By William C. Singleton IIIEmotional, hot-button local issues toppled two Over the Mountain mayors during the recent municipal elections. A majority of voters in Hoover and Vestavia Hills came out to the polls and selected new mayors to guide their cities for the next four years. Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey was bounced by challenger Frank Brocato in his reelection bid. … [Read more...]
Double Plays: Rebel Twins Confuse Even Their Coaches
By Lee Davis Through the years, Vestavia Hills football coach Buddy Anderson and his staff have been pretty successful at figuring things out on the football field. But senior Rebel defensive linemen James and Jacob Edwards are good at keeping people confused. Even on the practice field, the coaches aren’t sure which of the Edwards brothers they are working with at a … [Read more...]
Star Power: Celebrities and Philanthropy Go Hand-in-Hand for Autism Acceptance
By Sarah KuperThe upcoming KultureBall will not be just another black tie benefit, said Libby Matthews, vice president of growth at the Vestavia Hills-based autism nonprofit KultureCity. “It’s not just your typical, get dressed up and bid on a silent auction,” she said. “People who come say they’ve never experienced an event like it.” She said that’s partly because of … [Read more...]
Zaragoza Challenged by Curry in Mayoral Election
By William C. Singleton III Unlike his two previous elections, Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza has competition in his attempt to win a third term next month. Zaragoza, who ran unopposed in 2008 and 2012, will face retired FBI agent Ashley Curry for the right to become mayor when Vestavia Hills residents go to the polls Aug. 23. Both candidates stressed the … [Read more...]
Master of All: Vestavia Hill’s Hopkins Excelled in Athletics, Academics
By Lee Davis Jack Hopkins is a man who has always had a keen sense of his surroundings. The former Vestavia Hills soccer star, who graduated from Marshall University last spring, is spending his summer performing environmental field work in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. In the fall, Hopkins will pursue a master’s degree in environmental sciences at … [Read more...]