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Local News Coverage


In 2022 I returned to my roots and began working as a freelance reporter for several community newspapers in suburban Birmingham, Alabama.

Vestvavia Voice

VestaviaVoice.com •

Indoor pickleball courts proposed for former Sprouts location in Vestavia

An indoor pickleball facility with 10 courts has been proposed for the former Sprouts grocery store on U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills, and the City Council is considering an incentive package to make the deal happen.

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes announced the proposal during Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Downes said the vacant Sprouts site at 1031 Montgomery Highway has been “a topic of conversation in our community” since the grocery store closed in December 2018 and said an...
VestaviaVoice.com •

City Council considers selling land to Jefferson County for bridge widening

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday plans to vote on a proposal to sell a small parcel of land in the Patchwork Farms nature park to Jefferson County so the county can widen a bridge on Old Looney Mill Road.

A proposed resolution for the council to consider indicates the land, which is less than 1/10th of an acre, has an estimated value of $13,724, but the proposal is for the city to sell the land to the county for $1 because the city has no use for it and the county needs it for the br...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Pitts encourages seniors as Ms. Senior Alabama

Sharon Pitts might have what’s known as “beginner’s luck.”

A longtime Vestavia Hills resident and active community volunteer, Pitts was crowned Ms. Senior Alabama on June 1 in her first-ever pageant. 

Pitts accepted the nomination to represent Vestavia Hills after her aunt, who is just a few years older, nominated her as a possible competitor. Pitts initially resisted the idea, but after looking into the mission of the Ms. Senior Alabama organization, she realized this was right up her all...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia Seals programs benefiting students in languages and the arts

Vestavia Hills High School has emerged as a leader in the state in reviving interest in world languages and the arts through its innovative Seals credentialing programs. 

Under the leadership of VHHS faculty members Lisa McFadden, a Spanish teacher and world languages department chairwoman, and Faith Lenhart, the director of arts education, the VHHS Seal of Biliteracy and Arts Achievement Seal have recognized hundreds of students for their commitment to the arts and world languages, while enc...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia Hills City Council passes $73.2 million general fund budget for 2025

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday night unanimously approved a $73.2 million general fund budget for fiscal 2025, which begins Oct. 1 of this year. 

The new budget marks a 10.3% increase over the city’s 2024 budget and includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for Vestavia Hills employees as well as new terms for the financing of city vehicles and other equipment, all of which were approved as separate resolutions by the City Council. 

During a period of public comment prior to the vot...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia Hills proposed 2025 budget includes $2 million for paving, new fire training facility

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes on Monday night presented a $116 million budget proposal to the City Council that includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for city employees, more than $2 million in road resurfacing and funding for a new Fire Department training facility.

The proposed $73.2 million general fund budget marks a 10.3% increase over the fiscal 2024 budget passed a year ago and would be the largest general fund budget in the city’s history if approved by the council. 

Down...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Downes recommends $116 million city budget for 2025

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes plans to recommend a $116 million budget for fiscal 2025 to the Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday night, representing a 12% increase from the original 2024 budget.

The $116 million budget includes $73.2 million in planned expenditures from the city’s general fund, $23.6 million in spending on capital projects, $7.4 million for debt service, $7 million in spending from the community spaces fund and $4.8 million in spending from the special revenue fu...
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Elementary schools to roll out new STEM program

The Vestavia Hills school system is rolling out a new science, technology, engineering and math initiative to all of its elementary schools for the 2024-25 school year. 

The STEM program will be offered to all students in kindergarten through 5th grade and will be a weekly hands-on, experiential specialty class alongside art, music and library classes, said Brooke Wedgworth, the school system’s curriculum and instruction director.

The program will emphasize construction, building and engin...
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Vestavia Hills school system welcomes wave of new principals

The Vestavia Hills school system has a new crop of principals for the 2024-25 school year.

Blair Inabinet was appointed as the new principal of Vestavia Hills High School, following three years as principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park and this past year as principal at Liberty Park Middle School. Lauren Dressback was named principal of the alternative school, after two years as principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

Also, four women who have been serving as as...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia Hills City Council OKs emergency funds to address sinkhole

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday took action to quickly move forward with a stormwater pipe repair to remedy a sinkhole that has started to form along a road near the Vestavia Hills Freshman Campus.

The project was planned in the fiscal 2024 budget, but “with the most recent rains, conditions changed dramatically in recent weeks, prompting this emergency declaration," City Manager Jeff Downes said.

The City Council approved $137,000 in emergency funds to repair two corrugated pipe...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Former Cahaba Heights principal Lauren Dressback speaks out about new job

Former Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights Principal Lauren Dressback on Friday spoke publicly for the first time about her new role as principal of the Vestavia Hills Alternative School following her controversial transfer to the job in May.

Dressback, who will be starting her 20th year with Vestavia Hills City Schools, was placed on administrative leave in February and then assigned to the alternative school during a special school board meeting on May 1.

Several Cahaba Heights pare...
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia council to consider rezoning for Cahaba Heights property

The Vestavia Hills City Council on July 22 plans to vote on whether to rezone a vacant piece of property in Cahaba Heights to accommodate a new office building.

The property at 3916 Waynely Drive is between The Pita Stop and Sherwin-Williams paint store and is directly across Crosshaven Drive from the Winn-Dixie supermarket. The proposal is to rezone it from an R-4 medium-density residential district to an O-1 office park district. 

The owner, JACPLA, plans to build an office building on t...
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Vestavia Hills gets $10,000 grant for business marketing strategy

Vestavia Hills businesses will get some additional publicity thanks to a grant from the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.

The $10,000 grant, awarded under the commission’s Economic Development Grant Program, will be used for a new marketing initiative at Vestavia Hills city parks and athletic facilities encouraging visitors to patronize area businesses.

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes said his team has learned much about traffic patterns at city parks and recreati...
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Construction ahead: Plan to improve US 31, Columbiana Road intersection delayed; new target start date in fall

Despite some delays, a comprehensive plan to improve the intersection of Columbiana Road and U.S. 31 is set to begin later this year.

The city of Vestavia Hills collaborated with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham for a comprehensive study of the city’s intersections several years ago.

As part of that evaluation, crash data for each intersection was closely studied, and the results determined the intersection of U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road had the highest number of crashes.
VestaviaVoice.com •

Transplant Games have special meaning for Vestavia resident

For Vestavia Hills resident Ann Rayburn, the upcoming Transplant Games of America, which will take place throughout the Birmingham area on July 5-10, are of both professional and personal interest.

For the last 26 years, Rayburn has worked for Legacy of Hope, Birmingham’s primary organ and tissue procurement organization.

As the director of education, Rayburn has spent her career advocating for organ donors and recipients from all over the nation. However, Rayburn is also an organ donor and th
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Vestavia couple bringing boozy coffee cocktail to market

Drop by any area liquor store or local bar and you’re likely to see something new on the shelf: Speedball.

A combination of cold brew coffee, tequila and other ingredients, Speedball was developed by Vestavia Hills residents Bobby and Julia Thompson.

Doing business as OG Beverage Creations, the Thompsons jumped into the world of canned cocktails after retiring from their vastly different careers in 2022.

Julia Thompson spent 43 years in corporate America with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ala
VestaviaVoice.com •

City Council replaces aging boilers at Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

The Vestavia Hills City Council approved two unbudgeted items to improve the city’s infrastructure during its City Council Meeting Monday night.

First, the council unanimously approved $150,000 for the replacement of two aging heating boilers at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. The 12-year-old boilers are on the verge of failure, and city leaders decided to take action before the fall and winter months, Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes said.

“We did not have this planned in thi
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ALDOT gives Vestavia Hills go-ahead for pedestrian bridge across U.S. 31

The Alabama Department Of Transportation recently gave Vestavia Hills the go-ahead for the city’s project to build a pedestrian bridge across U.S. 31.

The state issued its notice to proceed on May 15, and pre-construction activities are well underway, Public Works Director Lori Beth Kearley told the Vestavia Hills City Council during its meeting Monday night.

Pre-construction activities include utility coordination, approval of requests for information from suppliers and the procurement of the
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia Hills native gracing London ballet stage

John Murch loves to run, jump and leap, and he’s among the best from his hometown at what he does. However, Murch, a Vestavia Hills native, isn’t a basketball or football player, but instead is an up-and-coming star in the competitive world of ballet.

