By Rubin E. Grant From the moment Kelsi Hobbs arrived at Samford University from John Carroll Catholic High School, she had one goal in mind: leave her mark on the Bulldogs’ volleyball program. “The seniors on the team when I was a freshman left a legacy,” Hobbs said. “We weren’t the best team going into the season, but we were all-in and they taught us what we needed to do … [Read more...]
Troops, Trees, Tradition: Mountain Scout Tree Lot Celebrates 60 Years in Vestavia Hills
By Emily Williams For the past 60 years, local Boy Scouts of Troop 4 have sold holiday cheer and raised funds for their troops through an annual tree sale in Vestavia Hills.Headquartered at Scout Square on U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills, the Mountain Scout Tree Sale has grown to include two more locations and benefits 11 Over the Mountain scout troops. “I believe the … [Read more...]
‘Does God Exist’: Rise of Atheism Prompts Best-Selling Author to Publish Book on the Existence of God
By Rubin E. Grant Richard Simmons couldn’t believe his eyes, or his ears. During a Democratic presidential debate in October, the Freedom From Religion Foundation aired a 30-second commercial on CNN that featured Ron Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan. The ad begins: “Hi, I’m Ron Reagan, an unabashed atheist, and I’m alarmed by the … [Read more...]
‘Bond and Love’: Community Mourns Death of Aniah Blanchard
By Ingrid Schnader After a month of searching for missing teen Aniah Blanchard, residents of Homewood and the surrounding communities were devastated to hear that Blanchard’s body had been found in Shorter on Nov. 25. “Right now, nothing makes sense and I’m so lost,” Walt Harris, Blanchard’s stepfather, wrote in a Nov. 28 Instagram post. “I just want you back. I hope I … [Read more...]
The Reason for the Season: Vestavia Hills’ Waters Hosts Holiday Signings of ‘Twas the Night That Began Christmas’
By Emily Williams In October of last year, Vestavia Hills’ Catherine Conrad Waters published her first children’s book ahead of the holiday season. “‘Twas the Night That Began Christmas” plays off the rhyme and verse of Clement Moore’s famous “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Rather than focusing on Saint Nicholas or the promise of presents, Waters’ book focuses on the … [Read more...]