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Special Edition
Dedicated to Victims of January 23, 2012 Tornado
Workers help these women get out of their damaged home in Paradise Valley.

News
January 25, 2012

Pinson-Clay

Sports
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Page 3

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrows News

Death of 16 year old Christina Nicole Heichelbech

Page 5 out and the sun came up, it was only then that the tornados path was obvious as it touched down on highway 79 destroying business and damaging homes in that area, and moved on across through Center Point, Clay and areas of Trussville. The Pilgrims Rest Subdivision on Deerfoot Parkway, was also hit hard. Homes were demolished, some caved in with nothing left but the roof, others were moved from their foundation while other homes sustained little or no damage. On Jonathans Way, 5 homes in a culdesack were unscathed while the rest of the homes were destroyed. Continued page 2

Residents of Pinson, Clay, Center Point, Trussville and surrounding cities in Jefferson County, were jolted awake by the tornado sirens sounding at 3:15am, Monday, January 23, 2012. By 4:00am, to those who were keep tabs on the weather and sharing information through social media, it was obvious that the quad cities might be in for severe weather, but no one really expected it to turn in to such

devastation . TPCN was talking with citizens on its face book news feed page, and as people awakened, reports of high winds, power outages, and trees down began coming in to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department. By 4:19AM the Sheriffs department reported damage in New Castle and the Pinson area. Reports of damage in Center Point followed, and by 4:29am,

TPCN was reporting a direct hit and major damage in the George Brook Subdivision located in Clay, just off Old Springville Road. Over a dozen homes sustained some type of damage, some homes were totally destroyed with nothing left but debris and splintered wood. Within minutes, many people reported loss of cell phone service. At 4:39, reports were coming in that people

were trapped in homes in the Steeple Chase subdivision also located on Old Springville Road in Clay. Thats when reports of a death of a female began surfacing. At 4:41 the Sheriffs office requested that unless it was an emergency, people should remain home as main roadways such as Center Point Parkway, Old Springville Road, and Deerfoot Parkway, were blocked with

trees and power lines down. Reports began coming in, about residents also trapped in homes and homes destroyed in the Paradise Valley Subdivision. Center Point Fire & Rescue, Jefferson County Deputies and agencies in surrounding cities immediately began search and rescue efforts as well as closing off streets and subdivision entrances. By 5AM, the Sheriffs department was setting up a triage tent at the Winn Dixie in Clay and Jefferson County Board of Education decided to delay schools 2 hours. At that time they did not know the extent of the damage in these cities. As the clouds cleared

By Wayne Leslie

Eagles fly high as Jefferson County Champions

Center Point defeated Clay Chalkville 45-41 to win the Jefferson County Large Schools championship. The Eagles defense was a big factor in their victory with Darreyl Purnell leading the way with 10 rebounds and 8 blocked shots. Terrance Bunch led the Eagles in scoring with 13 points. Center Points Jeffrey Hodge was voted tourney MVP. The win improved the Eagles record to 14-8. The loss dropped the Cougars record to 17-7. Clay Chalkville was led in scoring by Darius Jordan with 11 points. Both teams fought for every basket

throughout the game and a 3 at 40-38, but excellent free point basket by Cougar Mar- throw shooting sealed the cus Baldwin with 58 seconds game for Center Point. left in the game pulled the Cougars within two points

From Trussville Chamber of Commerce, Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost so much in Mondays storms. If you would like to donate items, or if you would like to volunteer, there are coordination centers located at area churches: NorthPark Baptist Church located at 5700 Deerfoot Parkway. Their phone number is 2280030. They are collecting water and snacks and are working with other agencies to assist families. BridgePoint Church located on the far north end of Clay at the corner of Old Springville Road and Clayton Road. Donations needed include toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.), baby diapers and wipes, boxes or Rubbermaid tubs, plastic bags, cleaning supplies, work gloves, batteries, dust masks, womens personal products, towels, wash cloths, rags, notebooks, pens, pencils, baby food, baby clothes, bottles, baby blankets, tarps, ferring strips, 2x4 nails and hammers. Trussville First United Methodist is working with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)collecting items that will be taken to Clay United Methodist Church. The biggest needs right now are baby items such as wipes and diapers; they also need tarps. You may drop off these items at the church and they will deliver them. Once UMCOR has assessed, they will need other items and volunteers. Beth Burden is the contact person. She is the Director of Childrens Ministry at First United Methodist of Trussville. Her

