For just shy of a year, the pandemic has ruled not only Jefferson County or the state of Alabama but the entire world. For the past four weeks, the Alabama Department of Public Health and medical community have faced a new COVID-19 challenge: vaccine distribution. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris recently dispelled misunderstandings concerning the process of distribution … [Read more...]
State of the City: McClusky Found Mayor’s Job Overwhelming at First but Said Homewood Will Survive the Pandemic
By Sam Prickett Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky delivered his first State of the City address to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Jan. 19, less than three months after being sworn into office amid a nationwide health crisis. His speech painted an optimistic picture of Homewood’s future, highlighting the city’s ability “to make the best of this unfortunate situation.” “Our … [Read more...]
‘Front and Center’: Legislature This Year Likely to Focus on COVID and Gambling
By Sam Prickett When lawmakers return to Montgomery next month, they’ll be working under the long shadow of COVID-19. A temperature check and questionnaire will be required for entrance to the State House, while legislators will be tested for the virus during their first week back, “and probably subsequently, depending on how things go,” Rep. David Wheeler, R-District 47, … [Read more...]
Following a Legend: Calhoun Ready to Start Journey of Replacing Anderson as Vestavia Hills Football Coach
By Rubin E. Grant Sean Calhoun wasn’t thinking about replacing a legend when he began the process of becoming Vestavia Hills’ next head football coach. “My wife, Kellie, and I follow the Lord, and the Lord put Vestavia Hills in our lap,” Calhoun said. “It was not something on our radar.” Two weeks ago, Calhoun was hired as the Rebels’ new coach, taking the reins from … [Read more...]
‘A Full Life’: McCallum Remembered for Contributions to UAB, City of Vestavia Hills
By Rubin E. Grant Murry Bartow had a front row seat when the UAB football program started at the NCAA Division III level in 1991. Bartow was an assistant coach on the basketball team under his late father, Gene Bartow, the head coach and the Blazers’ athletics director at the time. Charles “Scotty” McCallum was the UAB president. Gene Bartow and McCallum had a special bond, … [Read more...]