Christmas is coming City sets date for parade. 5A
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Warriors roll THS takes down Wildcats. 12A
AlabasterReporter.com 50¢
ALABAMA’S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Boy, 10, asks council to change BB gun law By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor A L A B A S T E R — Thompson Intermediate School fifth-grader Logan Robbins wanted to go about things the right way after learning an Alabaster city ordinance prohibited him from shooting his BB gun in his backyard. After researching the city’s firearm ordinance, which states it is unlawful to fire weapons such as BB guns, firearms, air rifles, crossbows and bows and arrows in city limits unless a person is protecting their home, attending a firearms or archery school or if they have
more than 20 acres, 10-yearold Logan asked his parents about the process to change the ordinance. “He asked how to change the ordinance, and we told him only the City Council can do that,” said Logan’s mother, Jennifer. “So he asked us if he could bring it up at a City Council meeting,” his father, Jon, said with a laugh. Logan’s parents contacted their City Council member, Tommy Ryals, and asked if the TIS student could present his concerns to the council. Council members agreed, and placed Logan at the top of their Oct. 8 work session agenda.
Logan worked with his mother to construct a speech to give at the work session, which he delivered to the council professionally and without hesitation. In his speech, Logan asked the council to consider dividing the ordinance into two categories: One covering standard firearms and crossbows and another covering BB guns, air rifles and pistols and standard bows and arrows. He asked for the ordinance to remain the same for the first category, and for changes to be made for the second category. While presenting his case, Logan said BB projectiles have significantly slower
velocities than firearms and crossbows, and said a halfacre would provide adequate space to shoot a BB gun. He said eye protection should be required, and said shooting BB guns is a good way to hone firearms safety practices. “I don’t hunt, but I love to shoot and hopefully I will competitively shoot one day. Since firearms cannot be shot at my home, a BB gun can help me learn to shoot,” Logan said, noting he currently travels to his grandparents’ house in Adamsville to legally shoot his BB gun. “My parents and grandparents have taught me responsibility when shooting a BB gun.”
City Council members praised Logan for bringing his concerns to their attention, and said they will consider changing the ordinance. “If we can find a way to amend this to also cover the people who may not be as responsible as you are, I think there may be room to modify it,” Ryals told Logan. “You’re doing it exactly right by coming to us. Some people would just shoot until they got caught.” How would Logan feel if his actions led to a change in the city ordinance? “I would be so happy,” Logan said. “I don’t know of anyone else who has done that.”
CONTRIBUTED
FIfth-grader Logan Robbins prepares to enter Alabaster City Hall to present to the City Council on Oct. 8.
Alabaster Ulta store opens doors By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor ALABASTER—As a frequent shopper at the Ulta Beauty store at Hoover’s Patton Creek shopping center, Julie Glasscock found her perfect job when the company began looking for a manager for its new Alabaster location. “I just love Ulta anyway,
and I frequently shopped at the store in Hoover,” Glasscock said during an Oct. 12 interview as she managed the freshly opened Alabaster Ulta store. “I live in Helena, so it’s nice to have this store a little closer to home.” Glasscock and her employees have seen a
See ULTA, Page 2A
REPORTER PHOTO/NEAL WAGNER
Alabaster resident Carolyn Ledbetter, right, is overjoyed as Suzi Daniels, left, presents her with a new tiller purchased through a community fundraiser.
REPORTER PHOTO/NEAL WAGNER
Alabaster’s new Ulta store in the South Promenade opened its doors to customers on Friday, Oct. 9. The store held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 16.
‘It’s a miracle to me’ Alabaster OKs Community rallies for 78-year-old theft victim By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor ALABASTER—In her 78 years alive, Alabaster resident Carolyn Ledbetter had never gotten a surprise like she received on the morning of Oct. 15.
As she walked down from her front porch to greet fellow Alabaster resident Suzi Daniels, she was astonished by what Daniels had to tell her. “We have such a great community. They really went above and beyond,” Daniels
said as she told Ledbetter about the fundraiser she established to help Ledbetter recover from a recent theft. On Sept. 22, Ledbetter was preparing to have her son-inlaw, Donnie Snow, till a plot of land in front of her house in preparation for a gar-
den when the family noticed their new Husqvarna tiller was missing. Ledbetter had just purchased the tiller from the Alabaster Lowe’s store a few months prior, and was still making payments on it.
See MIRACLE, Page 2A
America’s Thrift Stores report breach By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor ALABASTER—The America’s Thrift Stores company, which operates a location off Second Avenue North in Alabaster, is warning its customers of a recent credit and debit card security breach, the company announced on Oct. 9. According to information distributed by the company, America’s Thrift Stores, which also operates stores throughout Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana, was “recently the victim of a data security breach that occurred through software used by a third-party service provider.”
FILE
America’s Thrift Stores, which operates a location in Alabaster, recently reported a security breach. “This breach allowed criminals from eastern Europe unauthorized access to some payment card num-
bers. This virus/malware is one of several infecting retailers across North America,” America’s Thrift
Stores wrote in a statement. “The U.S. Secret Service tells us that only card numbers and expiration dates were stolen. They do not believe any customer names, phone numbers, addresses or email addresses were compromised.” The breach may have affected credit and debit card transactions between Sept. 1 and Sept. 27, according to the company. After learning about the breach, the company said it began working with an independent external forensic expert and the U.S. Secret Service to examine the breach and remove the
See SECURITY, Page 2A
moratorium on some business types By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor ALABASTER—The city of Alabaster will not issue any new business licenses to payday loan, cash advance, used car dealerships and several other types of businesses in the Medical Mile district for at least the next six months after the City Council passed a temporary
REPORTER PHOTO/NEAL WAGNER
INSIDE
ON THE WEB
Spotted .......................3A Records ......................5A Calendar .....................9A
www.AlabasterReporter.com
AlabasterReporter.com.
Lifestyles ....................4A Classifieds .............. 7-8A Sports.......................12A Obituaries ...................4A Worship......................9A
See MORATORIUM, Page 2A
The Alabaster City Council passed a six-month moratorium on some types of businesses in the Medical Mile, which includes old downtown Alabaster, pictured.
Want daily email updates? Sign up at Recycled paper
moratorium during its Oct. 12 meeting. The council voted unanimously during the meeting to approve the temporary business license moratorium, which will be in effect through March 31, 2016. Council members Rick Walters and Bob Hicks were absent from the meeting.
Facebook: facebook.com/alabasterreporter Twitter: twitter.com/alabasterreporter
Want to see who topped the weekly health ratings?
See page 5A for public records and a list of this week’s restaurants with the best scores.
News 2A October 21, 2015
ALABASTER REPORTER
Miracle After filing a police report, Ledbetter issued a plea for the thief to return the stolen item, and promised to drop all charges if they did so. As of Oct. 15, the stolen tiller had not been returned, but the Alabaster community more than made up for it. Daniels established a Gofundme.com page to solicit $900 in donations to purchase Ledbetter a new tiller and pay off her debt on the stolen one. The fundraiser hit its goal in 17 hours. “I felt upset about the whole thing. I have a mother-in-law who is a few years older than Mrs. Ledbetter, and she does a lot of gardening too. She relies on that for her food, just like Mrs. Ledbetter does,” Daniels said. “But I can’t take credit for this. That goes to all the people who donated and shared the Gofundme page. I want her to know that people in Alabaster, they really care.” After the fundraiser hit its mark on Oct. 14, Daniels
continued from page 1A
REPORTER PHOTO/NEAL WAGNER
Suzi Daniels, left, and Carolyn Ledbetter embrace after Daniels delivered a new tiller to replace one stolen from Ledbetter a few weeks ago. traveled to Lowe’s, where she explained the situation to store employees. As a result, Lowe’s knocked $50 off the price of the new tiller and donated a cable and lock to help secure the tiller on Ledbetter’s property. On Oct. 15, Daniels and her husband, Tommy, surprised Ledbetter at her house by presenting her with the new tiller and enough money to pay off what she owed on the old one. Ledbetter couldn’t hold back the tears.