Tornado Relief Sites in Trussville, Clay

number is (205) 655-3259. Go to The Pinson Clay News face book page for other sites.

January 23, Tornados

First look at the George Brook in Clay, one of the hardest hit subdivisions

TPCN

January 26 2012

Page 2

Center Points business district, Center Point Elementary School, and many homes took a direct hit
Center Point Elementary has been closed down since Monday. The board met and decided that they will be housing the 612 students at Erwin Elementary and Erwin Middle. PIO Nez Calhoun said, Will open all four schools on Wednesday, February 1. An 8:30 a.m. meeting is scheduled for Thursday at fine arts center at Center Point High for all faculties and staffs of the four schools. We appreciated all that Dr. Witherspoon and Dr. Freeman tried to do to help us, but with time and money constraints, this is the fastest and the most feasible.

From page 1 By 6am Trussville had also decided to delay the starting of schools for two hours. And by 6:11am Jefferson County Sheriffs office announced that Deerfoot was shut down from CCHS all

the way to the interstate as homes were also damaged in subdivisions off Clay/ Trussville Road. Reports of gas leaks began coming in which caused additional problems for search and rescue workers.

By 7AM it was announced that 16 year old Christina Heichelbech of Steeplechase had died as result of the tornado. By 7:30am both Jefferson County and Trussville school systems announced clos-

ing for the day. Citizens began asking how they could help tornado victims. At 7:46AM the Sheriffs department released a statement saying that, due to the amount of damage to business, if anyone was found in a business on Center Point parkway, they would be arrested. As TPCN Editor, Cathy Leslie posted the reports on the news feed page starting from 3:30am, many people began asking

about friends and family members who lived in those subdivisions that were the most impacted by this storm. Leslie made her way to George Brook where Pinsons Mayor Hoyt Sanders was already at the scene blocking and directing traffic away from George Brook on Old Springville Road. She parked and walked OSR to the subdivision entrance and was stunned to see the destruction. The earlier re-

ports were accurate and almost half of the homes either had trees on them or the house looked to be just a pile of wood. Residents were slowly venturing outside to assess the damage. Local churches began opening their doors to those who needed shelter. EMA was called in and began setting up distribution points for food and water. Continued page 5

SPORTS
By Staff Local area teams dominated this years Jefferson County Large Schools Tournament. Three of the top four teams including first and second place were our own area schools.

TPCN

January 26, 2012

Page 3

Alumni Football News

By David Murray

Jefferson County Tourney dominated by local teams

PINSON Coty Clark (Lawson State) CLAY-CHALKVILLE scores 18 points, pulled down 22 rebounds and handed out 12 CeCe Kinnon (SouthAlabama) assist In Lawson States 91-77 had five rebounds as the victory over Gadsden State.

Pinson Valley finished fourth, Clay Chalkville finished second and Center Point won it all. This has been a great year athletically for our local schools and these basketball teams are continuing where the football teams left off.

Lady Jags lost to Middle Spencer Duke (Mobile) is Tennessee 60-53.

Alex Strickland (Montevallo) is averaging 3.0 points and Kasey McKinney (Jones County, 2.8 rebounds per game. MS) is averaging 5.3 points and
2.3 assist per game. HEWITT- TRUSSVILLE Erin Moore (Birmingham Southern) scored five points and had three rebounds in BSCs 62-55 win over Dallas. CENTER POINT (Erwin) Erin Hogue (Alabama) had two rebounds in Bamas 61-37 loss to Florida.. Khristin Lee (Alabama) .has four points and four rebounds vs. Florida.

averaging 4.0 points and 1.6 rebounds per game.

