Latest news with #Trussville
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ala. Man Sucked into Storm Drain and Dragged 500 Feet After Chasing Kids' Soccer Balls into Flooded Yard: 'Saying My Byes'
After being sucked into a storm drain in his yard in Trussville, Ala., Drew Owen was dragged through 500 feet of pipe, according to reports "I honestly was saying my goodbyes," Owen admitted to local media outlet WVTM 13, revealing that he wasn't sure if he would survive the terrifying ordeal After making it through with only "cuts and scrapes," he's using the experience to advocate for change in his neighborhood and beyondAn Alabama man went through a terrifying ordeal after he was sucked into a storm drain and dragged through 500 feet of pipe. On Friday, June 27, Drew Owen was chasing after his kids' soccer balls as his yard flooded due to a storm in Trussville, Ala., according to WVTM 13, WRBC and ABC 33/40. Tragedy struck when the dad of three accidentally got too close to the storm drain pipe in his yard while collecting one of the balls. 'Of course, I could not see anything; it was dark, and this was nothing but water. But the ball was somewhere in this area. So, I went to step to go get it, and when I did, this ditch is steep and I stumbled into the water,' he told WRBC. Suddenly, he was dragged into the pipe and became an unwilling passenger on a journey through the drainage system. "I got sucked down the drain pipe. I'm 6'2", 235 lbs and it sucked me up like a twig," he told ABC 33/40. Although he told the outlets he was likely only underwater for between 30 and 45 seconds, he said that it felt like the journey took minutes. "The water was flowing so hard, and that whole pipe was nothing but water," he told WVTM 13. "So I could not breathe or anything. And I didn't have time to get, like, gasp for air when it happened, because it happened so fast." By the time he was finally able to escape, he'd travelled an estimated 500 feet, which took him under the nearby Highway 11. ABC 33/40 reported that he used a tree branch to pull himself to safety. Owen credited his recently deceased dad as his "guardian angel," telling ABC 33/40 that he was looking over him. The incident took place the day before his father's funeral. "Honestly, all I could think about is not seeing my wife and kids anymore," he told the outlet, adding to WVTM 13 that he was "just praying that it was going to drop at some point soon." "I honestly was saying my goodbyes," he admitted. After surviving with only "cuts and scrapes" and some other minor injuries, Owen and his wife Kasey Owen are advocating for safety measures to be installed to prevent a similar event in the future. "My biggest thing I want to make people aware of is to always be careful with water that's flowing real hard. I have three young kids, and if they had went to go get the soccer balls instead of me, they probably would have drowned," he said. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Trussville's Mayor Buddy Choat surveyed the area, according to WVTM 13. While the system was installed by the state, he said that his team was looking into ways to increase safety measures. Kacey also recognizes how lucky the family was that day, telling ABC 33/40, "Honestly it's not lost on us that Drew is a miracle. Most people don't live to tell these stories, most of the time you hear about them when it's too late. We're just so thankful I have my husband and my kids have their dad."PEOPLE reached out to the Trussville mayor's office and the Department of Public Words for comment on the incident, but did not hear back at the time of publication. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ala. Man Sucked into Storm Drain and Dragged 500 Feet After Chasing Kids' Soccer Balls into Flooded Yard: 'Saying My Byes'
After being sucked into a storm drain in his yard in Trussville, Ala., Drew Owen was dragged through 500 feet of pipe, according to reports "I honestly was saying my goodbyes," Owen admitted to local media outlet WVTM 13, revealing that he wasn't sure if he would survive the terrifying ordeal After making it through with only "cuts and scrapes," he's using the experience to advocate for change in his neighborhood and beyondAn Alabama man went through a terrifying ordeal after he was sucked into a storm drain and dragged through 500 feet of pipe. On Friday, June 27, Drew Owen was chasing after his kids' soccer balls as his yard flooded due to a storm in Trussville, Ala., according to WVTM 13, WRBC and ABC 33/40. Tragedy struck when the dad of three accidentally got too close to the storm drain pipe in his yard while collecting one of the balls. 'Of course, I could not see anything; it was dark, and this was nothing but water. But the ball was somewhere in this area. So, I went to step to go get it, and when I did, this ditch is steep and I stumbled into the water,' he told WRBC. Suddenly, he was dragged into the pipe and became an unwilling passenger on a journey through the drainage system. "I got sucked down the drain pipe. I'm 6'2", 235 lbs and it sucked me up like a twig," he told ABC 33/40. Although he told the outlets he was likely only underwater for between 30 and 45 seconds, he said that it felt like the journey took minutes. "The water was flowing so hard, and that whole pipe was nothing but water," he told WVTM 13. "So I could not breathe or anything. And I didn't have time to get, like, gasp for air when it happened, because it happened so fast." By the time he was finally able to escape, he'd travelled an estimated 500 feet, which took him under the nearby Highway 11. ABC 33/40 reported that he used a tree branch to pull himself to safety. Owen credited his recently deceased dad as his "guardian angel," telling ABC 33/40 that he was looking over him. The incident took place the day before his father's funeral. "Honestly, all I could think about is not seeing my wife and kids anymore," he told the outlet, adding to WVTM 13 that he was "just praying that it was going to drop at some point soon." "I honestly was saying my goodbyes," he admitted. After surviving with only "cuts and scrapes" and some other minor injuries, Owen and his wife Kasey Owen are advocating for safety measures to be installed to prevent a similar event in the future. "My biggest thing I want to make people aware of is to always be careful with water that's flowing real hard. I have three young kids, and if they had went to go get the soccer balls instead of me, they probably would have drowned," he said. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Trussville's Mayor Buddy Choat surveyed the area, according to WVTM 13. While the system was installed by the state, he said that his team was looking into ways to increase safety measures. Kacey also recognizes how lucky the family was that day, telling ABC 33/40, "Honestly it's not lost on us that Drew is a miracle. Most people don't live to tell these stories, most of the time you hear about them when it's too late. We're just so thankful I have my husband and my kids have their dad."PEOPLE reached out to the Trussville mayor's office and the Department of Public Words for comment on the incident, but did not hear back at the time of publication. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. brings fresh scents to Trussville