“I wasn’t expecting this. I don’t know what to do. I’ve never had that kind of loss or this outpouring of care,” Ledbetter said, noting she had been walking all over her property the same morning while checking to see if the thief had returned the stolen tiller. The surprise came one day after members of her church, Siluria Baptist, had offered to help her pay off her debt on the stolen tiller. “I told them ‘I can handle it. We’ve got missions we’re
Security malware causing the breach. If customers view any fraudulent activity or suspicious charges on their credit or debit card, they are encouraged to contact their bank or card issuer immediately. The breach did not affect customers who purchased items with checks or cash. Consumers who report fraudulent charges immediately typically are not held responsible for those charges. “This was a very serious attack on our customers and our stores — and we apologize to our customers for any inconvenience,” America’s Thrift Stores CEO Ken Sobaski wrote in
a statement. “Data breaches are becoming far too common these days. We urge all shoppers – whether at our stores or others – to check their credit and debit card statements every month for any fraudulent charges. Any suspicious activity should be reported to your bank and card issuers right away.” The company shared the following tips from the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, you should contact one of the consumer reporting agencies listed below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to con-
Moratorium
MAMMOGRAM MARATHON
99
$
*
MAMMOGRAMS AVAILABLE IN OCTOBER Shelby Baptist Medical Center Diagnostic Center 1004 1st Street North Alabaster, Alabama 35007 205.620.8008
Friday – 7am to 4:30pm Schedule your appointment today
baptisthealth system BaptistHealthAlabama.org/mammo *Cash, Check or Credit Card required at time of service. Insurance will not be filed with this special offer. This pricing does not include additional services, such as subsequent appointments if a problem is detected or further studies are required.
The moratorium only applies to the Main Street Medical Mile, which is defined as 1,000 feet from the centerline of U.S. 31 from Hillwood Lane to Simmsville Road, Fifth Avenue Northeast, Second Street Northeast, Seventh Avenue Northeast from U.S. 31 to Third Street Northeast and on Industrial Road from Short Street to U.S. 31. “A lot of hard work has gone into this Medical Mile, and this moratorium is one step closer to that development because it accentuates the type of development we want in that area,” said City Council President Scott Brakefield. “Hopefully, this will help to beautify that area.” The resolution specifically lays out the types of businesses allowed to get business licenses in the Medical Mile during the moratorium. The
list incudes many types of medical, dental and pharmacy uses, government buildings, general-use office and professional buildings, retail stores taking up no more than 15 percent of a total building’s floor area, optical firms, florist shops, book and gift stores, restaurants and coffee shops, hotels, gas stations and convenience stores. Temporary vendor business licenses will not be granted, but mobile vendor business licenses will be granted. Ward 5 City Councilman Russell Bedsole, who previously expressed concern about passing a moratorium, said he supported the action because it only affects a certain part of town for a limited amount of time. “It does only pertain to the Main Street Medical Mile. It does not apply to any areas outside that Main Street
Ulta “wonderful” amount of business since the store opened its doors for a soft opening on Oct. 9, and were seeing higher-than-expected traffic at the store on Oct. 12 due to the Columbus Day holiday. “It’s been going well. We’ve been doing (business) well above what we expected,” Glasscock said. In less than a year, construction crews demol-
working on, and that is more important,’” Ledbetter said. “This is going to help me donate more to that (feed the world mission program).” Ledbetter said she now plans to have her son-in-law till a portion of her yard to make way for collared greens and turnips before winter weather arrives. “This is a miracle, it’s a miracle to me. I know we’ve got a lot of good people here,” Ledbetter said. “I wish I was big enough to give everyone a hug.”
continued from page 1A tact one of the three credit reporting companies to place an alert. TransUnion: 1-800-6807289; Transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, Calif., 92834-6790 Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; Equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, Ga., 30374-0241 E x p e r i a n : 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); Experian.com; P.O. Box 9554, Allen, Texas, 75013 For more details on the steps to take if you are a victim of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website at Ftc. gov/bcp/edu/microsites/ idtheft/.
continued from page 1A
QUICK FACTS Alabaster passed a moratorium on business licenses for several types of businesses along the Medical Mile district. The resolution specifically lays out the types of businesses allowed to get business licenses in the Medical Mile during the moratorium. The moratorium will be in effect through March 31, 2015.
Medical Mile,” Bedsole said. “It doesn’t affect any current businesses, only those seeking new business licenses. It ends on March 31, 2016, so there is an end date on the moratorium.”
continued from page 1A ished the former maurices store between Dicks Sporting Goods and Best Buy in Alabaster’s South Promenade shopping center and constructed a new 70-foot-wide by 145-foot-deep building to house the new Ulta store. The Highway 31/11 LLC development company owns the Dick’s Sporting Goods property and developed the
adjacent Ulta Beauty store. During a February meeting, the Alabaster City Council voted unanimously to approve an incentives package for Highway 31/11 LLC valued at up to $516,000 over the next five years. The vote came after a public hearing on the matter, during which no residents spoke for or against the incentives. For the past several weeks, Glasscock and her employees have been working to construct the inside of the store “from the ground up.” “We unloaded boxes, we put together displays, everything,” she said. “So it’s nice to get to reap the benefits of that now.” The store is now open during its regular business hours from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, and from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. On Oct. 16, the store held a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m., and awarded “beauty treats” to the first 100 customers at the store on Oct. 16, 17 and 18. The free gifts were valued between $5 and $100.
News ALABASTER REPORTER
October 21, 2015 3A
Bark in the Park
REPORTER PHOTOS/NEAL WAGNER
Despite rainy weather, dozens of locals and their dogs flocked to Alabaster’s Veterans Park on Oct. 3 for the Shelby County Humane Society’s Bark in the Park event. LEFT: Kayla Evans with Blu. RIGHT: Elizabeth Nichols with Corey-Anne.
LEFT: Gina Mcintosh with Rigley. RIGHT: Brian and Willow Smith with Lila.
LEFT: Susan Prince with Thor. RIGHT: Elizabeth Getz with Hardy.
LEFT: Susie Quick and Brittany Newell with Frankie and Lily. RIGHT: Noel and Jacob Franklin.
Alabaster Library
CONTRIBUTED
Alabaster’s Albert L. Scott Public Library held several fun events for children during the month of September. LEFT: Boys and girls played musical beach towels, Lingo Bingo, danced and made a surf board craft on Sept. 22. RIGHT: Children had fun during the Sept. 29 session of the “Pete the Cat Book Club” at the Albert L. Scott Library.
Everything Rotates Around YOU.®
3406 Pelham Parkway • Pelham
(205) 663-0433 LEFT: Girls learned about the American Girl character Saige and attended a face-painting workshop during the Sept. 25. RIGHT: Everett Pohl shows off the structure he created during the Lego League.
About
Staff
115 North Main Street P.O. Box 947 Columbiana, AL 35051 AlabasterReporter.com news@alabasterreporter.com 205-669-3131 phone 205-669-4217 fax
ADMINISTRATION:
EDITORIAL:
Tim Prince Katie McDowell
Graham Brooks Molly Davidson Baker Ellis Jessa Pease Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Laurel Cousins Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Kristy Brown
DESIGN: Jamie Dawkins Layken Gibbs Robyn Holm Amanda Porter MEMBER
Alabama Press Association Serving Alabama Newspapers since 1871
MARKETING: Ashley Duckett Kari George Daniel Holmes Emily Klein Nicole Loggins Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Meagan Mims April Spivey
www.cahabatire.com
Get it in print
Advertise
Accuracy
The Alabaster Reporter is published every Wednesday by Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., 115 Main Street, Columbiana, AL 35051. If you have news tips or news items, please contact the Alabaster Reporter by email at news@alabasterreporter. com, by phone at 669-3131 or by fax at 669-4217. If you have sports tips or sports items, please contact the Alabaster Reporter by email at sports@alabasterreporter.com, by phone at 669-3131 or by fax at 6694217. To give your tip the best chance of getting published in the next edition of the Alabaster Reporter, contact the appropriate department by noon on Thursday.
For classified ads, contact the Alabaster Reporter by email at classifieds@alabasterreporter.com or by phone at 669-3133. The deadline for classified ads is 9 a.m. on Monday. For display ads, contact the Alabaster Reporter by email at advertise@ alabasterreporter.com or by phone at 669-3131. Display advertisement deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday.
We strive for accuracy. In the event of a published error, corrections will run in the next available edition of the Alabaster Reporter. Report any inaccuracies to Publisher Tim Prince by email at tim.prince@ alabasterreporter.com.
