Meet John Haggard, Finance Director/Treasurer of Alabaster

November 23, 2021By Alabaster Connection

By Lee Hurley John Haggard grew up in Cullman, Alabama, the son of two accountants. He attended Baylor High School in Chattanooga before heading to Auburn in 2006 intending to major in something other than accounting. In fact he earned a B.A. in history. Somewhere along the way though John remembered the words his dad … Read More

Councilor Corner: Rick Ellis

November 22, 2021By Alabaster Connection

By Barry Wise Smith   In 2016, Rick Ellis, a 20-year resident of Alabaster, was inspired by his family to run for the Ward 2 seat on the Alabaster City Council and won. Alabaster Connection chatted with Councilor Ellis about his plans and what he would like to accomplish in this term.   Alabaster Connection: … Read More

A Letter from Mayor Scott Brakefield

November 21, 2021By Alabaster Connection

Dear Friends, There are so many exciting things happening in Alabaster! We are seeing continued growth in our business sector, our schools have once again been ranked among the top in the state, and Alabaster has weathered the pandemic and come through in a financially healthy position. On September 13, the City Council voted to … Read More

A Story of Recovery

November 21, 2021By Alabaster Connection

By Brandon Matthews Addiction is a cruel master, and many of us are slaves. However, there is freedom in the midst of our failure. Today we talk with Daniel Oldham, who is no longer bound by addiction. Brandon Matthews: How did your drug use begin? Daniel Oldham: It began with smoking marijuana in high school. … Read More

Giving Back to Thompson Intermediate School

November 21, 2021By Alabaster Connection

  Pictured left to right: Mike Higginbotham, Adam Hix, Madison Harness, Kaley Claudpierre, Lauren Whittle, Kimberly Dooley By Barry Wise Smith Mike Higginbotham shows his support for Thompson Intermediate School After serving in children’s ministry for 10 years at the Church of the Highlands and helping to establish children’s programs on the church’s expanding number … Read More

Terrific Teen: Abby McGee

November 21, 2021By Alabaster Connection

By Addison Lusco   Abby McGee is constantly turning trials into triumphs. Twenty-one years ago, Abby’s older brother Wyatt was born at just 23 weeks while her parents were vacationing in New Orleans. The doctors in New Orleans did everything they could to ensure that Wyatt would survive his premature birth, although Abby’s parents were … Read More

Councilor Corner: Sophie Martin

September 12, 2021By Alabaster Connection

  Ward 1 By Barry Wise Smith   Veteran Alabaster City Council member Sophie Martin is the Ward 1 representative for the area that includes Highway 11, Old Highway 31, Weatherly, and Saddle Lake Farms. Last August, Martin was elected to her fourth term as Ward 1 representative—she has served for 13 years. S Sophie … Read More

Q&A With the Founder of the Alabaster Business Alliance

September 12, 2021By Alabaster Connection

By Lee Hurley   Leigh Hulsey has been a small-business owner in Alabaster for the past nine years. She owns and operates CrossFit Alabaster. She is currently serving her fourth term on the Helena City Council. Leigh has been married to her husband Dennis for 24 years, and they have three children, Bradon, Cade, and … Read More

Becoming Better; Not Bitter: The Story of Noah Galloway

September 12, 2021By Alabaster Connection

  Noah Galloway lives post-combat life with No Excuses. Story and photos by Cara Clark and courtesy the Galloways   As the early days of August bore down with heat and humidity on Alabama, Army veteran Noah Galloway joined fellow soldiers and the nonprofit organization Sheep Dog Impact Assistance to ascend Tanzania’s famous Mount Kilimanjaro, … Read More

Alabaster All Stars

September 12, 2021By Alabaster Connection

The Thompson High School Warriors football team is coming off back-to-back 7A State Championships going into the 2021 season with the expectations high for a three peat. The Warriors are firmly at the top of the pre-season football rankings, and are ranked fifth on the MaxPreps national high school football rankings. The Warriors won the … Read More