Since 2021, Murch has been living in London and studying ballet at The Royal Ballet Upper School, a prestigious three-year program administered by the University of Roehampton. One of only 100 students from 17 different countries in his class, Mur
VestaviaVoice.com •

Farmers markets providing taste of summer in Vestavia

Summer is almost here, which means area farmers markets are now in full swing. Vestavia Hills is home to several long-running farmers markets that offer fresh fruits and vegetables as well as arts and crafts and other wares all spring and summer.

Established in 1976, Murphree’s Market and Garden Center has served Cahaba Heights and surrounding communities for 48 years. Owner Brad Murphree said all of the usual summer favorites will be in stock this year, including the perennial favorite Chilton
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia second grader burning rubber on go-kart circuit

Reuben Greer is a typical little boy doing typical little-boy things: going to school, playing with friends and aggravating his little sisters and foster brother. However, one thing sets this 9-year-old apart from his peers — Reuben is a go-kart racing champion.

A second grader at Vestavia Hills Elementary West, Reuben was introduced to go-kart racing by his father, Stephen, when he was just 4 years old and began competing at the age of 6. Instead of spending his weekends on the soccer field or
VestaviaVoice.com •

Blue Lake Drive area transitions to green

Formerly a residential community in the shadow of the Colonnade shopping development, the Blue Lake Drive area is transforming into a dynamic business district on the edge of the southwest corner of Vestavia Hills.

The area is experiencing rapid growth in new construction as well as seeing many of the dilapidated older homes — many abandoned or used as short-term rentals — either demolished or renovated to house financial, medical and law offices.

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes said t
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia Hills City Council approves grant for Altadena Park improvements

The Vestavia Hills City Council approved a grant earmarked for improvements at Altadena Park during its regular meeting Monday night.

The $15,000 grant from Innovate Alabama, a public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation throughout the state, will be used for outdoor recreation enhancements to the park, a point of emphasis for the City Council as part of its master plan, said Jeff Downes, Vestavia Hills City Manager.

“Innovate Alabama has multiple pillars
VestaviaVoice.com •

Aaron named Alternate State Teacher of the Year

The State of Alabama Department of Education named Vestavia Hills educator Kira Ledbetter Aaron Alabama’s Alternate State Teacher of the Year during its annual awards ceremony at The Alabama Shakespeare Festival's Globe Theatre on Wednesday, May 8.

An English Teacher at Vestavia Hills High School Freshman Campus and the 2024-25 District III Teacher of the Year, Aaron was one of 16 finalists under consideration as Alabama’s top educator. She has previously named Vestavia's Secondary Teacher of t
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Principal change at Cahaba Heights Elementary draws protest at Vestavia school board meeting

The Vestavia Hills Board of Education followed through on a personnel action to transfer Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights Principal Lauren Dressback to the city’s alternative school during a special meeting Wednesday night.

In front of a packed room of residents and protesters from outside Vestavia Hills, the board unanimously approved the action before quickly naming Assistant Principal Kim Polson as the school's new principal on a roughly one-year probationary contract.

Prior to the
VestaviaVoice.com •

Students learn valuable skills volunteering at food bank

On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, a Vestavia Hills High School bus pulls into the parking lot of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama in West Homewood.

The bus is full of students from the school’s Life Skills class, ready for a day of helping people in need.

For the next few hours, the students sort food, pack boxes and prepare for the food bank to deliver food to needy families throughout the greater Birmingham area. In 2023, the Community Food Bank reported that it delivered 21 milli
VestaviaVoice.com •

Vestavia resident inducted into Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame

Lou Scripa, a Vestavia Hills resident for close to 30 years, recently was inducted into the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame.

He joins people like Vince Lombardi, Joe DiMaggio and Mario Andretti in that hall of fame, but many people in Vestavia Hills may not be familiar with Scripa because most of his famous accomplishments took place when he lived in California.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Scripa achieved notoriety for setting an array of world records related to fitness and
VestaviaVoice.com •

Soccer club names Walsh new director of coaching

The Vestavia Hills Soccer Club in April announced Nolan Walsh as the club’s new director of coaching.

Walsh takes over for Carlo Schiavoni, who has served as coaching director since 2015.

A Chicago native, Walsh joined the coaching staff at VHSC after moving to Birmingham with his wife, Carissa, to be near her family two years ago. Prior to joining VHSC, Walsh was the administrator and a coach with Chicago FC United Soccer Club, a premier soccer club fielding youth programs and a semi-professi
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Hub in the Hills: Vision for transforming Central Elementary coming into focus

The former Vestavia Hills Elementary School Central building could begin a major transformation as soon as this summer, the purchasers of the school say.

Ammie Akin, an educator with more than 20 years of experience, and her husband, Will, a principal of Capital Growth Real Estate, this past fall agreed through a company called Wellspring Holdings to purchase the property from the Vestavia Hills Board of Education for $1.25 million.

Ammie Akin said she hopes to give the school, to be called Hu
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Vestavia mayor, daughter advocate for new disability symbol

Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry and his daughter, Anna Gualano, are behind an effort to update the traditional handicap symbol with a new emblem for the state of Alabama.

Called the Dynamic Accessibility Symbol, the new design is an update of the classic handicap symbol released in 1969. The new mark is designed to show a person with a disability actively engaged in their own movement, rather than the static position portrayed in the current symbol.

The updated symbol is gaining support amon
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Vestavia Hills City Council starts planning for veterans memorial

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday took a first step toward creating a veterans memorial, authorizing $17,500 to hire a landscape architecture firm to design a memorial at Altadena Valley Park.

The council hired Renta Land Design, based on Caldwell Mill Road, for the job.

Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry said it’s long overdue for the city of Vestavia Hills to create a memorial honoring American veterans.

“I think we're the only over-the-mountain city that doesn't have a veterans memo
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Building back: Vestavia firefighter rebuilds after losing house to blaze

Life for Vestavia Hills Fire Department firefighter Jonathan Vickery is almost back to normal. Almost.

Seventeen months after losing his own house in a fire, Vickery and his wife, LaVonda, are in the final stages of getting ready to move into their newly built home.

It’s been an exhausting year and a half for the McCalla couple, but they can see the finish line approaching. Life for the Vickerys changed around 2 a.m. on Oct. 19, 2022. The fan keeping their bedroom cool suddenly shut off, and J
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Buying into the vision: Vestavia Hills City Center blossoms after early struggles

Two decades since its debut, the Vestavia Hills City Center is on the rebound.

Opened in 2003, the City Center’s mixture of high-end retail and restaurants offered a radical new vision to the aging Vestavia Shopping Center. However, the center’s two anchor restaurants, Nonna Rose and Brazil, failed within the first three years, followed by high turnover rates, an uninspired mix of tenants and bankruptcy by 2010, putting its future on shaky ground.

In 2017, the Vestavia City Center was sold to
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A little bit of Italy in Rocky Ridge: Napoli Pizza opens in Rocky Ridge Plaza

The Birmingham metro area has lost a lot of Italian restaurants over the years, but a new one in Rocky Ridge is conjuring up memories of long-gone places such as LaVoy’s in Homewood, Romeo’s on Southside or Sal’s Italian across town in Roebuck.

Napoli Italian Restaurant & Pizza opened its doors in October in the former location of Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza, between IZ Cafe and Alabama Biscuit Co., and already has developed a loyal following.

The interior is all rustic Italian elegan
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Burglaries hit record low again in 2023

Vestavia Hills in 2023 experienced declines in many crimes, including murder, drug offenses, weapons offenses and a record low number of burglaries, according to statistics provided by the city’s police department.

However, there were more vehicle break-ins and thefts of vehicles in 2023 than the year before, police said.

After experiencing one murder in 2022, the city saw none in 2023. Other violent crimes either stayed flat, such as the 114 assaults the city experienced in both 2022 and 2023
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Girl Scouts DreamLab coming to City Center

Work has begun on the Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama’s new DreamLab in the Vestavia Hills City Center.

The DreamLab is going into an 11,300-square-foot space formerly occupied by Redstone Church. It’s designed to be a cutting-edge, program-oriented center meant to provide specialized programming and to enhance the Girl Scouts’ community impact within their communities.