News 4A October 21, 2015
ALABASTER REPORTER
November offers reading activities Library Link Frances Smith Community Columnist November is when many folks begin gearing up for the holidays. But the month is known for other reasons and each has fascinating corresponding books. Nov. 1 is National Family Literacy Day. Consider an easy literacy activity: Check out library books and read together! On Nov. 2, 1734, frontiersman Daniel Boone was born. We have several Boone biographies for kids. Nov. 3 is National Sandwich Day. Read the fun book “Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich.” Nov. 4 is National Candy Day. Try candy making with “Eye Candy: Crafting Cool Candy Creations.” Nov. 6 is Basketball Day. The inventor of basketball, James Naismith, was born on that day in 1861. A cool book to read is “Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player put Women’s Hoops on the Map.” Nobel Prize winning scientist Marie Curie was born on Nov. 7, 1867. We have Curie biographies for both kids and adults. Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. Take some time to read about veterans and their holiday. On Nov. 16, 1620, pilgrims
EVENT DETAILS WHAT: Tunes and Tales for all local children WHERE: Albert L. Scott Public Library WHEN: Every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. first encountered corn. “Life and Times of Corn” tells all about this taste treat. Nov. 16 is also Button Day. Kids love to read “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons.” President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19, 1863. Our volumes on Lincoln include a tall book of photos and news clippings titled “Lincoln Shot: A President’s Life Remembered.” Many people know where they were on Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Youngsters can learn about this moment in time by reading “Kennedy’s Last Days: The Assassination that Defined a Generation.” November is Latin American Month, and in November 1870, the U.S. Weather Service was established. Those interested can read up a storm on both topics at the library. Thanksgiving is on Nov. 26. We have lots of books to enhance this all-American holiday. A cornucopia of programs will be at the library this month. For children: Story times
CONTRIBUTED
On Nov. 16, which is Button Day, children can read “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons.” are Tunes and Tales at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and Toddler Tales at 10:30 a.m. Fridays. There will be a Thanksgiving Break Story Time at 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 25 for all ages. Kids 6 years old and younger must be with an adult during story times and other programs. Nov. 3 – Lego League, 4 p.m. Nov. 17 – Pete the Cat Book Club, 6 p.m. 5 years old and older can sign up. Nov. 20 – American Girls Club, 4 p.m. 7 years old and older can sign up. For adults: Nov. 2 – Job Searching, 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 9
– Resume’ Writing, 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 16 – Interviewing, 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 4, 18, 25 – Tai Chi, 11:30 a.m.; Nov. 4 – Computer Class, 10 a.m. Word Part 2; Nov. 18 – Computer Class, 10 a.m. Excel Part 1; Nov. 25 – Computer Classes, 10 a.m. Excel Part 2; Nov. 9 – A, B, C, Ds of Medicare, 1 p.m.; Nov. 19 – Book Group, 7 p.m. “Moonrise” by Cassandra King; and Nov. 21 – LifeSouth Blood Drive, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Programs are in the meeting room. Frances Smith is the Youth Services Librarian at the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster and can be reached at (205) 664-6822.
Obituaries Scotty Darrell Brantley Alabaster Scotty Darrell Brantley, 37, died unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 9. Scotty is survived by his father, W a y n e Brantley of Montevallo; his wife, Melissa M a n e y Brantley of Brantley Alabaster; daughter, Marissa Nicole Brantley of Calera; step-daughters, Savannah Rainier, Madelyn Rainier and Presley Carroll of Alabaster; his brother, Destry Brantley and sister-in-law, Heather Brantley, and nephew, Fletcher Brantley of Jemison; father-in-law and mother-inlaw, Jerry and Dianne Maney of Mars Hills, NC. He is preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Ann Brantley, and infant sister, Dedra Brantley. Scotty was vice-president of Wayne Brantley Electric of Pelham, where he took pride in every project from start to finish. He was a very dedicated son, father, stepfather, friend and incredibly loving husband. He was a 1996 graduate of Jemison High School where he played football and made many lifelong friends. He was very passionate about Alabama football, he loved to workout and ride motorcycles with his wife. We received friends and family for the viewing Thursday, Oct. 15 from 5-8 p.m. at Rockco Funeral Home in Montevallo. The funeral was Friday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at Shady Grove Church, 113 Shady Grove Loop, Randolph, AL 36792. Online condolences may be made at Rockcofuneralmontevallo. com.
Mary Ann Ihas Columbiana Mary Ann Ihas, 91, of Columbiana and Birmingham, died Saturday, Oct. 10, three days after her birthday, in her daughter’s home as she wished, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Ihas M a r y Ann was born Oct. 7, 1924, in Delphos, Ohio, the first of six children of Hermena and Leland
Lentz. She grew up in Hillsdale, Mich., where she attended school, met and married her beloved husband of 58 years, Eugene Charles Ihas, who preceded her in death in 1999. Mary Ann will be remembered fondly for her sharp mind and memory, determination, suffer-no-fools-attitude, irreverent sense of humor, and unswerving dedication to family. As a young mother of two small children, unable to pursue her own educational goals, she reared as her own two younger siblings, making sure they finished high school. She worked nights for Boeing in Battle Creek, Mich., overseeing blueprints. Later, she was a bookkeeper in Birmingham, Mich., and Summit, N.J. A voracious reader, Mary Ann was an accomplished vegetable gardener and an award winning Avon sales representative. She volunteered as coordinator of her church’s Bingo night for seniors. Late in life, she became a passionate, if occasional and very controlled, casino gambler. Mary Ann is survived by her children, Sandra Ann Coder of Sterrett, and Gary Gene Ihas (Joann) of Gainesville, Fla.; grandchildren, Robert Hillier (Mary Kay) of Columbiana, Alexis Posey of Gainesville, Fla., Holly Hillier Peveler of Cincinnati, Ohio, Todd Coder (Mary Susan) of Birmingham, Benjamin Ihas (Kala) of Boulder, Colo., and Matthew Coder of Hoover; siblings, Bonnie Snow of Mt. Dora, Fla., Robert and Keith (Margaret) Lentz of Middleburg, Fla., and Martha (Pete) Landis of Osseo, MI; and six great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her brother, Leland (Bud) Lentz, and grandson, Nicholas Posey. The family will celebrate Mary Ann’s life privately. Her ashes will be scattered with those of her beloved husband, Gene, in Hillsdale, Mich., on the site of their first date. She will be dearly missed. The family thanks every person who helped Mary Ann die with dignity. Memorial contributions may be sent to New Beacon Hospice, 122 7th Ave NE, Alabaster, AL 35007.
Christy Cannady Calera Christy Cannady, age 48, of Calera, died Saturday, Oct. 10. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, at Bolton Funeral Home.
Ms. Cannady is survived by one brother, Howard Cannady (Donna); one nephew, Nick Cannady (Kayla); and one great-niece, Kinsley Cannady. Please sign online condolences at Boltonfuneralhome. com.
Delilah Katherine Willis Chappelle Alabaster Delilah Katherine Willis Chappelle died peacefully Monday, Oct. 12 in Alabaster at the age of 85. Katherine was born on March 21, 1930 in Selma to Jessie Alphonso and Vesta Moore Willis. Katherine is survived by her children, Teresa McCurdy Riddle (Larry) of Pelham, Norman Odell McCurdy (Barbara) of Kennedy, Jacqueline Chappelle Mims (Rick) of Jemison, and stepson, David Luverne Chappelle (Beverly) of Summerfield, Fla.; sisters, Sibyl Willis McLean of Selma, Vivian Willis Hollis (Robert) of Navarre, Fla., Esther Willis Chappelle (Ulysses) of Selma; and a brother, James Willis (Henrietta) of Stockton, Calif. She is survived by grandchildren, Jarrod David Nichols of Cahaba Heights, Sandra McCurdy Hauser of Princeton, Texas, Rebecca Nicole Boman of Huntsville, Richard Eugene Mims of Alpine, Brooke Lorrell Kaiser of Alabaster, Norman Heath McCurdy of Jasper, Tonya Katherine Mims of Jemison, ReAnna Marie Chappelle of Selma, and Ramona Renea Chappelle of Plantersville; step grandsons, Christopher Brian Riddle of Hoover, David Luverne Chappelle, Jr., John Darron Chappelle, Stephen Eric Chappelle, and Shannon Chappelle; step-granddaughters, Dina Carter Berutti of Aromas, Calif., and Kristi Carter of Belton, Texas; eight great-grandchildren and a host cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Vesta Moore Willis; husband, Chester David Chappelle; daughter, Vesta Chappelle Smith; stepdaughter, Linda Chappelle Carter and her brother, J. D. Willis. A funeral was held Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Selma Funeral Home and burial at Pineview Memory Gardens in Selma. Visitation/viewing began at 10 a.m. and the funeral service began at 11 a.m. All were welcome to attend and celebrate Katherine Chappelle’s life. The family would like to
thank Shelby Ridge Nursing Home in Alabaster and Affinity Hospice Care for the efforts, care, and dedication. You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at Selmafuneralhome.com.