Pinson Valley High School Senior Cheerleaders were honored at the Indians Football Banquet held January 2012 at Trussville Community Center.

PVHS Gears up for Soccer Season

By David Murray

Plenty of talent returns for

the Pinson Valley soccer squad this season. A total of six starters are back from 2011, which includes senior Alfredo Bustillos, juniors Tony Hernandez, Sam Shaw and Jaime Vargus, plus sophomores Ramn Bustillos and Giovanni Molina. Two newcomers to keep watch for is forward Aaron

Neeley, who transferred from Clay-Chalkville and Hunter Middleton, who transferred from Parkway Christian. Neeley has been the top goal scorer for his Cahaba Springs Soccer club team, and should be an offensive force for the Indians. Middleton also has played with CSSC for the last four years, and handled placekicking duties for the Indians football team last fall.

Some players expected to compete for starting roles are senior James Nunez, junior Jesus Martinez and younger brother Odon Martinez (sophomore). One player whose status is unclear at the moment is Jordan Guidy. He sustained a back injury during wrestling practice and is not expected to be cleared by his doctor until sometime in February. The Indians look to be the

strongest at the midfield and forward positions. On defense, Middleton will help and if Guidy make it back, that would be a huge plus. Vargus is a solid goalkeeper and has plenty of game experience. In total, PVHS will have five seniors, seven juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen. There are no plans to have a junior varsity squad.

Clay-Chalkville Freshman win Center Point Invitational

By Wayne Leslie Cougar Freshman boys built up a 24 point halftime lead in route Clay-Chalkville defeated to their victory. Center Point Center Point 63-43 to win the defeated Minor by 30 points to Center Point Invitational. The earn their spot in the champion-

ship game while The Cougars won by 6 in overtime against

Shades Valley to earn their spot.

CCHS Opens Soccer Tryouts

By David Murray
Mild and soggy weather on day one, followed by much colder temperatures on day two, greeted the nearly two dozen candidates for the first few days of soccer tryouts at Clay-Chalkville. Head coach Bob Adams and assistant David Shelton spent over an hour each day reviewing the skills of their athletes. This will be a team with an entirely new look, said Adams. Between graduation and either transfers or players deciding not to play at all, our 2012 boys squad will have plenty of new faces. Among the newcomers is sophomore Jonathan Ruiz, who was expected to join the CCHS tennis team, but decided to player soccer this season. On the flip-side, junior Kika Thomas opted not to play soccer this season and joined the tennis team. We certainly have lots of new folks at tryouts this week, said senior fullback Kyle Carden. We are going to need some help from many of last years junior varsity players at the varsity level this season. CCHS will be looking to sophomores, Warren LeGrand, Vidalo Kabiya and Peyton Cornett for a bulk of the teams offensive punch. Senior Alejandro Chavez is also a capable scorer from his midfield position. Kabiya was not among those attending tryouts do to his obligations with the Cougar basketball squad. At this point, Id say we have a long way to go to return to where we were last season, said senior fullback Jonathan Douglas. Our goal is to get back to the playoffs and hopefully not get eliminated in the

first round. Besides veterans like Carden, Chavez and Douglas, junior goalkeeper Micah Shelton returns for his second season as a starter. Sophomore Kaleb Cornett and Ruiz will compete for the back-up role. If there is a junior varsity squad, the two will also see minutes on that team.