The DreamLab will feature an auditorium with seating for 175 girls when configured as a classroom setting, but it will a
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Vestavia officials honor sheriff's deputy who donated kidney for Vestavia police officer

Members of the Vestavia Hills Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office gathered at Monday night’s Vestavia Hills City Council meeting to celebrate a “miracle.”

Vestavia Hills police Chief Shane Ware, Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway and dozens of guests gathered for the reading of a proclamation honoring Sheriff’s Lt. Mike House, who donated a kidney to Vestavia Hills Police Cpl. Jerry Hughes in December.

“Thank you for allowing us the opportunity tonight to celebrate such
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Vestavia councilwoman gets taste of national politics

Vestavia Hills Councilwoman Kimberly Cook had a chance recently to get a firsthand look at national politics.

As a campaigner for former presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Cook spent several weeks in Iowa working on the DeSantis campaign leading up to the Iowa caucus in January.

While DeSantis came in a distant second place to former President Donald Trump, the experience was eye-opening, providing Cook with a deep look into the political process at the national level, she s
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Vestavia Hills real estate market poised for a hot 2024

Despite higher mortgage interest rates, lower-than-average inventory and average home prices heading toward $600,000, area experts say Vestavia Hills remains one of the most in-demand residential real estate markets in the area.

In 2023, Vestavia Hills saw 610 homes sold, an 18% decrease from the 742 homes sold in 2022, according to statistics from the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service. However, the 2023 average sales price of $562,298 was 2% higher than the average of $551,365 in 2022,
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Rally Sports Camp coming to Cahaba Heights

Cahaba Heights Park will host the 2024 Rally Sports Camp this summer.

Offered to children ages 5 to 11, Rally Sports Camps are designed to mimic the energy and relaxed atmosphere of recess or physical education classes. During the weeklong camp, kids play six sports such as wiffle ball, volleyball, soccer, flag football and basketball. The camp allows children to explore and practice sports to which they may never have been exposed in an environment where they are not being evaluated on perform
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Vestavia officials express concerns about possible Mountain Brook road closure

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday night discussed a possible road closure being considered by Mountain Brook that could have a direct impact on Vestavia Hills roads in Cahaba Heights.

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes informed the council that Mountain Brook’s City Council is holding a public hearing Thursday, Feb. 29, regarding potential road closures or speed humps for Halbrook Lane and Arundel Drive in Mountain Brook between Green Valley Road and Overton Road.

Some Mountain Br
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Vestavia council approves small-cell towers for Crossgate after months of delays, negotiations

The Vestavia Hills City Council voted to approve the installation of controversial small-cell 5G towers for the Crossgate community Monday night.

The plan was approved unanimously after months of delays that occurred following opposition to the towers raised by many residents from Crossgate during a City Council meeting last summer.

Following passage of a federal law establishing 5G network access across the United States, telecommunications provider Crown Castle started seeking approval to in
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Vestavia wrestlers transition to life at West Point

For the third consecutive year, a member of the Vestavia Hills High School wrestling team has been accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Michael Belcher, a 2022 Vestavia graduate and sophomore at West Point, and Davis Reiff, a 2023 Vestavia graduate and West Point freshman, will be joined by Michael’s sister, Christiana, following her high school graduation in the spring of 2024.

The trio of cadets credit their experience competing on the Rebels wrestling team under coa
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Activate Games now open in Vestavia Hills

Activate, a gaming company that offers immersion in a series of physical and mental challenges, moved into the Park South Plaza in December.

Activate was launched in 2019 in Canada and has quickly expanded throughout North America. Its experiential concept is similar to ax throwing and escape rooms. The Vestavia Hills Activate opened in mid-December and is owned by the same group that owns Breakout, an escape room in Homewood.

General manager Heaven Sparks said while there are similarities bet
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Vestavia council rezones two homes for business use

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday rezoned two residential properties for business use.

The first was at 4525 Pine Tree Circle, which was rezoned from an R-1 low-density residential district to a B-2 business district.

The property has a remodeled single-family home on it that is situated among neighborhoods transitioning from a residential area to a commercial district near Blue Lake Drive, Cahaba River Road and Colonnade Parkway.

The rezoning was contingent on the structure being use
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Vestavia Hills council OKs contract for Cahaba Heights roundabout

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday night approved a contract for construction of a long-awaited roundabout at the intersection of Blue Lake Drive and Sicard Hollow Road in the Cahaba Heights community.

Gillespie Construction Co. was the lowest of three bidders for the project, charging $2.6 million for the job.

The cost will be split evenly between Vestavia Hills and Jefferson County, so Vestavia Hills’ portion will be $1.3 million, but the city will get credit for $270,000 it already h
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Year in preview: Vestavia Hills prepares for busy 2024

Several significant capital projects are set to begin in Vestavia Hills in 2024, while others have wrapped up and are ready for the public.

For several years, Vestavia Hills’ leadership has been focused on the redevelopment of the southern end of U.S. 31, near the city limits heading into Hoover. Of particular interest was the former Days Inn hotel, which had fallen into disrepair due to neglect from its owner and had become a target for illegal activity, putting pressure on the Vestavia Hills

Homewood Star

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Homewood Board Of Education gets first glimpse of 2024-25 budget

The Homewood Board of Education heard the first reading of the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) Homewood City Schools (HCS) budget during its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 27. 

HCS Chief Financial Officer Lynn Buch presented an overview of the proposed $84 million budget which is expected to come up for a vote during the Board of Education's next meeting on Sept. 24. 

Pending any unexpected changes in revenue, the budget will authorize HCS to spend $83.8 million in FY 25, including sl...
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Homewood High welcomes new athletic director, basketball coach

Homewood High School has new leadership at the top and also will have a new head boys basketball coach.

The Homewood Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Rick Baguley as the high school’s new athletic director during its regular monthly meeting on April 23.

Then on May 21, Homewood welcomed Elijah Garrison as the new boys varsity head basketball coach.

Baguley, an alumnus of Homewood High School, will begin his tenure as athletic director on June 1, taking over for Doug
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Encore Thrift Shop expands to meet more community needs

The Assistance League of Birmingham recently completed an expansion of its Encore Thrift Shop to help more children in need throughout greater Birmingham.

For decades, Encore Thrift Shop on Oxmoor Road was part craft store, part thrift store, serving the community as a recreational and social outlet for retirees and senior citizens. However, Assistance League of Birmingham President Katharine Nichols said interest in crafting has waned in recent years, while mission-focused thrift stores have i
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School board OKs McBride as Homewood Middle principal, Baguley as Homewood High athletic director

The Homewood Board of Education on Tuesday night unanimously approved the appointment of Mindy McBride as the new principal of Homewood Middle School and Rick Baguley as the new Homewood High School athletic director.

McBride and Baguley both have deep roots in the Homewood school system. McBride for the past three years has been the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction at Homewood High School, while Baguley has been serving as assistant athletic director.

Homewood schools Superi
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Homewood school board approves biliteracy tests

The Homewood Board of Education recently agreed to pay about $1,700 for tests to verify whether 77 Homewood High students are proficient in more than one language.

The board is paying $1,594 to Avant Assessment for Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency testing for 64 students and $130 to Language Testing International for a Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment for 13 students.

Cristy York, director of instruction for Homewood City Schools, said the testing will benefit these students by
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Corbeau Wine Bar plans Homewood location

Corbeau Wine Bar, a French-inspired wine bar, will open a Homewood location later this year.

Corbeau owners Mary and Elizabeth Martin, who launched the first location in Trussville in May 2023, chose The Edge commercial development in Homewood for their expansion. The Edge is planned for the Green Springs Avenue site formerly occupied by Royal Tobacco and Gulf Seafood.

Spearheaded by J.J. Thomas and designed by Black Design Architecture, The Edge’s other future tenants include The Standard, Ba
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Homewood school board honors 6 teachers for national certification

The Homewood Board of Education on Tuesday night celebrated six additional teachers achieving certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Homewood City Schools Director of Instruction Cristy York awarded certificates to each of the teachers in attendance (DiLorenzo and McNelly could not attend), congratulating them on their achievements.

“It is my honor and privilege to recognize our new national board certified teachers tonight,” York said. “National board certifi
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Homewood school board honors exceptional student-athletes

The Homewood Board of Education on Tuesday night recognized some of the district’s exceptional student-athletes for recent accomplishments, including three state championships.