Berniece Donahoo Harpersville Berniece Donahoo, age 94, of Harpersville, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, Oct. 14. She was a loving mother and dedicated servant of the Lord. She loved her church and her family, especially her grandchildren. She served her community tirelessly for her entire life. The funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16 at First Baptist Church of Harpersville with Rev. Phil McMillan and Rev. Leon White officiating. Burial followed in Harpersville City Cemetery. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 at the church. Bolton Funeral Home directed. Mrs. Donahoo was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Myrtle Glaze; brothers, Curtis Glaze and Alton Glaze; husband, Lloyd Embry Donahoo; and a son, James Lloyd Donahoo. She is survived by her daughters, Connie Jemison (Wayne) and Becky Morris (Lane); grandchildren, Alan Jemison, Brad Jemison, Jennifer Bright, Lana Morris, Kevin Morris, Jill Donahoo, Lloyd Donahoo; 11 great-grandchildren and numerous other family and friends. Please sign online condolences at Boltonfuneralhome. com.
Patricia Clackler Smith Vincent Funeral service for Patricia Clackler Smith, age 62, was held Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. at Vandiver Church of God. Interment was at Lawleys Chapel Cemetery. The family received friends on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from noon – 2 p.m. at the church. Ms. Smith passed away Friday, Oct. 9. She is survived by two sons, Scott Smith and Heath Smith; two daughters, Virginia Smith and Sherri Snider; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Clackler; and sister, Melba Clackler. Condolences may be offered online at Kilgroefh. com. Kilgroe Funeral Home – Pell City directed the service.
OBITUARIES: Only death notices and obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be accepted. The first 100 words cost $75. Each additional word will be charged $0.50 per word. Basic death notices are free of charge. Photos may be included for a flat charge of $10 each.
News ALABASTER REPORTER
October 21, 2015 5A
FILE
LEFT: The Alabaster 105-pound football players. RIGHT: Noah Galloway serves as the grand marshal of last year’s Alabaster Christmas parade. This year’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Alabaster sets date for Christmas parade By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor ALABASTER—It may not yet be Halloween, but Alabaster has already made plans to kick off the Christmas season with style. Alabaster’s annual Christmas parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, according to the Alabaster Parks and Recreation
Department. This year’s parade will follow the same route as last year’s, and will begin at the Ernest McCarty Ford dealership on U.S. 31 before turning right onto Second Place Northwest, traveling down First Street Southwest and ending at the stop sign in front of Southbrook Village. During the parade, which is organized and spon-
sored by Alabaster city personnel and the Alabaster Beautification Board, the two southbound lanes of U.S. 31 will be closed, and northbound and southbound traffic will be diverted onto the two northbound lanes. The theme of this year’s parade will be “A Hometown Christmas,” and attendees are encouraged to line up
along the southbound side of U.S. 31 along the parade route. The city will hold the parade rain or shine “unless conditions become unsafe for parade participants and spectators.” The city will set up a judging station in front of the former City Hall building on U.S. 31, and floats will have a chance to conduct 1-minute performances for
Domestic incident from 200 block of Navajo Pines Drive (residence/home).
theft of property III. Penny Shook Garzarek, 62, Columbiana, driving under the influence of alcohol. Mark Keith Powers, 52, Alabaster, driving under the influence of alcohol.
the judges when they stop in front of the building. After the parade, the judges will award winners in the following categories: Best Holiday Spirit, Best Use of Theme, Best Walking Entry, Most Creative and Most Entertaining. No live Santa Claus characters will be allowed in the parade, as the city’s official Santa Claus will be riding
on an Alabaster fire truck. No dirt bikes are allowed in the parade, according to information on the city’s website. The city currently is accepting applications from those interested in participating in the parade. For registration instructions, visit Cityofalabaster.com/ departments/parks-recreation.
RECORDS Police Reports The following are incident and offense reports from the Alabaster Police Department from Oct. 2-14: Oct. 2 Domestic violence III from 300 block of Vincent Street (residence/home). Theft of property III from 2200 block of Smokey Road, Alabaster (field/woods). Stolen was a tree stand valued at $275. Theft of property II from 1st Street, Alabaster (specialty store). Stolen was an Ipad valued at $2,000. Information only report from 1600 block of Pacific Drive, Alabaster (residence/home). Burglary III from 250 block of Wynlake Drive (residence/home). Stolen was various jewelry valued at $3,900. Information only report from 100 block of Cambridge Pointe Drive (residence/ home). Information only report from US 31, Alabaster (highway/street). Domestic incident from 120 block of Winterhaven Drive, Alabaster (residence/ home). Possession of a controlled substance from 100 block of Buck Creek Drive, Alabaster (highway/street). Found property from Wynlake Lane, Alabaster (lake/waterway). Oct. 3 Domestic violence III from 1800 block of Woodbrok Trail (residence/home). Possession of drug paraphernalia from 1st Street, Alabaster (supermarket). Oct. 4 Domestic incident from 330 block of Lacey Avenue, Alabaster (residence/ home). Information only report from 800 block of 15th Avenue, Alabaster (residence/ home). Information only report from 300 block of 8th Street (residence/home). Domestic violence III from US 119, Alabaster (highway/street). Damages valued at $50 were done to a stop sign. Property damage from US 119, Alabaster (highway/street). Oct. 5 Burglary III from 100 block of Golden Meadow Drive, Alabaster (residence/ home). Stolen was a stove valued at $550 and a garbage disposal valued at $80. Information only from Forest Hills Drive (residence/home). Harassment from 200 block of Portsouth Lane (residence/home). Animal complaint from 1st Street, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Theft of property III from 700 block of Crider Road (construction). Stolen was two porch columns valued at $220. Theft of property I from 300 block of Tradewinds Circle (residence/home). Information only report from 170 block of Gardenside Drive (residence/home). Possession of marijuana II from US 119, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Lost property from 1st Street, Alabaster (drug store). Oct. 6 Domestic violence III from 1500 block of Kent Dairy Road (residence/home). Theft of property II from Airpark Industrial Road, Alabaster (commercial). Robbery I from 7100 block of US 119 (service/gas station). Stolen was US Currency valued at $100. Domestic incident from 1800 block of Butler Road, Alabaster (residence/home). Information only report from US 119, Alabaster (highway/street). Harassing communications from 500 block of 3rd Street (residence/home). Theft of property I from 300 block of Keystone, Alabaster (residence/home). Stolen was a boat valued at $1,500. Domestic incident from 200 block of Cedar Meadow, Maylene (residence/ home). Oct. 7 Information only report from 100 block of 11th Avenue (residence/home). Information only report from Alabaster (residence/home). Harassment from 500 block of Grove Hill Trail (residence/home).
Death investigation from 1300 block of Yellowleaf Circle (residence/home). Information only report from Plaza Circle, Alabaster (commercial). Burglary III from 100 block of Buttercup Circle (residence/home). Stolen was a television valued at $1,500, a 55 inch television valued at $300, and a gold necklace and cross valued at $1,300. Theft of property III from Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster (government/public building). Stolen were tools valued at $40. Oct. 8 Juvenile contact from Kent Dairy Road, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Using false identity to obstruct justice from US 31, Alabaster (highway/street). Information only report from Alabama Plumbing Contractors, Alabaster (convenience store). Information only report from 200 block of 9th Way, Alabaster (field/woods). Theft of property III from US 87, Calera (other/unknown). Oct. 9 Information only report from 1800 block of King Charles Court, Alabaster (residence/home). Domestic incident from 700 block of 4th Street, Alabaster (residence/home). Burglary III from 700 block of 4th Place (residence/home). Theft of property III from Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster (specialty store). Stolen were tools valued at $82.87. Possession of marijuana II from Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster (specialty store). Property damage from 2nd Street, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Damages valued at $3,000 were done to a Nissan Altima. Theft of property II from 100 block of Colonial Drive, Alabaster (specialty store). Stolen was a breast pump valued at $399.99 and a car seat valued at $139.99. Theft of property II from Alabaster (specialty store). Stolen was a Nexxus 4 valued at $650. Domestic incident from 30 block of Maylene Drive, Maylene (residence/home). Possession of drug paraphernalia from 900 block of 3rd Avenue, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Information only report from Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Domestic incident from 500 block of Lane Park Run, Maylene (residence/ home). Criminal trespass I from 240 block of Stoney Trail (residence/home). Damages valued at $200 were done to a kitchen wall. Theft of property I from US 119, Alabaster (convenience store). Stolen was various alcohol valued at $2,600, and four cartons of cigarettes valued at $200. Damages valued at $2,000 were done to a surveillance system. Oct. 10 Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from 1300 block of Applegate Drive (residence/home). Stolen was a backpack valued at $25, boxing gloves valued at $150, boxing head gear valued at $130, a GPS valued at $200, and a power chip valued at $250. Animal complaint from 900 block of 3rd Avenue, Alabaster (residence/home). Domestic incident from 1300 block of Navajo Drive, Alabaster (residence/home). Theft of property III form 10 block of 3rd Avenue (residence/home). Stolen was a Huffy bike valued at $150. Information only report from 300 block of Wynlake Circle (residence/home). Theft of property III from 100 block of 1st Street, Alabaster (convenience store). Stolen was an 18 pack of Bud Light valued at $18.99. Information only report from 200 block of Forest Parkway (residence/home). Oct. 11 Possession of drug paraphernalia from 1400 block of 1st Street, Alabaster (restaurant). Property damage from 1st Street, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Damages valued at $1,000 were done to a Acura. Property damage from 6th Avenue, Alabaster. Damages valued at $50 were done to a chain link fence. Driving under the influence of alcohol from US 119, Alabaster (residence/home).