TPCN

As I sat at my computer for hours, weeding through all of the photos of this weeks devastation, my mind went in so many directions in regards to what you, the public would want to know and which photos best described Mondays tragedy. I jotted down a few of my own thoughts as a time-line of sorts and heres what I came up with. First, in arriving to the scene at George Brook around daylight Monday morning, seeing the amount of destruction was stunning. Even though I had heard details while listening to the scanner starting at 3am, and hearing one of Jefferson County Deputies calling for help on his radio stating, I live here and we have at least 15 houses that took a direct hit, I was still not prepared for what I saw. The homes were in rubbles. The wood like match sticks with clothing and furni-

Keepin itTornado outbreak Real Remembering this weeks

ture mixed in, But I knew I had to stay focused on my job, to give you an insight as to what had occurred, when I really wanted to do like many others was to rush in to help. I toured around town all morning gathering information, photos and hearing of stories, yet most people were still in a state of shock. In arriving at Polo Downs, I felt as thought I were looking at something that had occurred on TV, not in Clay, a city in which I lived and worked for 8 years. I was greeted by many people who told the same story except for one being a resident of Polo Downs who informed me that the home I had just photographed was all that was left of the 16 year olds home, who died in the storm. Again, I found myself containing my own emotions in the name of professionEDITOR Cathy Leslie The Pinson Clay News

January 26, 2012

Page 4

By Dr. Bob Wilkerson

WEEKLY DEVOTION DONT WORRY!

They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:28-30). Dont Worry About Housing. God knows our every need. God promises that if we will Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33). It is our duty to trust God and live for him. When we do that, it becomes Gods duty to provide for us, and he never fails in doing his duty. Dont Worry About Doing Gods Will. Some of us have been called of God to be ministers, missionaries, church planters, etc. When God calls us, he enables us. We shall not fail. God has said, You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8b). Dont Worry About Being Alone. Jesus promises to be with us, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). There is a distinct dif-

alism, as I listened to his account of what had happened to that family. It was truly heartbreaking. Watching the emergency workers and JCSO Deputies, as their protective instincts kicked in, made me feel proud to live in a county with such a group of men and women who truly care, not just doing a job. Our deputies were prepared and I urge you to thank them for the long hours they worked during this disaster. Over the past three days, many people have contacted me asking how and where they could help victims. I was pushed to tears, in knowing that many people

have lost jobs in this economy yet they were willing to do what-ever is needed to help. The compassion shown for these victims has been almost overwhelming. As we (TPCN) kept the public updated through our news feed page, I received a request from Weather Nation to republish my photos and to be interviewed by long time meteorologist David Neal. For the first time in 8 years, I was on the other side, getting interviewed via Skype. Several radio stations have shared the photos we posted on the news feed page and I thank them for giving credit to TPCN. This was another way to get your story of needs out to thousands of people nation wide. I was so amazed and I am thankful to all of people who shared updates, photos and information on our news feed page. I saw car loads of teenagers, help-

ing where ever they could, and traveling around giving out food and water. I traveled to Center Point where it looked like a bomb had exploded. Tuesday, I was part of Governor Bentleys convoy as he toured the storm ravaged areas ending up at Center Point Elementary School that will have to be rebuilt. I noticed his sincere concern for all of those affected by Mondays storm. Theres much more work to be done. Shock has turned to sadness and people will need more help than is realized at this moment. So on behalf of those victims I ask that you please continue to check our FB News page for updates on how and where help is needed. If you know of someone in need, post it or send us a message. Again thank you to all who are working together for one purpose. For one never knows, we could be the victim on day too.

