spending $232,471.80 on a project to repair the Kelly Creek Industrial Park’s water tank during its meeting on Monday, Dec. 9. Councilor Lynn Taylor explained that the park has two pumps that malfunctioned, and one needing a fire pump replacement. Since the building housing the pumps cannot accommodate the necessary replacement pump, Taylor said that it would need to be modified. The cost of the project includes $165,616 for the replacement and installation, $41,500 for building remodeling, $15,000 for site improvements, and $10,355.80 for engineering. “This is a long time in the making,” Taylor said, pointing out that he has been seeking out specs for the project for more than a year. The council also heard reports from department
Mayor Joe Lee. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
heads for the month of November during the meeting. Police Chief Reece Smith reported 1,110 calls, 38 traffic accidents, 135 citations, 93 reports completed, 61 misdemeanors, 19 felony cases, three juvenile cases, and 47 arrests. He estimated more than $2,000 for vehicle maintenance costs. Fire Chief Larry Horton reported 187 responses, three fires (two residential, one woods, grass or rubbish), 98 emergency medical calls, 14 wrecks, 30 public services, 22 lift assists,
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and 20 false alarms. There were 30 annual inspections, 15 re-inspections and one fire pump inspection. In other business the council: • Approved the purchase of a radio signal booster for the police department for $3,665, • Approved the purchase of cold weather beanies for the staff of the fire department for $550, • Approved the purchase of three computers, three monitors, software See WATER TANK, Page 3