Oct. 12 Possession of marijuana II from 600 block of 1st Street, Alabaster (highway/ street). Information only report from Hill Street, Alabaster (other/unknown). Theft of services III from 1500 block of Hillspun Road (residence/home). Unauthorized use of a vehicle form 500 block of 3rd Street, Alabaster (residence/ home). Stolen was an Acura valued at $3,000. Property damage from 1st Street, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Damages valued at $499 were done to a Jeep. Domestic violence III from 1300 block of 2nd Avenue (residence/home). Harassment from 500 block of 3rd Street (residence/home). Domestic incident from 500 block of Lane Park Run, Maylene (residence/ home). Oct. 13 Information only report from 800 block of Old US 31 (residence/home). Criminal mischief III from 200 block of 2nd Avenue (residence/home). Damages valued at $350 were done to a windshield. Information only report from 200 block of Hillwood Drive (residence/home). Information only report from Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Damages valued at $2,000 were done to a Nissan Rogue. Forgery II from US 119, Alabaster (department store). Identity theft from 190 block of Red Bay Drive (residence/home). Unauthorized use of vehicle (residence/ home). Stolen was a Nissian Xterra valued at $4,500. Domestic incident from South Colonial Drive, Alabaster (parking lot/garage). Oct. 14 Information only from Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster. Information only from 1st Street, Alabaster. Animal compliant from 100 block of Hillside Drive, Alabaster. Harassment from Sugarhill Lane, Alabaster. Information only report from Saddle Lake Drive, Alabaster. Domestic violence from Navajo Circle, Alabaster.
Arrests The following individuals were arrested and charged by the Alabaster Police Department from Oct. 3-14: Oct. 3 Alton Gerard Carter, 49, Maylene, possession of a controlled substance. Michael David Myers, 22, McComb, driving under the influence. Adonias Perez, 26, Pelham, driving under the influence. Daniel Lee Vankirk, 20, Brierfield, possession of drug paraphernalia. Oct.4 Tiffany Lee Russo, 42, Bessemer, warrant for failure to comply with court orders. Christopher Clark Cordero, 22, Pelham, driving under the influence. Brett Michael Dyer, 34, Calera, driving under the influence. Oct. 5 Reginald Louis Jackson, 32, Birmingham, alias writ of arrest. Dwight Lewis William, 33, Montevallo, failure to comply with court order. Travis Edwin King, 20, Huntsville, possession of marijuana II. Oct. 6 William Roy Carnahan, 44, Glencoe, alias writ of arrest/failure to appear-expired tag. Joshua Jamal Talley, 23, Montevallo, alias writ of arrest/failure to appear-failure to comply. Cesar Garcia De-Jesus, 32, Montevallo, alias writ of arrest/failure to appear-improper window tint. Oct. 7 Bobby Gene Englebright, 46, Pelham, possession of a controlled substance. Rachael Dawn Howle, 31, Birmingham,
Oct. 8 Jerico Dewayne Parker, 33, Hoover, possession of marijuana I. James Arthur King, 27, Hoover, using false identity to obstruct justice. De’Vary Oman Huff, 25, Alabaster, bail jumping II. Oct. 9 Elizabeth Shalome Baugh, 33, Pelham, driving under the influence of alcohol. Alfonso Sanchez, 36, Huntsville, theft of property III. Paul Allen Mcbrayer, 37, Alabaster, public intoxication. Cesar Armando Moreno, 24, Center Point, possession of drug paraphernalia. Bernordino Sanchez Cantreros, 25, Birmingham, driving under the influence of alcohol. Armando Gonzalez Joaquin, 28, Pelham, driving under the influence of alcohol. Oct. 10 Jennifer Lynn Zachero, 29, Evinlle, failure to appear. Fred Williams Costner IV, 43, Alabaster, public intoxication. Reginald Lamont Evans, 33, Alabaster, alias writ of arrest/ failure to comply. Oct. 11 Ryan Jordan Justice, 26, Bessemer, public intoxication. Sharon Monique James, 23, Calera, failure to appear/failure to comply with court order. Mary Patricia Burch, 54, Pell City, driving under the influence of alcohol. Maria Del Rosia Pichardo, 43, Alabaster, driving under the influence of alcohol. Oct. 12 Ashlyn Jalena Butler, 28, Alabaster, driving under the influence of alcohol. Brandon Keith Deshazo, 28, Wilsonville, alias writ of arrest-driving under the influence of any substance. Rodney Deontae Glibert, 19, Hoover, alias writ of arrest/failure to appear-running a stop sign. Cataldo James Vinci, 20, Pelham, alias writ of arrest/bench warrant. Jim Bob Watley, 31, Calera, alias writ of arrest. Oct. 13 Kent James Mitchell, 44, Montevallo, alias writ of arrest/failure to appear. Horace Threnholm Jr., 64, Alabaster, nuisance ordinance violation. Oct. 14 Tiffany Brooke Owens, 25, Alabaster, domestic violence III. Justin Tyler Honeycutt, 19, Alabaster, domestic violence.
Marriages The following individuals were granted marriage licenses in Shelby County from Sept. 29-Oct. 12: Ren Haley Blankenship, 21, Montevallo and Charles Mitchell Lowe, 21, Alabaster. Riley Shae Sherman, 23, Alabaster and John Devin Wipperman, 23, Alabaster. Leslie Ann Key Godwin, 33, Alabaster and Nathan Andrew Dodson, 35, Mc Calla. Joshua Evan Holtzclaw, 30, Alabaster and Laura Kathryn Gibbs, 25, Alabaster. Mitchel Sean Bunting, 27, Alabaster and Kimberly Elyse Edmondson, 29, Alabaster.
Divorces The following couples were granted divorces in Shelby County from Sept. 17-30: Courtney S. Taliaferro, Montevallo and David Ryan Bright Dees of Alabaster. Andrea Nelson and Ryan Nelson of Alabaster. Anthony William Riggins of Hoover and Hanna Elise Riggins of Alabaster. Raymond Michael Williams and Lisa Marie Williams of Alabaster.
News delivered to you every morning Sign up for the Alabaster daily e-mail. Look for this icon on our web site and follow the link to start receiving your daily e-mail.
News 8A October 21, 2015
ALABASTER REPORTER
How should Alabaster grow into the future? By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor ALABASTER—Alabaster “is at a crossroads” in determining how it will manage development and handle transportation in the future, as the city is expected to grow to nearly 50,000 residents in the next few decades, a Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham representative told the City Council during a recent work session. Planning Commission representative Lindsey West said the city likely will continue to see steady growth in the future, and said decisions made in the city now will determine how the growth will play out. “You’ve got all this demand and potential growth. How are you going to control that growth?” West said. “About 25 percent of Alabaster residents actually work here, and there is a 30.4-minute average commute for those resi-
dents who work outside the city. Do you want to be a bedroom community, or do you want to have a good balance of people who live here and work here?” West’s comments came as she presented a summary of the city’s draft comprehensive plan, which likely will come to a City Council vote in mid-December. The Planning Commission has been working with city leaders and Alabaster residents over the last several months to gather input while developing the comprehensive plan. The draft plan proposes neighborhood commercial areas near the intersections of Butler Road and Shelby County 17, First Avenue West and Shelby County 17, Industrial Road and Shelby County 95 and off Simmsville Road, which will be within a 10-minute walk of major residential areas. The plan also encourages the city to consider adding more zoning categories in the
residential, mixed-use, commercial and industrial categories to encourage more types of development – particularly in the old Siluria mill community and Medical Mile district on U.S. 31. The draft plan also made several recommendations for transportation improvements in the city, and proposed possible grants to help fund the projects. The plan recommends road upgrades on Alabama 119, Fulton Springs Road, Kent Dairy Road, Thompson Road and U.S. 31. The plan also recommends new sidewalks and possibly bike lanes on Kent Dairy Road, Alabama 119, Thompson Road, Fulton Springs Road, U.S. 31 and Simmsville Road, among others. Park-and-ride lots at the Propst Promenade and Siluria mill areas were also proposed, as was a shuttle service traveling along U.S. 31 and Alabama 119.