Many people are living in fear today. Unemployment and home foreclosures have been extremely high. We have been fighting two wars against religious fanatics who are totally barbaric, and our nation has become the greatest debtor nation in the world. In the midst of all these fearful situations, Jesus Christ, Gods Son, has a Word for us. The Word is dont worry. Dont Worry About Food. Jesus said learn from nature, Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them (Matthew 6:26). Then Jesus asked the question, Are you not much more valuable then they? Dont Worry About Clothing. Jesus said, See how the lilies grow.

ference between feeling alone and being alone. At times our feelings deceive us. We are like a sick child who wakes up crying, feeling frightened and alone when his parents have been by his bed all through the night. Rely on Gods Word, not your feelings. The fact is that God has promised us that he will never abandon us or leave us alone, and God never breaks his promise. Dont Worry About Your Salvation. If you have ever had the real thing, you have not lost it. God not only saves ushe keeps us saved. Listen to the words of Jesus as recorded in Johns Gospel, chapter 10, verse 27: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. Fear is the opposite of faith. If we exercise our faith instead of our fears, we may come to Pauls persuasion, For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38).

PINSON AL.
Living Word 4950 Faucett Rd. 205-681-8141 Valley East Baptist 128 Bud Holmes Rd. (205) 680-0498 Gateway Family Church Birmingham 4950 Faucett Road (205) 680-2270 First Baptist Pinson 4036 Spring Street (205) 681-9611 Palmerdale 1st Bap. 8039 Highway 75 (205) 681-8292

6829 Highway 79 (205)681-5683 Sharon Baptist 4444 Sharon Church Rd (205) 681-7602 Welcome Baptist 5188 Terry Heights Rd. (205) 681-9749 Palmerdale UMC 7776 Highway 75 (205) 681-9762 Pinson UMC 4507 Bud Holmes Rd. (205) 681-8348 Hopewell MC 8732 Highway 75 (205) 680-1944

Agape Baptist

Hopewell Bapt. 9060 Hopewell Church 681-3755 Solid Rock Church 4509 Center Point RD (205) 681-5551 Cornerstone Life Church 4167 Center Point Road, Pinson 205-681-8031 CLAY AL. Bridgepoint Church 7476 Clayton RD. 680-3354 Clay UMC 6790 Old Springville Rd 205-681-2727 ClayRidge Bapt. Old Springville Road 205-681-5759

Clay Baptist Church 6295 Trussville Clay Rd (205) 655-9611 Faith Lutheran 6704 Deerfoot Pkwy (205) 680-2144 Grace Presbyterian 6110 Deerfoot Parkway 205.655.0460 Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church 9392 Cedar Mtn. Rd. 681-4119 Taylor Memorial UMC 2501 Sweeny Hollow Rd. (205) 853-3050 Faith UM Church 7315 Old Springville Rd (205) 681-4429

TPCN

Polo Downs in Clay hit by Mondays Tornados

January 26, 2012

Page 5

Through out the day, reports of more destruction came in through 911 calls. By Monday afternoon, Governor Bentley declared a State of Emergency for all 67 Alabama counties as a result of severe weather impacting the state. By declaring a State of Emergency, the Governor authorizes

the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies to assist communities and make the appropriate assessments of damage. Perhaps the most compelling story came from a neighbor who gave his account of efforts to rescue and revive 16 year old Christina Nicole

Heichelbech . Neighbors told the News that when the tornado struck, the Heichelbech family tried to make it to the basement. The mother, father and brother were thrown in to the back yard swimming pool. Christina was thrown in to the back yard. Neighbors say that they located her under a mattress, but this wedge shaped structure was laying on top of the mattress. It took many people to lift the structure then emergency workers tried for 20 to 30 minutes to revive her but she was gone. Neighbors said they just didnt understand how one house could be sheered in half, and another house left standing tall. Continued page 6
Photos by The Pinson-Clay News

This is all thats left of a home that was across the street from the Heichelbechs. The homeowner was able to take shelter and unharmed.

Governor Robert Bentley tours cities with Clay and Center Point Mayors

TPCN

January 26, 2012

Page 6

Governor Bentley also met with Dr. Phil Hammonds at Center Point Elementary

These teens from Hewett Trussville High School turned out to help residents with clean up in the Pilgrims Rest Subdivision off Deerfoot Parkway.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS WILL BE UPLOADED TO OUR WEB SITE AT WWW. THEPINSONNEWS.COM