First, Superintendent Justin Hefner and the school board honored Homewood High School cross-country standout Emma Brooke Levering, who recently was named the 2023-24 Gatorade Alabama Girls Cross-Country Runner of the Year. Levering is only the second female athlete from Homewood to win the statewide Gatorade honor, which
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Scoring high marks: Smith, Hunter represent Homewood in state Teacher of the Year competition

A pair of teachers from Homewood High School and Hall-Kent Elementary School will represent Homewood City Schools in the 2024-25 Alabama Teacher of the Year program.

Katie Smith, an English teacher at Homewood High School, is Homewood’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Katie Hunter, a second grade teacher at Hall-Kent, is the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. Both now move on to the next round in the annual competition to determine the state’s best teacher.

Smith began teaching Engl
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Homewood City Schools district earns 94 on state report card

The Homewood school system earned a 94 on its state report card for the 2022-23 school year, up from 93 the previous year, Superintendent Justin Hefner shared with the Homewood school board this week.

During a six-minute school board meeting Tuesday night, Hefner reported that Homewood Middle School made the largest jump on its state report card among the city’s five public schools. The middle school improved from a grade of 89 in the 2021-22 school year to a 95 in the 2022-23 term.

Shades Cah
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School board honors middle school cross-country team

The Homewood Board of Education recently recognized the Homewood Middle School boys cross-country team for its impressive season, including capturing the 2023 Metro South championship.

Head coach Eric Swope accompanied the entire team to a school board meeting in October and spoke about the group’s accomplishments in the championship race, after spending most of the season in second place.

“The most exciting thing about the year was that we ended with a championship, because we were second all
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Homewood school board OKs almost $1 million in capital projects

The Homewood Board of Education on Tuesday night approved almost $1 million worth of capital improvement projects and the purchase of a computer-based reading and math intervention program.

First, Homewood schools Superintendent Justin Hefner asked the board to approve a $435,000 contract with Lathan Associates for the reroofing of Shades Cahaba Elementary School.

Next, Hefner presented the board with a $160,000 contract with Bernhard TME, an engineering and contracting firm, for the replaceme
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Cavs cap off regular season with 8th win

John Carroll kicker Charles Farr (19) catches a pass during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney. John Carroll quarterback/safety Carson McFadden (7) passes the ball during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney. John Carroll kicker Charles Farr (19) kicks t
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School board honors Homewood Middle School boys cross-country for championship

The Homewood Board of Education on Tuesday recognized the Homewood Middle School boys cross-country team for its impressive season, including capturing the 2023 Metro South Championship.

Head Coach Eric Swope accompanied the entire team to the school board meeting and spoke about the group’s accomplishments in the championship race after being in second place most of the season.

“The most exciting thing about the year was that we ended with a championship because we were second all year long t
thehomewoodstar.com •

Patriots qualify for playoffs with win over Pelham

Homewood running back Evan Ausmer (2) celebrates a long touchdown run during a game between the Homewood Patriots and the Pelham Panthers at Waldrop Stadium on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 in Birmingham. Photo by Richard Force. Homewood quarterback Kaleb Carson (3) celebrates a touchdown with running back Evan Ausmer (2) and wide receiver Camron Fortson (1) during a game between the Homewood Patriots and the Pelham Panthers at Waldrop Stadium on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 in Birmingham. Photo by Richard For
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The Battery powering Homewood restaurant scene

In the year since it opened on Central Avenue, The Battery has carved out a niche for itself in Homewood’s restaurant scene.

The Battery’s General Manager, Jeramy Stephens, got to know owner Ben Chappel socially during his time managing the U.S. 280 location of Buffalo Wild Wings. The two struck up a friendship and, over the years, discussed ideas for a new restaurant in Homewood.

“Homewood needed an upscale place where you can go watch a ballgame,” Stephens said. “We wanted a place where we c
thehomewoodstar.com •

Cavs stun Patriots in Battle of Lakeshore

John Carroll running ack Tristen Rutledge (26) runs with the ball during a game between the Homewood Patriots and John Carroll Cavaliers at John Carroll High School in Birmingham, AL on Friday August 25, 2023. Photo by Richard Force Homewood running back AJ Crear (23) finds a running lane during a game between the Homewood Patriots and John Carroll Cavaliers at John Carroll High School in Birmingham, AL on Friday August 25, 2023. Photo by Richard Force John Carroll running back Mitchell Nutter (
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Mortgage rates are on the rise. Now what? Local experts offer advice to potential home buyers

When the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in early February to combat inflation, one area of concern for many potential homebuyers was how the Fed’s actions would affect mortgage rates and their ability to afford a new home.

However, Clint Thompson, a mortgage officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. in Inverness, says the perception that mortgage rates automatically increase following a rise in interest rates is incorrect. “There is always misinformation out there when people hear

Cahaba Sun

Cahaba Sun •

Futsal gaining popularity in Trussville

It’s mid-afternoon on a December Saturday as a handful of families filter into the Trussville Parks & Recreation Red Gym. Instead of walking in with high-top sneakers and dribbling basketballs, these young athletes are wearing low-top, flat-bottom soccer shoes and carrying soccer balls under their arms.

The game they’re preparing to play this afternoon is called “futsal,” a variation of soccer that’s played on gym floors. Originating in South America, futsal has grown in popularity over the las
Cahaba Sun •

Real estate spotlight: Tight Trussville home market loosening in 2024

In 2023, Trussville experienced one of the tightest residential real estate markets in recent memory.

Driven by higher interest rates, record-high home prices, and low inventory, only 554 homes in Trussville were sold in 2023, down 22% from 713 in 2022, according to statistics from the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service.

The 2023 total marks a significant decrease over the previous six years. In 2018 and 2019, the number of homes sold stayed fairly steady at 745 and 765. The high-water m
Cahaba Sun •

Local ministry assisting recovering addicts

Glenn Sandifer knows what it's like to struggle with — and recover from — addiction. That's why the Trussville-based minister started Unforsaken Ministry to help addicts and their families overcome addiction and to offer support as they grow into their recovery.

The roots of Unforsaken Ministry began when Sandifer was in his mid-30s. The son of a minister, Sandifer spent many years in the throes of addiction, eventually getting clean and turning to Christ. He became a Christian at the age of 35
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Brewing a fresh cup of comfort: New coffee house opens on Maple Avenue

When deciding on the name for her new coffee shop, Maple Avenue Coffee House, owner Tracy Delaney said “house” is actually one of the most important words.

It describes the shop’s location — a renovated 1950s-era house on Maple Avenue most recently occupied by an accounting firm — but it also describes her business mindset.

“My whole reason for doing this was to create just such an inviting space for people and to feel like you’re almost walking into someone’s living room,” said Delaney, a Tru
Cahaba Sun •

Trussville man wins 3rd world disc golf championship

The Trussville native and city parks and recreation employee recently won the 2023 PDGA Professional Masters Disc Golf World Championship for the third consecutive year.

Keith is among only a few disc golf athletes in the sport’s history to capture back-to-back-to-back championships, and he’s the first to complete the accomplishment in the Masters Division.

And, furthermore, it wasn’t even close.

Keith blew away the competition with a gaudy score of -24, seven strokes over second-place finish
Cahaba Sun •

State of the city: Mayor Buddy Choat highlights Trussville’s 2040 plan

The City of Trussville’s fiscal 2024 budget and the Trussville 2040 strategic plan were the primary focus of Mayor Buddy Choat’s annual state-of-the-city address on Oct. 18.

The keynote speaker of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting, Choat spoke to a packed room at the Trussville Civic Center and highlighted various aspects of the Trussville 2040 plan, which features an array of projects this city is working to bring to life.

For the projects on tap in fiscal 2024, Choat
Cahaba Sun •

Second Capella Pizzeria location coming to Trussville

Trussville is getting a new addition to its restaurant community this year.

Capella Pizzeria, a restaurant offering traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in 900-degree, wood-burning ovens, is opening its second Birmingham-area location in the former location of Ironstone Pizza in Homestead Village.

Owner Ahmet Ozbey opened his first Capella Pizzeria in Greystone in January, and his restaurant has quickly established a loyal following and a solid reputation for its pizza menu.