FILE
A planning process, including public input sessions such as this one in early 2015, has resulted in several ideas for Alabaster’s future.
Edsell marks 10 years of teaching at First Baptist Church Sandra Says Sandra Thames Community Columnist Roxann Edsell is a kindergarten teacher at First Baptist Church of Alabaster. After 10 years at First Baptist she is well known as “Ms. Roxann” and teaches 5-year-olds five days a week. Having lived in Alabaster for 30 years, the Edsell family came here as a result of a job move by husband Steve. He is a senior project manager with Hardy Corp. and has been employed with
them for 33 years. Because her stepfather was in the Air Force, Edsell moved often. After 11 schools in 13 years, she graduated from Harrison Central High School in Gulfport, Miss. and then went on to graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi. Later she returned to college at Jeff State and earned a child development degree. She also ran an accredited home daycare for many years. Edsell has volunteered in scouting for nearly 20 years and serves as the Scouting Coordinator at Helena United Methodist Church. Both her children have received the highest rank in scouting. Edsell is a master edu-
cator in Leave No Trace (an environmental education program) and also finds time to be very active in the Emmaus Community. The Edsells have two children. Daughter Shannon, age 24, is a graduate student in bioarchaeology at the University of Alabama after receiving two degrees from Auburn. Son Kyle, age 19, attends Auburn as a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering. Edsell has three sisters, one half-sister and two half-brothers. Hiking, backpacking and relaxing on the beach or at the lake plus reading fill in any “extra time” for this active lady. Well traveled, Edsell spent two “tours of duty” with her stepfather when he was sta-
tioned in Italy. Her family has also taken a trip to Alaska and two years ago she went to visit one of her sisters in Australia. As a teacher to 14 boys (this is her second all-boy class), Edsell was inspired by her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Darlington, who was encouraging and made Edsell feel important and special. “I want to be a Mrs. Darlington for someone else,” Edsell said. “Being a positive force and an encourager for these children is my goal.” Sandra Thames is a community columnist for the city of Alabaster and can be reached at bobthames1942@ yahoo.com.
CONTRIBUTED
Roxann Edsell, an Alabaster resident of 30 years, has taught kindergarten at First Baptist Church of Alabaster for 10 years.
Kennedy announces candidacy for judge By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor
Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival November 5-15, 2015
ALABASTER—Attorney Patrick Kennedy touted his “drive, conservative philosophy” and past experience as reasons for running to replace retiring Circuit Court Judge Dan Reeves. Kennedy announced his candidacy on Aug. 20, making him the second to throw his hat in the ring to replace the longtime county judge. Birmingham attorney Lara Alvis announced her candidacy for the spot in late June. “I am excited by the opportunity to be a candidate for Circuit Judge,” Kennedy wrote in an email. “I believe I have the
drive, conservative philosophy, and best experience to serve on the 18th circuit.” In 2014, Kennedy, a Republican, was one of three finalists selected by the Shelby County Judicial Commission to replace retiring judge Hub Harrington. Kennedy has been operating his private law practice in Alabaster since 2001, and focuses on areas of juvenile law, criminal law, family law and civil law. Since 2004, he has been under contract with the Administrative Office of Courts to handle juvenile law matters. Kennedy also has worked in several municipal courts in Shelby County over the years,
CONTRIBUTED
Alabaster attorney Patrick Kennedy, center, has announced his candidacy for the Shelby County circuit judge seat. including time serving as a prosecutor. “I am humbled that my peers recommended me for a judicial appointment in the past,” Kennedy wrote. “And I will fight to earn the votes of all Shelby County residents.”
Kennedy served as an airborne infantry soldier in the Army National Guard for eight years, and has been a Boy Scouts den leader, committee member and assistant scoutmaster for more than 10 years. From 2010-2011, Kennedy served as a baseball coach at Kingwood Christian School in Alabaster. He lives in Alabaster with his wife, Julie, and their three children: 16-year-old Patrick, 12-yearold Wilson and 7-year-old Lauren. The family is active at the Branch at Mission Hills Church. “Shelby County is our home,” Kennedy wrote. “Julie and I have chosen to raise our family here.
Teen murder suspect undergoing mental evaluation By NEAL WAGNER
More than 200 Grammy Award-winning songwriters and up-and-coming stars perform original songs in multiple locations across the Gulf Coast during this renowned festival. Attendees enjoy an up-closeand-personal concert experience and often learn the stories behind the songs. Most venues are free to attend; a few charge a modest cover at the door.
FrankBrownSongwriters.com News delivered to you every morning Sign up for the Alabaster daily e-mail. Look for this icon on our web site and follow the link to start receiving your daily e-mail.
Managing Editor COLUMBIANA—A Shelby County Circuit Court judge has agreed to allow a mental health examiner to have access to a 16-year-old Alabaster resident who is being held in the Shelby County Jail on a murder charge. Alabaster teen Eric Matthew Blackerby is facing a murder charge after police said he allegedly killed 19-year-old William Neff during a “violent attack” with an aluminum baseball bat at an outdoor area known as “the slab” on
July 30. less than two months On Oct. 12, after Blackerby, Blackerby’s attoralong with severney, Barry Alvis, al members of the filed a motion to Blackerby and Neff allow mental health families, appeared examiner Dr. John in court for a hearGoff to have access ing on possibly to Blackerby for a lowering the susBlackerby mental evaluation at pect’s $500,000 bond. the Shelby County Reeves has not yet Jail, where the suspect has made a decision on lowering remained since his arrest. Blackerby’s bond. Circuit Court Judge Dan The Shelby County Reeves agreed on Oct. 13 to Sheriff ’s Office arrested allow Goff to have access to Blackerby on July 30 and Blackerby in the jail “at all originally charged him with reasonable times and dura- one felony count of first-detion to evaluate” the suspect. gree assault. The charge was Reeves’ order came a little upgraded to murder after
#DisneyOnIce
Neff died on July 31, and Blackerby is being charged as an adult in the case. At the time of Blackerby’s arrest, SCSO Lt. Clay Hammac said deputies received a call reporting a victim had been taken to Shelby Baptist Medical Center with severe injuries at about 1:40 a.m. on July 29 after an altercation at the area commonly known as “the slab” in western Shelby County near West Blocton. Hammac said SCSO investigators interviewed witnesses who saw the fight and used the information to identify Blackerby as a suspect.
News ALABASTER REPORTER
October 21, 2015 9A
News 10A October 21, 2015
ALABASTER REPORTER
CALENDAR OF EVENTS offered on Tuesdays at 9:3010:30 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:3010:30 a.m. at Alabaster United Methodist Church. Cost is donation based. Bring a mat or use a provided mat. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water. Information: D. Clark at 3811872 or deirdreyogini@yahoo. com.
Community TAI CHI FOR HEALTH: Tai Chi for Health will be held Wednesday mornings at 11:30 a.m. starting Oct. 21. Local instructor Rachel Hickman will teach a seven-week course in Tai Chi. The program takes place in the meeting room of the Albert L. Scott Public Library in Alabaster. SENIOR HEALTH SUMMIT: The Senior Health Summit will be held Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pelham YMCA, 2610 Pelham Parkway. Medicare enrollments experts will be available to answer questions. Free lunch will be available for those who RSVP, along with healthy living vendors, door prizes and a flu shot clinic. RSVP by Oct. 18 by calling 664-9622. GUEST SPEAKER AT SILURIA BAPTIST CHURCH: Dr. Rick Lance of the Alabama Baptist Board of Missions will be guest speaker at Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster on Nov. 1. Lance, a Birmingham native, was elected in 1998 to serve as executive director of the State Board of Missions and treasurer of the Alabama Baptist Convention, where he leads mission efforts for the convention’s 3,200 churches. He formerly served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Cullman and First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. Lance will speak in the 11 a.m. worship service. For more information, contact the church office at 663-7904. ADULT WELDING COURSE: Community Education is offering an adult welding course at the Shelby County College and Career Center through Nov. 5. The class isopen to beginners and those who have taken classes and would like more advanced training.Choose to learn Oxy fuel cutting and Shielded Metal Arc Welding or Oxy fuel cutting and Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG or wire welding). Students must be 18 years or older. Sixteen classes will be offered on Tuesday and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Registrationforms are availableonline at: Shelbyed.k12. al.us/community/doclibrary/
Notices
SENIOR HEALTH SUMMIT RegForm_2.pdf. The cost is $280 payable to Community Education and a $100 supply fee payable to the Shelby County College and Career Center. For more information, contact Kay Dummier at 682-5843 or kdummier@shelbyed.k12.al.us. CAMP BRANCH METHODIST CHURCH BAZAAR: Camp Branch Methodist Church will hold its annual Bazaar on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come find unique craft items, handmade wreaths and baked goods. Homemade vegetable soup and chili will be available for lunch (dine-in or carryout). Camp Branch is located at 123 Camp Branch Road in Alabaster. Anyone interested in being a vendor or needing more information should call 335-7309.