The following article is by Chris Basinger, news editor of the Trussville Tribune: TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) — Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. has become the newest business to open in The Gateway, celebrating its grand opening with the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce Friday morning. The ribbon cutting, and the vibrant smells from the variety of soaps and lotions inside, attracted dozens of community members to join in the festivities. The franchise, owned by Jessica and Josh Jefcoat, is Magnolia's 58th location in the US. Originally from Mississippi, Jessica and Josh have called Trussville home for 10 years. 'I have been using Magnolia products for awhile, fell in love with the brand, and then decided that Trussville needed this so here we are,' Jessica said. Kayakers found safe after capsizing in Jefferson County The store was founded out of the desire to find plant-based soap products that feel luxurious without compromising health and cost. All of their products, from soaps and shower oils to hair care and laundry wash, use domestically sourced, naturally grown ingredients. 'All of our products are plant-based and we make everything in our store,' Jessica said. 'Also, everything can be customizable so if they find a scent that they love and want to put in a certain soap or a certain laundry detergent then we can do that as well.' The store also serves as an event space for parties and social gatherings and plans to give back to the community through fundraising opportunities and their Hope In Soap Initiative. 'We're just really excited to be a part of this community and be a part of the small business community,' Jessica said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alan Taylor withdraws from Trussville City Council race
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) — City Councilman Alan Taylor has withdrawn from the Trussville City Council race, according to an announcement sent to the Tribune and shared on social media. He was the most experienced candidate in the race with 13 years of service to the city. 'After much prayerful consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection to the Trussville City Council,' Taylor said. 'It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve this community over the past 13 years.' Taylor had originally not planned to seek re-election for a fourth term. But with the loss of an experienced mayor in Buddy Choat and longserving City Councilor Perry Cook, many people in the community urged him to seek one more term and he relented. With more time to reflect, he decided it was time to step away. 'This decision did not come easily,' he said. 'However, I believe this is the right time for me to step back and focus on other priorities. Some of my grandchildren live out of state, and I want to spend more time with them. Family is a gift, and I intend to be more present in their lives. In addition, I remain committed to serving at First Baptist Church Trussville as we move forward with our new building project. This is an exciting time for our church, and I want to be fully available to help see it through.' Trussville moves closer to implementing garbage fees, council discusses ways to alleviate costs Taylor reflected on the accomplishments of the city during his tenure which included creating a downtown where empty and dilapidated buildings once stood. Trussville residents had longed for a vibrant downtown area with flourishing business, restaurants and activities. After decades of promises and disappointments, the Trussville Entertainment District became a reality in Taylor's second term on city council and Choat's first term as mayor. 'I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, particularly the tremendous growth of our city and the continued success of our schools,' he said. 'Trussville has become a place where families thrive, and I am deeply grateful to have played a small part in helping shape its future. It has also been a true honor to work alongside Mayor Buddy Choat and my fellow members of the City Council.' While it is challenging to work through differences of opinion to reach a consensus, it was an aspect of serving that Taylor enjoyed. 'We may not have always agreed on every issue, but we have always shared a common goal: to do what is best for the people of Trussville,' he said. Taylor expressed gratitude for for the city workers who he called 'dedicated and hardworking.' He expressed gratitude to the people of Trussville and said, 'Thank you for the opportunity to serve, for your trust, and for your partnership over the years. I will always be an advocate for this city and the wonderful people who call it home.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
J.T. Smallwood announces candidacy for mayor of Trussville
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) — J.T. Smallwood has announced his intention to run for mayor of Trussville in this year's municipal election. Smallwood has served as the Jefferson County Tax Collector since 2002. He last faced election in 2020 where he defeated Charles Alexander in the Democratic primary and ran unopposed in the general election. In 2018, Smallwood was the Democrat challenger to Republican Joe Knight in the County Commission race, which Knight won handily. In his announcement, Smallwood stated that his campaign is centered on 'restoring fiscal accountability, transparency, opposing unnecessary tax increases, and enhancing the quality of life for all Trussville residents.' He wrote that he opposes raising property taxes and introducing garbage collection fees, and he pledged to 'prevent additional charges for services already covered through existing AD VALOREM taxes and sales tax.' Alan Taylor withdraws from Trussville City Council race The announcement also stated that he 'aims to address issues related to the Eastern Area Landfill' and 'plans to prioritize infrastructure improvements and public safety to enhance the overall well-being of Trussville residents.' It also stated that he is dedicated to protecting senior citizens and 'ensuring they are not disproportionately impacted by financial mismanagement or unnecessary tax burdens.' 'Trussville deserves leadership that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to the community's best interests,' Smallwood said. 'I am committed to serving our city with integrity and ensuring a prosperous future for all.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
