By Anne RuisiDecades ago, the white building next to the railroad tracks on 20th Street South in Irondale was an icehouse and then a service station. Since 1989, the one-time commercial building has housed a nonprofit art program geared to adults on the autism spectrum. Studio by the Tracks was founded by Ila Faye Miller, an educator who worked with children on the … [Read more...]
‘Just Keep Swimming’: Columnist Susan Murphy Leaves a Legacy of Love, Laughter
By Donna CorneliusIn 1990, Maury Wald had just started a brand-new suburban newspaper, the Over the Mountain Journal – and he had a particular space to fill.“We had a spot in the paper to run guest columns, and we received some good ones – and some not so good,” said Wald, the OTMJ’s owner and publisher.Out of all the would-be writers who wanted the job, one stood … [Read more...]
Life on the Cahaba
By June MathewsRandy Haddock feels equally at home in two places. One is a house with walls, furniture and other conveniences. The other is a canoe in the middle of a river. But not just any river. The Cahaba River. The river Haddock has traveled and studied and treasured for three decades, from its headwaters near Springville to its confluence with the Alabama … [Read more...]
Rebels Dethrone Spartans to Win State Lacrosse Championship; Mountain Brook Girls 3-Peat
By Rubin E. GrantThe Vestavia Hills boys lacrosse team came up just short against Mountain Brook in the state finals the past two years.The Rebels lost by a single goal to the Spartans both times. But those heartbreaking defeats gave Vestavia Hills invaluable experience.So, when they met again in the 2023 Alabama Lacrosse Championships final on May 6 at Buccaneer … [Read more...]
‘Competitive Drive’: Spain Park’s Kyes Captures Class 7A Golf Title With Dogged Determination
By Rubin E. GrantChase Kyes had designs on winning an individual state golf title in each of his four years at Spain Park High School.“I thought it would be cool,” Kyes said.But Kyes’ hopes were dashed in 2022 during his freshman year when he finished second in the Class 7A field, three strokes behind Jack Mitchell of James Clemens.The two dueled again two weeks … [Read more...]