Church SUNDAY SINGING: Shiloh Baptist Church of Helena will have its fifth Sunday singing at 10 a.m. with featured singers Ron and Austin Foster. The worship service will begin about 11 a.m. led by Rev. Keef. A potluck lunch will follow service. EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT in Alabaster, 858 Kent Dairy Road, is handing out beans and rice to people in need every third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. Info: 6213418. YOGA CLASSES: Community yoga classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9-10 a.m. at the Restore building-Ala-
baster United Methodist Church. Cost is donation based. Bring a mat or use a provided mat. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water. Info: D. Clark at 381-1872 or deirdreyogini@yahoo.com. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALABASTER, 8828 Alabama 119, hosts a Children’s Fellowship on Wednesday nights from 5:307:15 p.m. Info: 663-3152. KINGWOOD CHURCH, 100 Harvest Way, will hold GriefShare each Tuesday night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. If you have lost a loved one by death, or know someone who has, call to find out more information about the weekly GriefShare support group. Info: Connie Carter at 663-3933. Kingwood also has a new Single Source ministry supporting single men and women, age 30 and above that meet every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. They also host regular social gatherings and participate in a variety of community projects. For more information, call 6211855 or 620-0418.
ALABASTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Community yoga classes are
ANGLICAN Coventry Anglican Church
APOSTOLIC Abundant Life Church
First Baptist Church Fellowship Church Meadow View Community Church Ryan Baptist Church
Breakfast: Sausage biscuit and fruit. Lunch: Chicken tetrazzini, carnival corndogs, glazed carrots, spinach salad, juicy pineapples and chocolate brownie.
Oct. 23 Breakfast: Mini pancakes, yogurt and assorted fruit. Lunch: Spicy chicken sandwich, tasty cheesy pizza, yellow squash casserole, autumn salad and sweet peach half.
Oct. 26 Breakfast: French toast sticks, sausage patty and fruit. Lunch: Cheesy mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce, warrior burger, rainbow roasted veggies, hot tots and juicy pineapple chunks.
Oct. 21
Oct. 27
Breakfast: Warm cinnamon roll and fruit. Lunch: Chili dog with cheese, steak bites, garden fresh veg-
Breakfast: Biscuit with sausage gravy and assorted fruit. Lunch: Meatball sub, chicken with waffle sticks, corn nug-
gets, roasted broccoli and chilled pears.
Library Oct. 21: Adult Computer Classes, 10 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26: Job search workshop, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays: Tunes & Tales for all ages, 3:30 p.m. Fridays: Toddler Tales, 10:30 a.m. Call the Alabaster public library at 664-6822 for library events.
Seniors Oct. 22: Fishing outing to Veterans Park. Oct. 23: Senior Center’s 5th birthday. Oct. 26: Book club, 10 a.m. Oct. 29: Samford Planetarium outing. Mondays: Singing with The Timeless Treasures, 10 a.m.; Head to Toe Fitness, 1 p.m.; Strengthen, Stretch & Restore Mat Class, 2:15 p.m. Tuesdays: Wii Bowling, 12 p.m. Wednesdays: Rook, Crochet, Knitting and More, 9 a.m.; Rummikub, 9:30 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Zumba Gold, 1 p.m.; Zumba Gold; Adventures in Dance, 2:15 p.m. Thursdays: Intermediate Line Dancing, 9:30 a.m.; Beginning Line Dancing, 10:10 a.m.; Open Paint, 12 p.m.; Gentle Yoga new, 12:15 p.m.; Bridge, 12:30 p.m.; Ageless Adventures in Movement, 1:30 p.m. Fridays: Games and Tempo Exercises, 10 a.m.; Clean Living in a Dirty World Class. The Alabaster Senior Center, 1097 Seventh Street Southwest. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For weekly schedule call 663-1307.
TAI CHI FOR HEALTH
To include your church in this directory, call 669-3131 or email worship@alabasterreporter.com.
in Alabaster
Pleasant Chapel AME Church
Lunch
Oct. 22
WESTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, 1155 Alabaster Boulevard, hosts a support group for women who are struggling with infertility on the last Monday of every month from 7-8 p.m. For more information, call 2235134 or email Aprilpoer@charter.net. Westwood also hosts the support group Divorce Care on Sundays at 9 a.m. For more information, call 664-0122.
WORSHIP AFRICAN METHODIST BAPTIST Community Baptist Church EPISCOPAL
YELLOW DOT ENROLLMENT: The following locations are conducting RSVP Yellow Dot enrollment: Wilsonville City Hall; Rogers State Farm, 100 Colonial Promenade Pkwy, Alabaster; Berryman State Farm, 149 Buck Creek Plz, Alabaster. Info: Marvin Copes at 669-3837.
gies with dip, seasoned green beans, golden onion rings and Goin’ Bananas.
Westwood Baptist Church
METHODIST
CHURCH OF GOD
Alabaster First United Methodist Church
Alabaster Church of God (Cleveland, TN)
Camp Branch United Methodist Church
New Hope Church of God Hickory Hills Worship Center
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Siluria Baptist Church
EPISCOPAL
Kingwood Church
Southside Baptist Church
Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit
Mount Era Methodist Church
MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
Unity Christian Center Well Life Christian Church
NONDENOMINATIONAL Amazing Grace Worship Center Greater Miracle Temple Church
Freewill Missionary Baptist Empowerment Word Church Church (Kingwood Christian Liberty Missionary School) Baptist Church
PRESBYTERIAN (PCA) Evangel Church PCA
PRESBYTERIAN (CUMBERLAND) First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster (Cumberland)
News ALABASTER REPORTER
October 21, 2015 11A
Concealed Carry Purses
FILE
Alabaster and Shelby County completed multiple repaving projects over the summer.
City OKs repaving funding By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor ALABASTER—The city of Alabaster will use restricted gas tax funds to pay for multiple repaving projects completed in the city over the past few months after the City Council approved the action during an Oct. 12 meeting. The council voted unanimously during the meeting to spend the restricted gas
tax funds – which can only be used for certain road projects – to cover the cost of the recent repaving projects. During the summer, Alabaster and the Shelby County Highway Department worked to repave Shelby County 95 and a portion of First Avenue West. Because a southern portion of Shelby County 95 is considered a city road, Alabaster paid $35,182.41 in gas tax funds for the repaving project.
During the summer, the city also moved forward with emergency repaving projects on Shady Lane off Alabama 119 and on Allen Drive off Shelby County 68 in the northern end of the city. The Shady Lane project cost $2,900, while the Allen drive repaving project totaled $6,300. The three repaving projects totaled $44,382.41, all of which were expensed during the city’s 2015 fiscal year.
QUICK FACTS Shelby County repaved Shelby County 95 over the summer, including a portion in Alabaster. Alabaster repaved Allen Drive and Shady Lane over the summer. The city approved $44,382.41 in gas tax funds to help fund the projects.
