By Sarah KuperAt 93 years old, WWII veteran Ernie Andrus is on the verge of breaking the record for the oldest person to run from one coast of the United States to the other. Andrus isn't running to break a record, but rather to restore a piece of WWII history. His run is an effort to raise money to help repair the USS LST 325 so it can make the trip back across the … [Read more...]
More Than Insurance: Cahaba Heights Agency Helped Put the Community Back Together After Tornadoes
By Sarah KuperIt was five years ago that Russell Greenhalgh realized the significance of his family's business. As an insurance agency, Greenhalgh Insurance dealt firsthand with the destruction of the April 27, 2011, tornadoes that touched down in Cahaba Heights. "People often say they can't stand insurance, but this was a time we were able to think, ‘This is why we … [Read more...]
Of Coaches and Logos: Times of Change Come to Vestavia
By Lee Davis The news at Vestavia Hills last week was all about two coaches and one new logo. First, the good news. Rebel athletic director Jeff Segars moved swiftly and decisively with the recommendation to the Board of Education to hire two new coaches to direct Vestavia’s boys basketball and wrestling programs. In both cases Segars was replacing veteran coaches with … [Read more...]
Storm Chaser: Oak Mountain Rallies to Upset Vestavia Hills
By Lee DavisA pair of storms dominated the Class 7A second round baseball playoff between heavily favored Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain. The first involved the weather. The second involved the underdog Eagles. After losing Friday’s opener in a game shortened by a five-hour rain delay, Oak Mountain rallied for two dramatic victories Saturday to advance to the … [Read more...]
A River Runs Through It: Birmingham Man Channels Passion for Southern Living Into Conservation
By Sarah Kuper So far in his life, Britt Butler has served in WWII, worked as a Jefferson County reserve deputy sheriff and mentored dozens of Boy Scouts. He also served as one of the founding fathers of today's Southern Living magazine. Butler's grandfather ran a publication called the Progressive Farmer in the early 1900s. In an effort to engage city dwellers, Progressive … [Read more...]