Ozbey, who i
Cahaba Sun •

Cougars survive Mountain Brook test

Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) avoids a sack as he scrambles, looking for an open receiver during a week 2 playoff game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkville High School’s on Friday, November 17th, 2023, at Clay-Chalkville High School, Jerry Hood Field, Cougar football Stadium in Clay AL. Photo by James Nicholas Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) calls a quarterback keeper to gain positive yardage during a week 2 playoff game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkvi
Cahaba Sun •

Huskies fly past Bob Jones in 1st round

Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Bob Jones on Friday, Nov 10, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Jacob Sanders (24) looks for space to run during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Bob Jones on Friday, Nov 10, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Dylan Cope (4) scores a touchdown during a game
Cahaba Sun •

Bandwagon Sports comes to Trussville

Sporting goods and sportswear retailer Bandwagon Sports is now open in Trussville and is planning a future signature store in the downtown district.

Launched in 2021 by Homewood resident and entrepreneur David Knight, Bandwagon Sports has grown from a single location to stores in Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Trussville as well as a store opening in Jackson, Mississippi, later this fall.

The Trussville Bandwagon Sports store is temporarily located on Gadsden Highway near the intersection of Dee
Cahaba Sun •

Tamburro’s returns to Trussville

The original restaurant, Tamburro’s & Sons, was launched by Dick Tamburro in 1994, quickly becoming a favorite of many diners in the Trussville area and beyond. Tamburro retired from the restaurant business, closing the doors in 2010.

However, Tamburro’s daughter, Kyleen Kramer, and daughter-in-law, Tina Tamburro, have brought the family name out of mothballs, rechristening the restaurant Tamburro’s Italian Home.

The impetus for reviving Tamburro’s came from Kramer, an Atlanta resident, who wa
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High-flying Huskies

Most Trussville residents should be familiar with Floyd-Bradford Road, a winding stretch of blacktop connecting Roper Road to U.S. 78 in Irondale. But perhaps the road deserves to be renamed Floyd-Jadon Road, in honor of Hewitt-Trussville High School quarterback Peyton Floyd and his favorite wide receiver, Jadon Loving.

Thus far this fall, the dynamic duo of Floyd and Loving are competing on another level. The 2023 edition of the Huskies is looking solid defensively and has a cache of weapons o
Cahaba Sun •

Corbeau Wine Bar brings touch of France to Trussville

The Trussville Entertainment District’s newest tenant is Corbeau Wine Bar, which opened in May.

Located in a corner space on Morrow Avenue, Corbeau Wine Bar has established a reputation as a relaxing spot for a glass of wine, charcuterie or flatbread pizza. It is owned by sisters Mary and Elizabeth Martin and their husbands, John and Mark (also siblings, The sisters are originally from Scottsboro but independently moved to the Trussville area and shared a passion for wine.

For years, Mary and
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Foundations 4 Hope 5K to raise money, awareness for clean water in Africa

More than 300 runners are expected to race through the streets of Downtown Trussville in October for the second year of the Foundations 4 Hope 5K.

The goal of the 5K is to fundraise provide access to clean drinking water throughout eastern Africa as well as to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the region.

According to Foundations 4 Hope Vice President of U.S. Operations Matt Mullinax, the inaugural event in 2022 raised enough money to build freshwater wells for 10 African villages in areas
Cahaba Sun •

Huskies shut out Huffman on homecoming

Hewitt-Trussville defensive back Riggs Dunn (12) intercepts a pass during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Huffman on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville Band during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Huffman on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville outside linebacker Jadon Cantley (20) , Hewitt-Trussville defensive back Riggs Dunn (12) and
Cahaba Sun •

High-flying Huskies

Most Trussvilians should be familiar with Floyd-Bradford Road, a winding stretch of blacktop connecting Roper Road to U.S. Highway 78 in Irondale. What you may not know is there is an effort to rename the road Floyd-Jadon Road in honor of Hewitt-Trussville High School quarterback Peyton Floyd and his favorite wide receiver Jadon Loving.

Not really. But there should be.

Thus far this fall, the dynamic duo of Floyd and Loving are competing on another level. The 2023 edition of the Huskies is loo
Cahaba Sun •

Huskies dominate Tuscaloosa County, win region contest

Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Tuscaloosa County on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville running back Kennedy Mitchell (6) finds the end zone during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Tuscaloosa County on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Noah Dobbins (3) gaines extra
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Huskies get past Gadsden City

GADSDEN -- The Hewitt-Trussville High School football team captured its first win of the young season with a hard-fought 42-27 win over Gadsden City on Friday night.

The Huskies (1-1) needed big plays from the offense and a gutsy performance on defense to hold off a Titans squad that kept things interesting.

Gadsden City needed only four plays and just under two minutes to draw first blood on a 49-yard run by T.J. Worthy to take an early 7-0 lead.

Hewitt-Trussville senior quarterback Peyton F
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A year later: DeDe’s Book Rack thriving after bizarre accident

It’s 5:30 p.m., half an hour until DeDe’s Book Rack closes for the evening. However, the owner of the beloved bookstore, Debra McCarley, is rushing about demonstrating the changes she has made to her shop over the previous 12 months.

“I rearranged the books a little bit,” she says as she heads from the counter to a room full of colorful hardbacks from best-selling authors.

It was Aug. 2, 2022, when a motorist accidentally crashed her Jeep through the wall and into the room where McCarley now s
Cahaba Sun •

Hewitt-Trussville Engineering Academy awarded $50,000 state grant

The Hewitt-Trussville High School Engineering Academy received a major shot in the arm recently when the Alabama State Department of Education’s Career Technical Education Division awarded the program a $50,000 grant.

Announced during the Trussville City Schools board meeting on July 24, the grant will allow the Engineering Academy to further its mission to prepare students for the increasing technical demands of the U.S. economy.

The grant was presented to Jason Dooley, an Engineering Academy
Cahaba Sun •

Steele Hall Brewing open for business

Trussville has a new place to belly up to the bar for a nice cold one. Following months of planning and renovations, Steele Hall Brewing opened for business in the spring and has developed a reputation for its innovative craft beer, as well as its fun and relaxed atmosphere.

The brewery is the brainchild of Eric Mitchell — a 2006 graduate of Clay-Chalkville High School — and Scott Worthington — a 1999 graduate of Chelsea High School — who caught the microbrewery bug while students at Auburn Uni
Cahaba Sun •

Logan McCool thrives despite spina bifida diagnosis

The Trussville Rotary Club recently had a special guest in May as they welcomed Logan McCool, a precocious soon-to-be first grader. Along with her parents, Candice and James, Logan was on hand to celebrate her life and strength in the face of adversity due to a severe form of spina bifida.

The McCools, who have been married 11 years, tried for several years to start a family, but faced difficulties along the way. Candice McCool endured two miscarriages and lost her left fallopian tube before fi
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Trussville City Schools approves new HTHS principal

In a special session on June 26, the Trussville Board of Education officially named Aaron King as the new principal of Hewitt-Trussville High School.

Trussville City Schools Superintendent Patrick Martin made the announcement to an assembled crowd of parents, faculty and school system officials following an exhaustive search to replace former Principal Tim Salem, who was officially relieved of his duties on June 1 after being placed on administrative leave in the fall of 2022.

"We received 33
Cahaba Sun •

Professional boxing coming to Trussville

Professional boxing will make an appearance in Trussville on July 15 at the Trussville Civic Center. Trussville Fight Night, promoted by One One Six Boxing Promotions, will feature some of the Southeast’s most promising up-and-coming professional pugilists for a night of hooks, jabs and knockouts.

Owned and operated by St. Clair County resident Brandi McCain, One One Six Boxing Promotions is one of only two professional boxing promoters in Alabama and one of the few female-owned boxing promoter
Cahaba Sun •

New Golden Rule owner shares vision for brand

It's been a short time since Brian Kemp bought the Golden Rule from the Matsos family and, for good reason, the Trussville native is a busy man. Already focused on his other growing restaurant brand, Kemp's Kitchen, Kemp is in the process of developing a game plan to add new life to Alabama's oldest restaurant.

Kemp purchased the Golden Rule BBQ brand from the Matsos family in March, which included the original location in Irondale (first established in 1891), the Trussville location and rights
Cahaba Sun •

'Fit' for the job: Trussville Board of Education names Patrick Martin new superintendent

Just over a month after being named Trussville’s new superintendent of schools, Patrick Martin is still getting to know the community.

