Ward 3 By Barry Wise Smith When Stacy Rakestraw was first elected to the Alabaster City Council in 2012 (she ran unopposed in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020), she wanted to be part of making the city cleaner. And to say she’s accomplished that goal would be an understatement. In 2013, the first litter … Read More
By Lee Hurley Seventy-six-year-old Ron Turney grew up in Jeanette, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles from Pittsburgh. Back then, Pittsburgh was a blue collar town—much like Birmingham—and Ron’s dad worked for General Motors in the metal stamping plant. Turney attended the University of Pittsburgh where he double majored in economics and philosophy, which might seem odd … Read More
Erica Spray is a Louisiana native who planted roots in Sterrett, Alabama, where she lives with her husband Shane, and their son. Spray owns and operates Simply Slim in Alabaster, a weight loss and wellness spa. Her suspense/thriller novel is about Sadie Crowe, a young runaway trying to make it on her own as a … Read More
Residential Winner—July The July Beautification Board winner is the home of Pam Dyer at 344 Dogwood Trail. Residential Winner—August The August Beautification Board winner is the home of Boris and Janice Battle at 113 Brentwood Lane. Commercial Winner—July, August, September The July, August, and September Commercial Winner is the new Alabaster Police Department at 100 11th … Read More
By Brandon Matthews Ah summertime! For a student, this may actually be the most wonderful time of the year (sorry Christmas season). School is out. This means no more early morning bus rides, no more homework, no more lectures, no more tests, and no more studying. Just two full months of fun. When we think … Read More
Citizens getting involved in and learning about local government. Public Information Officer Neal Wagner and City Administrator Brian Binzer were looking for ways to make local government more accessible to its residents. Binzer had seen cities in the Atlanta area operate citizen academy programs, and the two saw this as an opportunity to create something … Read More
Closed Dates – July 4 & 5 – Independence Day Ya Ya Yarners – July 1. 5 pm. Members share crochet and knitting talents as well as work on community service projects. This year our group will provide hats and scarves to local charities and will provide shawls to local nursing home residents. Need to … Read More
Tesha LeShon Natural Hair Care This locally owned all-natural hair care salon provides healthy hair care and styling services to men, women and children specializing in braids, twists, locs and more. 11063 Highway 119 S (205) 315-3444 Teshaleshon@gmail.com teshaleshon.as.me Two L’s Creations – Freeze Dried Candy & Treats Two L’s Creations is a veteran … Read More
A neighborhood that feels like a family. Above Photo: Neighborhood HOA standing behind the Southfield Gardens wall. From left: Robyn Fleming- Activities and Decorations; Kitsy Sullivan-Secretary; Renee Bailey-Activities and Decorations; Tim Willmert-Vice-President, Architectural Review; Ron Bell-HOA President; Gary Blankenship-Vice-President, Architectural Review; Not pictured: Karolyn Bell-Landscaping; Spurgeon Henderson-Welcome and Bereavement. By Carmen Brown Photos by Steven Ross Renee Bailey was taking a walk through her … Read More
Dear Friends, It’s that time of year again—graduation time! It’s the time of year when one very important era ends, and another begins. This year is particularly bittersweet for my family as my twin sons graduate from Thompson High School. We are so proud of them and their classmates and wish nothing but the best … Read More
