By William C. Singleton IIIJournal contributorThe Hoover school board voted this month to eliminate bus service to its schools for the 2014-2015 school year.The board said the move was necessary to free up about $2.5 million annually that can go to the classroom. However, the move has angered many parents and will likely mean 140 to 150 school drivers and other … [Read more...]

By William C. Singleton IIIJournal contributorThe city of Vestavia Hills has been on a tear ridding itself of unsafe and blighted houses in its community.Since the City Council last January strengthened an ordinance to make it easier to remove unsafe structures, the city has seen 11 homes torn down because of blighted or unsafe conditions.The city has … [Read more...]

A Place for Adults with Autism:Bluff Park Methodist, Glenwood Partner to Open The Promise HomeBy William C. Singleton IIIJournal contributorAustin Thrasher, 34, has already picked out his room in his new home in Hoover.It has a bathroom with a shower, a closet, a ceiling fan and enough wall space for his television and a picture of his girlfriend. It … [Read more...]

By William C. Singleton IIIJournal contributor Vestavia Hills city officials hope to have a new city manager in the next two to three months.Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza said the city would either search for a replacement or consult a search firm to find the next city manager.“We have talked about two different ways. One is to look at a consulting … [Read more...]

By Keysha DrexelJournal editorA proposed bill under review by a state House of Representatives committee is aimed at better protecting the four-legged police officers in Over the Mountain and other cities across the state.Sponsored by Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, and others, House Bill 259 would make it a Class C felony to harass, assault or injure a police animal … [Read more...]