Most recently an assistant superintendent for Vestavia Hills City Schools, Martin has spent the last decade working in Jefferson County, and he has an appreciation for what Trussville schools have accomplished over the last 18 years.

“I've learned a lot from Todd Freeman, my superintendent in Vestavia, and so there are some things that I feel like I can bring,”

Village Living

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Spartans come up short at Clay

Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble (19) dives for positive yardage as he is sacked by the Clay-Chalkville defenders during a week 2 playoff game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkville High School’s on Friday, November 17th, 2023, at Clay-Chalkville High School, Jerry Hood Field, Cougar football Stadium in Clay AL. Photo by James Nicholas Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble (19) drags several Clay-Chalkville defenders during a game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkville High Scho
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Mountain Brook teen sails in prestigious regatta in Italy

A Mountain Brook teen had the experience of a lifetime during the summer of 2023, competing in one of the world's most prestigious sailing competitions.

Darby Smith, a senior at Mountain Brook High School, is a competitive sailor who is more at home testing his abilities on the water than on an athletic field or basketball court.

"I really like how it's more mental than other sports. It's not like basketball or football, where you have to like to play through physical pain or something," Smith
villagelivingonline.com •

The Fitness Center: 30 years of wellness

In 1993, former New Yorker Vic Nigri opened a small gym at the edge of Mountain Brook, on Montclair Road. Located on the second floor of an office building housing a post office and a smattering of other small businesses, The Fitness Center has been a mainstay in the community for 30 years.

The business began as one-to-one personal fitness, part of a chain of personal training centers with locations throughout the Southeast. Nigri was working in management with the company, overseeing franchise
villagelivingonline.com •

Spartans pitch 3rd straight shutout

Jackson-Olin wide defensive back Antwan Moore (13) tackles Mountain Brook running back Jack King (17) during a game between Jackson-Olin and Mountain Brook on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook. Photo by Todd Lester Mountain Brook defensive back Clyde Beavers (20) tackles Jackson-Olin wide receiver Jeremiah Taylor (8) during a game between Jackson-Olin and Mountain Brook on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook. Photo by Todd Lester Mounta
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Trailblazers: Mountain Brook mountain biking team creating a legacy on two wheels

He may not realize it, but long-time Mountain Brook resident and Mountain Brook Elementary School fifth grade teacher Bill Andrews is a trailblazer. Literally and figuratively.

An avid cyclist and an active member of Birmingham’s mountain biking community, Andrews has been a constant sight on two wheels around town over the last two decades.

Andrews is accustomed to a challenge, having ridden and raced on some of the toughest terrain and courses throughout the region. However, from a mountain
villagelivingonline.com •

Former Otey’s owner opens new restaurant in Vestavia

After close to 20 years of experience in the restaurant business, Doug Smith recently unveiled his newest concept, The Palm & Pig, in Vestavia Hills.

Conceived as a seafood and barbecue restaurant and neighborhood hangout, Smith said The Palm & Pig is an amalgam of the various stops along his career in the food and service world, along with the kind of place where he’d like to hang out.

“The whole premise of this thing here is it’s taking a little of our backgrounds from all the places we’ve o
villagelivingonline.com •

A beautiful day in the neighborhood: Neighbors Ice Cream reopens in West Homewood

The short-lived but beloved ice cream parlor on Oak Grove Road has been given a second chance under the new ownership of Homewood residents David and Anne Walker. The new entrepreneurs bought the business earlier this spring, and, in just a few short weeks after reopening, Neighbors is already creating a buzz around West Homewood and beyond.

“On April 2, I turned the ‘Open’ light on just to see what happens,” said David Walker, “and word-of-mouth has been non-stop ever since.”

Neighbors Ice Cr
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Town & Country celebrates 80 years of business

A beloved neighborhood business is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

Town & Country, one of the original enterprises in Mountain Brook Village, is still going strong after eight decades in business. Under the ownership of Laurel Bassett since 2009 — only the fourth owner in the business’s history — Town & Country’s legacy is in good hands.

Bassett began working at Town & Country as part of Mountain Brook High School’s co-op program in 1997 and has been with the business in one way or
villagelivingonline.com •

Freddy’s Wine Bar to open 2nd location in former Nabeel’s spot

The space formerly occupied by Nabeel’s Cafe and Market will have a new tenant this summer. Stuart Stone, owner and operator of Freddy’s Wine Bar, signed a lease in December and is scheduled to open his second Freddy’s location this June.

Named after his beloved poodle, Stone opened Freddy’s Wine Bar on the bottom floor of Highland Park Towers apartments. Taking a cue from intimate cafés throughout Italy and France, Stone envisioned Freddy’s as a neighborhood gathering place for space specializ
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Former NBA player shares his story of addiction, recovery

Former college and professional basketball player and motivational speaker Chris Herren brought his powerful and deeply personal message of addiction and recovery to Mountain Brook on Thursday, Oct. 27.

Sponsored by All-In Mountain Brook, a civic organization purposed with protecting the community’s youth, Herren appeared three times at the Mountain Brook High School auditorium, speaking to the high school and middle school students, and addressing a mixed crowd of adults and teenagers.

“We fo

Hoover Sun

HooverSun.com •

Hoover mother-son duo to compete in Transplant Games

Chase Waters and his mother, Jennifer McCombs Thompson, have a special bond.

Waters was born with a rare kidney disorder, and Thompson donated a kidney to her son during his freshman year at Hoover High School. Thirteen years later, the dynamic duo are healthy and active, and ready to compete in the 2024 Transplant Games of America this July in Birmingham.

While in utero, Waters developed hydronephrosis, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to rid the body of urine. At birth, one of his
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Redefining the common barbershop

Raul Chavez is reimagining the barbershop. The 29-year-old Hoover High School graduate recently debuted Barber Bar by Fade Parlor in Inverness Village, with the aim of updating the barbershop experience for the modern age.

The Barber Bar by Fade Parlor experience is, first and foremost, a bar — sort of. The interior resembles a cigar lounge and has music playing. Once settled into the barber chair, each customer is offered one complimentary drink from the shop’s collection of beers, whiskeys an
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Bucs fall to Thompson in gutsy effort

Hoover Cheerleaders and fans during a game between Hoover High School and Thompson High School on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover wide receiver Jordan Woolen (6) is brought down after a catch during a game between Hoover High School and Thompson High School on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover Kicker Garrett Brasher (95) gets off a punt during a game between Hoover High School
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Bucs get back in win column, dominate Oak Mountain

Hoover wide receiver Jonah Winston (4) runs past the defense on his way to a Hoover touchdown during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Hoover running back Kamal Amerson (26) looks for running room during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover linebacker Trey Sanders (20) and Hoover defensive line
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Wrapsody plans new downtown Homewood location

Homewood is getting an infusion of fresh shopping.

Wrapsody, a gift boutique launched in Hoover two decades ago, will soon open its fourth location on 18th Street South in the heart of Homewood’s downtown.

Purchased by Vestavia Hills residents Reel and Christie Howell in 2017, Wrapsody is moving into one of the most sought-after spots on 18th Street. With a desire to be an anchor in Homewood for years to come, the Howells made the decision to buy the building from the previous owner, who was i
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Metro Roundup: Vestavia council asks for attorney general opinion on small-cell towers

The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday indefinitely postponed a scheduled vote of a controversial cell tower construction plan.

Instead, the council voted to seek a ruling on the matter from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall to determine what oversight, if any, the city has over the erection of several small-cell internet towers earmarked for the Crossgate community.

Part of an act passed by the federal government to provide 5G wireless broadband access nationwide in 2019 allows for t
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Hoover burger joint opens second location in Homewood

Two brothers who opened Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive in Hoover's Lake Crest community in 2021 now have opened a second location in Homewood.

Ben and Zac Williams, a pair of brothers originally from Hueytown, quickly gained a reputation for their enormous burgers, hand-cut fries and funky design after opening their restaurant in Lake Crest Plaza.

Their second location, to be called Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Shoppe, opened July 13 in the Merchants Walk shopping center on 28th Avenue South in Homewoo
HooverSun.com •

Card and gaming store opens in Greystone

On a Saturday at the end of April, Jeff Lentz was busy getting things in order at his new shop, Yellowhammer Cards & Gaming.

