South City Theatre brings award-winning drama, laughter, and music to Shelby County. By Cara Clark Photos by Steven Ross For South City Theatre (SCT) Artistic Director Donna Williamson, the theater is an all or nothing enterprise. From her first introduction to the stage, she knew it would be a lifelong commitment. “It seems like … Read More
How has your first year on the City Council gone? My first year has been truly amazing. This opportunity has allowed me to serve in a capacity that I would have never thought possible. I now see how vital a communicative and transparent team of not only council members but city administrators, employees, and Mayor … Read More
Thompson head football coach Mark Freeman reflects on past success and more to come. By Barry Wise Smith Photos by Neal Wagner When Mark Freeman came to Thompson High School in 2015 after successful runs at Bessemer Academy, Gulf Shores High School, and Spanish Fort High School, he inherited a program that was struggling under … Read More
Coast Guard Veteran Shannon Layton turned her trauma into support for others By Lori Culpepper After enduring the devastating effects of a hospital-acquired infection that occurred soon after joining the military, Shannon Layton started down a path to improve the quality of healthcare for veterans like herself. Layton is part of a home church group … Read More
A one-cent sales tax increase will put Alabaster capital projects on the fast track. By Barry Wise Smith On February 27, the Alabaster City Council voted to increase city sales tax by one cent—making sales tax 10 percent in Alabaster—to fund significant capital projects in Alabaster, including a new library, a new community recreation center, … Read More
Twenty one years of fun-lovin’, foot-stompin’, heat-beatin’ fun. Alabaster CityFest has been around for a while, but often we see questions from festival-goers about how it all works. We asked the Alabaster Arts Council about some of the most common questions folks have about the event. How does CityFest stay fresh and continue to be … Read More
Toastmasters helps build confidence and instill good habits By Lee Hurley Photos by Brit Huckabay Motivational speaker Brain Tracy said, “Communication is like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” Nowhere is that more obvious than in a … Read More
These 11 Thompson High School seniors are ready to rule the world! By Barry Wise Smith Photos by Brit Huckabay Kendall Channell When did you start playing softball, and what have you learned playing softball that you will use in the future? I started playing softball at seven years old. I’ve learned how to be … Read More
By Barry Wise Smith Photos by Brit Huckabay Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney can barely contain his excitement as he guides a tour of the new $16-million state-of-the-art police headquarters under constructions at the entrance of the municipal complex in Alabaster. As he walks—hardhat securely in place—he points out various spaces and amenities he’s dreamed … Read More
An innovative new Internship program between Thompson High School and the city government of Alabaster takes flight. The city of Alabaster is finishing up year one of an innovative internship program called Alabaster Strong, where the city paired two Thomson High School students for paid internships with the Fire Department and Environmental Services. To kick … Read More