Boxes of sports, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards were scattered about on the floor, while autographed and framed athletic jerseys leaned against the wall waiting to be hung and a vintage NFL Blitz video game stood ready for a player to press “play.”

The official opening of the store was still a week away, and the bright Yellowhammer sign was already attracting attention. On t
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Round 1 Boxing to promote pro debut of former UAB quarterback

Round 1 Boxing owner, operator and trainer Dave Godber shouts instructions to his newest pupil, former UAB quarterback and NFL veteran Joe Webb. It’s a Saturday, mid-morning, and while it’s unseasonably cool outdoors, the temperature is rising in the Hoover gym — metaphorically speaking, of course.

Godber is working on Webb’s footwork and spacing in preparation for Webb’s professional boxing debut later this summer. Godber sees a lot of potential in the former professional football player but n
HooverSun.com •

Metro Roundup: New Golden Rule owner shares vision for brand

It's been a short time since Brian Kemp bought the Golden Rule from the Matsos family and, for good reason, the Trussville native is a busy man. Already focused on his other growing restaurant brand, Kemp's Kitchen, Kemp is in the process of developing a game plan to add new life to Alabama's oldest restaurant.

Kemp purchased the Golden Rule BBQ brand from the Matsos family in March, which included the original location in Irondale (first established in 1891), the Trussville location and rights
HooverSun.com •

Metro Roundup: Peterbrooke Chocolatier set to open soon in Cahaba Heights

A new gourmet chocolate shop plans to open soon in Vestavia Hills.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier, a European-style chocolate shop chain based in Jacksonville, is set to open its doors in The Heights Village shopping center in Cahaba Heights this month.

The second Peterbrooke Chocolatier location in Alabama, the Cahaba Heights location is a family affair, with several members of the Tharani family going in on the venture. The decision to open a Peterbrooke franchise was spearheaded by Sarah Tharani,
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Birmingham Track Club gears up for 2023 Peavine Falls Run

It’s time to lace up your patriotic running shoes as the Peavine Falls Run, a scenic 8.2-mile run through Oak Mountain State Park, will mark its 42nd edition on July 4.

One of the five events on the Birmingham Track Club calendar, the Peavine Falls Run has taken place on every Independence Day since 1980 — with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and has become a midsummer tradition for many in the Birmingham running community.

The race starts at 7 a.m. and is a great way to s
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Metro Roundup: Popular mountain bike race returns to Oak Mountain for 29th running

Oak Mountain will once again host some of the nation’s best mountain biking athletes this summer.

The 29th Annual Bump N’ Grind Mountain Bike Race series is scheduled for June 9-11 and will feature five different races on the mountain biking trails throughout Oak Mountain State Park.

More than 500 athletes are expected to participate in the 2023 Bump N’ Grind, an annual event that has grown into one the longest mountain bike races in Alabama and one of the longest races in the nation.

The eve
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Metro Roundup: Homewood Streetfest returns to Patriot Park

The Homewood Streetfest is returning for its ninth installment, Saturday, June 3, at Patriot Park.

An annual tradition sponsored by the West Homewood Neighborhood Association, the Homewood Streetfest is a free event for the community to gather for a day of fun, music and food and serves as an excellent opportunity for local businesses to gain exposure. It’s also a great excuse to bring people to Patriot Park on Oak Grove Road.

“We just wanted to set up something free and was accessible and wou
HooverSun.com •

Metro Roundup: Freddy’s Wine Bar to open 2nd location in former Nabeel’s spot

The space formerly occupied by Nabeel’s Cafe and Market will have a new tenant this summer. Stuart Stone, owner and operator of Freddy’s Wine Bar, signed a lease in December and is scheduled to open his second Freddy’s location this June.

Named after his beloved poodle, Stone opened Freddy’s Wine Bar on the bottom floor of Highland Park Towers apartments. Taking a cue from intimate cafés throughout Italy and France, Stone envisioned Freddy’s as a neighborhood gathering place for space specializ

280 Living

280Living.com •

Chelsea passes $18 million budget, votes to annex property

The Chelsea City Council approved its annual budget for fiscal year 2024-25 Monday night. 

With Mayor Tony Picklesimer absent to attend his grandson's football game and City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Scott Weygand presiding, the council unanimously approved an $18 million budget and the city’s holiday calendar. 

The $18 million budget is the largest in the city’s history and passed without discussion. 

The council also passed a resolution approving funding for the thinning and cleari...
280Living.com •

Chelsea City Council Approves Line Of Credit Extension For Foothills Business Park

The Chelsea City Council made quick work of a light agenda, approving a pair of minor financial actions and tabling discussion on two parcels of donated property during its regular council meeting on Tuesday.

First, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the modification of terms on a $1.6 million line of credit with Renasant Bank. Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer stated that the modification extends the current financial arrangement of the Foothills Business Park. He no...
280Living.com •

Riverview Animal Clinic celebrates 40th anniversary

After 40 years of treating cats, dogs and pets of all kinds along the U.S. 280 corridor, Riverview Animal Clinic is now part of its own rare breed: the locally owned veterinary clinic. 

Since it was established in 1984, the clinic has been a trusted mainstay for pet owners, while maintaining its status as one of the last independently owned and operated animal clinics in greater Birmingham.

While many veterinary clinics in Alabama and beyond have been purchased and brought under corporate...
280Living.com •

Luxury sportswear store opens at Summit

Luxury sportswear and lifestyle brand Peter Millar opened its first Alabama location at the Summit this past Wednesday.

Based in Raleigh, N.C., Peter Millar has developed a solid reputation in Birmingham with items for sale in other local stores and golf course pro shops. However, the new store promises to bring the whole Peter Millar experience to shoppers while deepening the company’s ties to the metro area.

"We've always had a great relationship in Birmingham and we felt like it was tim...
280Living.com •

Oak Mountain graduates to compete in Olympics

The Nigerian Women’s Soccer Team will feature two local athletes during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Sisters and products of Oak Mountain High School Antionette "Toni" and Nicole Payne have been called up to represent the African nation for the Games in Paris, France. The daughters of Nigerian parents, the Paynes will make their Olympic debut when the Nigeria Super Falcons open group play against Brazil on July 24 at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. 

Oyeleke Payne, the father of Toni an...
280Living.com •

A Dynamic Duo

Chase Waters and his mother, Jennifer McCombs Thompson, have a special bond.

Waters was born with a rare kidney disorder, and Thompson donated a kidney to her son during his freshman year at Hoover High School. Thirteen years later, the dynamic duo are healthy and active, and ready to compete in the 2024 Transplant Games of America this July in Birmingham.

While in utero, Waters developed hydronephrosis, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to rid the body of urine. At birth, one of his
280Living.com •

Rev Up Your Engines

On the second Saturday of each month, more than 2,000 people descend onto the lower parking lot at The Summit to get a look at some of the coolest cars, hottest rods and mondo motorcycles from around the Southeast.

Known as Magic City Octane, the monthly event was established in 2017 by Paul Smith and Austin Tynes, two area residents with a passion, bordering on obsession, for cars. The event was envisioned as a way to bring car enthusiasts of all types under one umbrella.

Smith and Tynes expl
280Living.com •

Reaching a higher altitude: XTERRA Triathlon becomes national championship

Oak Mountain will be the site of the inaugural XTERRA North American Championship, which will be the third event on the 2024 XTERRA World Cup calendar, following races in Taiwan and Greece. The triathlon at Oak Mountain on May 18 and 19 will crown the top off-road triathletes in North America.

Emily McIlvaine, XTERRA America’s event coordinator, said the decision to place the first XTERRA North American Championship at OMSP was an easy one based on the park’s popularity throughout the off-road
280Living.com •

Redefining the common barbershop

Raul Chavez is reimagining the barbershop. The 29-year-old Hoover High School graduate recently debuted Barber Bar by Fade Parlor in Inverness Village, with the aim of updating the barbershop experience for the modern age.

The Barber Bar by Fade Parlor experience is, first and foremost, a bar — sort of. The interior resembles a cigar lounge and has music playing. Once settled into the barber chair, each customer is offered one complimentary drink from the shop’s collection of beers, whiskeys an
280Living.com •

Thompson stifles Eagles

Oak Mountain tight end/defensive lineman Niko Varvoutis (22) tackles Thompson running back Arrington Green (1) during a game between Thompson and Oak Mountain on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Heardmont Park in Birmingham. Photo by Todd Lester Oak Mountain defensive back Drowdy Hackbarth (17) and Oak Mountain defensive back Robert Yoder (10) combine to tackle Thompson running back Michael Dujon (5) during a game between Thompson and Oak Mountain on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Heardmont Park in Bi
280Living.com •

Eagles drop 6th straight at Hoover

Action during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Oak Mountain quarterback Will O'Dell (18) looks for running room during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover wide receiver Jonah Winston (4) runs past the defense on his way to a Hoover touchdown during a game between Ho
280Living.com •

Fore! Zack Holton tees off professional career

It’s a rare feat to jump into a new activity on a whim and become one of the best in the world practically overnight. However, that is exactly what Oak Mountain area resident Zack Holton managed to achieve.

At the time of this writing, Holton was ranked No. 5 in the Drive, the globe’s premier professional golf long drive competition. He has also managed to rack up an impressive list of awards and accomplishments during his short career, including Rookie of the Year 2021 and a top 5 finish in th
280Living.com •

Metro Roundup: Peterbrooke Chocolatier opening soon in Cahaba Heights

Chocolate lovers rejoice. A new gourmet chocolate shop will soon be opening in Vestavia Hills.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier, a European-style chocolate shop chain based in Jacksonville, Florida, is set to open its doors in The Heights Village shopping center in Cahaba Heights later this summer.

The second Peterbrooke Chocolatier location in Alabama, the Cahaba Heights location is a family affair, with several members of the Tharani family going in on the venture. The decision to open a Peterbrooke
280Living.com •

New pediatric clinic opens in Chelsea

Chelsea parents now have a new option for their children’s healthcare needs.

Pediatric Care of Chelsea, a new primary pediatric practice located on U.S. 280 near Publix Supermarket, opened its doors on May 8 and is already establishing itself as a valuable community resource.

Owned and operated by Stephanie Varner, a Chelsea resident and certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in pediatrics, the practice offers comprehensive medical care for newborns to age
280Living.com •

42nd Peavine Falls Run scheduled for July 4

It’s time to lace up your patriotic running shoes as the Peavine Falls Run, a scenic 8.2-mile run through Oak Mountain State Park, will mark its 42nd edition on July 4.

One of the five events on the Birmingham Track Club calendar, the Peavine Falls Run has taken place on every Independence Day since 1980 — with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and has become a midsummer tradition for many in the Birmingham running community.

The race starts bright and early at 7 a.m. and is
280Living.com •

Bump N’ Grind turns 29: Popular mountain bike race returns to Oak Mountain for 29th running

Oak Mountain will once again host some of the nation’s best mountain biking athletes this summer.

The 29th Annual Bump N’ Grind Mountain Bike Race series is scheduled for June 9-11 and will feature five different races on the mountain biking trails throughout Oak Mountain State Park.

More than 500 athletes are expected to participate in the 2023 Bump N’ Grind, an annual event that has grown into one the longest mountain bike races in Alabama and one of the longest races in the nation.

The eve
280Living.com •

OMHS wins state mountain biking championship

The Oak Mountain High School mountain biking team won its first state championship, and two riders won individual titles following the conclusion of the 2023 season in early May.

The Eagles were the top squad in the state all season long, taking first place in the first four events on the 2023 schedule before coming in a close second to Hoover High School in the state championship meet at Fort McClellan in Anniston on May 6-7. Despite the second-place finish in the final meet of the season, Oak
280Living.com •

Card and gaming store opens in Greystone

On a Saturday at the end of April, Jeff Lentz was busy getting things in order at his new shop, Yellowhammer Cards & Gaming.

Boxes of sports, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards were scattered about on the floor, while autographed and framed athletic jerseys leaned against the wall waiting to be hung and a vintage NFL Blitz video game stood ready for a player to press “play.”

The official opening of the store was still a week away, and the bright Yellowhammer sign was already attracting attention. On t
280Living.com •

XTERRA World Cup returns to Oak Mountain

The XTERRA World Cup trail running series will return to Oak Mountain State Park for the 16th season this month.

One of the most-anticipated stops on the XTERRA circuit, the 2023 edition will include several off-road triathlons as part of the XTERRA World Tour from Thursday, May 18, through Sunday, May 21.

The second stop in North America on the 2023 XTERRA schedule, the main event combines a one-mile swim in Double Oak Lake, followed by a 20-mile mountain bike ride, and ends with a ten-kilome
280Living.com •

Mortgage rates have risen. Now what? Local experts offer advice to potential homebuyers

When the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in early February to combat inflation, one area of concern for many potential homebuyers was how the Fed’s actions would affect mortgage rates and their ability to afford a new home.

However, Clint Thompson, a mortgage officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. in Inverness, says the perception that mortgage rates automatically increase following a rise in interest rates is incorrect. “There is always misinformation out there when people hear

Trussville Tribune

The Trussville Tribune •

13 Huskies sign to play 6 different sports at the next level

TRUSSVILLE – Hewitt Trussville High School held a ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate the signing of 13 different athletes, spanning 6 different sports, to continue perfecting their craft at the collegiate level. Boys Golf, Girls Golf, Girls Cross Country, Basketball, Baseball and, of course, Softball all took center stage in the auditorium on the campus of Hewit Trussville High School.

Golfer Gavin Isbell signed to play at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, staying close to home. “This
The Trussville Tribune •

Trussville Scout troop keeps Memorial Day tradition alive

By Loyd McIntosh, For The Tribune

Trussville – One local Cub Scout troop continued an annual tradition to honor America’s heroes this Memorial Day.

For the 16th consecutive year, Trussville Cub Scout Pack #216 placed American Flags by the graves of veterans at Jefferson Memorial Gardens on Tuesday afternoon. An annual service project carried out by the troop, the flags will remain in place for two weeks and will serve as a visual reminder to the community of the sacrifices of many area people
The Trussville Tribune •

Trussville Civic Center to host pro boxing event canceled in Pell City

By Loyd McIntosh, For The Tribune

Leaders with the Trussville Civic Center agreed to host a professional boxing event originally scheduled in Pell City following its cancellation late last week. One One Six Boxing Promotions, Alabama’s only licensed professional boxing promotions company and one of the few in the nation owned and operated by a woman, will bring professional boxing to the City of Trussville for the first time on Saturday, July 15.

Brandi McCain launched One One Six Boxing Promo
The Trussville Tribune •

Irondale City Council hears from community regarding controversial rezoning proposal

By Loyd McIntosh, For The Tribune

IRONDALE – Several Irondale citizens descended upon City Hall to voice opposition to a controversial rezoning plan Tuesday night.

During the public comment portion of Irondale’s regular city council meeting, the City Council heard from residents in favor of and opposed to a plan to rezone property at 5238 Amber Hills Road, Irondale, Alabama 35210, from R-2 residential to an I-1 Light Industrial District.

The plan would allow for the relocation of B&D Electric
The Trussville Tribune •

Trussville’s Tim Keith Wins Second World Disc Golf Title In A Row

By Loyd McIntosh, For The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE — For the second consecutive year, Trussville resident Tim Keith won the PDGA Professional Masters Disc Golf World Championship, a five-day competition in Peoria, Illinois from July 12-16. Keith outlasted a competitive field finishing with a five-day total score of 297, five points better than his second-place rival, Mitch McLellan from Norman, Oklahoma.
The Trussville Tribune •

Center Point apartment complexes to receive $2 million facelift

By Loyd McIntosh, For The Tribune

CENTER POINT — Work has already begun on a $2 million project to redevelop a pair of rundown apartment complexes located in the northern section of Center Point that city leaders hope will spur a new era of economic and residential transformation.

The Upland Apartments and Southwind Apartments were purchased recently by Capstone Realty & Management, a real estate company based in Lakewood, New Jersey, specializing in restoring living environments in underserved communities.
The Trussville Tribune •

Center Point mayor discusses public safety

By Loyd McIntosh, For The Tribune

CENTER POINT — It’s shortly after 6 p.m. on Monday, July 11, and a handful of citizens have just learned that tonight’s City Council meeting has been postponed for a second time, having originally been scheduled for Thursday, July 7. Despite the cancelation, Center Point Mayor Bobby Scott is still working, spending some time listening to long-time resident Bill Ramsey who has an issue to discuss – some brush he was instructed to pile in front of his house.