Byron Eaton Agency 565-0313
Basketball preview: Thompson Warriors By BAKER ELLIS
Sports Editor A L A B A S T E R — Basketball season is approaching in a hurry, and to prepare we’re taking a crash-course look at a number of teams across the county before the season gets under way, just to have a small frame of reference to work off of. In this edition of the basketball preview, the focus is on the Thompson Warriors. Patrick Davis is entering his 12th year with the Thompson basketball program, and seventh as the head coach. His Warriors finished last season with a 14-14 overall record in the tough 7A Area 5, an area that contains 7A defending state champion Hoover, Tuscaloosa County and Oak Mountain. Rashad Strother is gone. The dynamic guard finished his career at Thompson with 1,031 points for his career and averaged 16.5 points per game as a senior. Obviously, the biggest question mark leading into the season is where are those points going to come from this season? The answer, fortunately for the Warriors, might not be that hard to find. “I think this will be one of our most balanced teams,”
FILE
Thompson’s Drew Thomas will be one of the key returning contributors on the Warriors’ 2015-16 squad. Davis said in an Oct. 8 interview. “I think it could be a different guy every night. Rashad was going to be our guy every night in terms of scoring. We’re going to be more versatile and balanced offensively. We’ve got eight returning varsity players this year.” Of those eight, four are guys who started at some point last season in Michael Freeman, Demonte Caffey, Drew Thomas and Reggie Chambers. Freeman is one of the biggest bodies Thompson has at a solid 6-foot-threeinches and has become accustomed to banging down low with bigger bodies and has developed a soft touch inside.
Caffey is a spark plug of a guard, capable of knocking down six contested three’s in a row when he’s on. Thomas and Chambers both started every game a season ago and are both capable ball handlers who can slash, dish and defend with skill. This Thompson team, like most all of Thompson’s teams in Davis’ tenure at the school, isn’t very big. There is some size on this roster, more than in recent years, but even so the Warriors simply aren’t going to go body-to-body with some of the 7A heavyweights in the Birmingham area from a size perspective. That’s not who they are or who they’ve ever
been. Davis’ team will push the ball in transition, it will try and dictate the tempo of the game and run all over the place. It might look a little different in terms of defensive personnel this year, but the philosophy remains the same; push it. “We are real process oriented,” Davis said. “We don’t set a win total goal or a ‘we want to make it this far goal’. We want to get better. I can take a loss and get better. We want to go out and play good teams, I’ve never been one to schedule 24 wins and not know where you are (in the playoffs). Thompson’s first game this year is Nov. 12 at Chelsea.
Helena man sentenced for robbery, flashing corrections officer By NEAL WAGNER
Managing Editor COLUMBIANA—A 25-year-old Helena man will spend the next two decades in prison and must register as a sex offender after he pleaded guilty to robbing an Alabaster convenience store in 2012 and exposing himself to a Shelby County Jail corrections officer in July of this year. Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Dan Reeves sentenced Timothy Tabb Bivins to 20 years in prison on Sept. 10 after Bivins pleaded guilty to felony charges of first-degree robbery and third-degree burglary and a misdemeanor count of inde-
cent exposure. He While out on received 830 days of bond on the robbery jail credit for time charge, Bivins was already served in the again arrested by Shelby County Jail. the Alabaster Police As a result of his Department and guilty pleas, Bivins, charged with burwho lists an address glarizing a woman’s on Cunningham home and stealing Bivins Drive in Helena, also U.S. currency during must complete a suba May 2013 incident. stance abuse treatment proA few months before he gram and an anger manage- pleaded guilty, Bivins was ment program while incar- charged with indecent expocerated in the Alabama sure after he exposed his Department of Corrections. genitals to a Shelby County The Alabaster Police Jail corrections officer at the Department arrested Bivins jail on July 1. As a result of on Jan. 28, 2013, and charged pleading guilty to the indehim with using a gun to rob cent exposure charge, Bivins the Cannon Kwik Stop on must register as a sex offendU.S. 31 in Alabaster in August er for the rest of his life after 2012. he is released from prison.
Three Primary Care Providers for the Entire Family Dr. J.D. Shugrue, Dr. Kim Paisley and Nicole Yartins, CRNP are here for you! PEDIATRIC – GERIATRIC MEDICINE PREVENTIVE CARE WELLNESS APPOINTMENTS
News delivered to you every morning 206 Hwy 304 Calera, AL Across from Wal-Mart Sign up for the Alabaster daily e-mail. Look for this icon on our web site and follow the link to start receiving your daily e-mail.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
205.668.0626 | BaptistHealthAlabama.org
12A
SPORTS
October 21, 2015
Lions football
CONTRIBUTED/DIANNE CUNNINGHAM
Marvin Rollins runs upfield during Kingwood’s Oct. 16 contest against Tuscaloosa Academy. Kingwood paid a visit to the No. 8 team in the AISA in Tuscaloosa Academy and was turned away with a 49-21 loss.
Warriors tame Wildcats By GREGORY STARLING
Special to the Reporter
Kick off your holidays with a memorable
Christmas Lunch and Tour at American Village The perfect Chrismas outing for your club or group. Tickets are just $25 Call (205) 665-3535 extension 1031, or email Christmas@AmericanVillage.org to make your reservation
ALABSTER—Thompson celebrated Senior Night by hosting the Tuscaloosa County Wildcats. It took the Warriors a full half to get things clicking, but once they did, they were able to walk away with a 27-0 victory. Senior quarterback Walker Lott looked like he may run away with it by himself early as he scrambled down to the Wildcats 18-yard line on the first drive for the Warriors. On first and 10, the Warriors fumbled the ball away and it looked like it might be another long night. Thompson’s second drive started at its own 22-yard line. Again, the Wildcats had problems containing Lott and he rumbled 58 yards for the first Thompson score. With 6:42 remaining in the first quarter, Dimitri Davis hit the extra point for a 7-0 lead. The remainder of the first half saw neither team being able to successfully move the ball. The Warriors had two more turnovers in the half. With 3:20 left in the third quarter, the Warriors took possession at their own
FOR THE REPORTER/ERIC STARLING
Walker Lott rumbles down field during Thompson’s Oct. 16 matchup with Tuscaloosa County. Lott ran for 232 yards in the Warriors’ 27-0 shutout win. 14-yard line. On the very first play, Lott dropped back to pass, and then tucked the ball and headed down the sideline for an 86-yard touchdown. Davis again added the extra point and the Warriors led 14-0. Lott finished the night with 232 rushing yard. As the quarter was draw-
ing to a close, Tuscaloosa County had its deepest penetration of the night, moving the ball to the Thompson 13-yard line. The Wildcat quarterback’s pass was intercepted by Nick Mobley at the seven and he scampered 93 yards for a pick six. After the kick, Thompson led 21-0. Senior receiver Jordan
Heywood got in on the scoring late in the fourth when he hauled in a Lott pass and took it 40 yards to give the Warriors their final score of the night. The extra point was no good leaving the final score at 27-0. The Warriors will face Oak Mountain next week on the road.
County teams among state elite By BAKER ELLIS
Sports Editor
AMERICAN VILLAGE CITIZENSHIP TRUST
We sav are a sea ing you t delig for this Chris htful tradi tmas tion.
MONTEVALLO, ALABAMA WWW. AMERICANVILLAGE.ORG
December 8-9-10 10:30-1:00 or 12:00-2:30
There are three boys and three girls cross-country teams among the top-25 teams in the state regardless of classification through Oct. 16, per Alabamarunners. com. The way the teams have been ranked is taking each runner from each school’s personal best for the season and comparing them, with the top five performers from each team being averaged. For the boys, Oak Mountain is currently the fourth-best team in the state, and third best in class 7A behind Mountain Brook and Auburn. The Eagles have
three of the top 25 runners in the state in Cole Stidfole, Caleb Van Geffen and Sean Drummond, and two of the top 20 in Stidfole and Van Geffen. Spain Park is the 15th-ranked team in the state and is led by Cole Dillard, the only Jaguar with a top-100 time in the state at 16:53.74. Morgan Becker, Jacob Warner, Kai Ozug and Isaac Shore rounding out the top-5 Spain Park runners. Thompson comes in as the 21st-ranked team in the state and 11th-ranked team in 7A. Conner Murphy has led the way for Thompson so far with a time of 16:51.33, followed by Christian Anderton at 16:58.34 and Brandon DeMarcus Lee at 17:11.37. On the girls’ side of the spectrum, Spain Park is the second-rankedd team in the country, regardless of classification, behind only 7A rival Mountain Brook. Four of the top five runners for the Lady Jaguars currently own top-35 times in the state and all five are in the top-60. Sarah Sims McGrath, Isabel Caddo and Zoe Shore all have run under 19 minutes to date this year. Westminster School at Oak
CONTRIBUTED
Conner Murphy has led Thompson to this point in the season, and the Warriors are one of the top-25 cross-country teams in the state, regardless of classification. Mountain is the 21st-ranked school in the state, and second ranked team in the 1A-2A class. Maddie Hoaglund and Sarah Kate Lipperd both have times in the top100, Hoaglund at 19:36.48 and Lipperd at 20:10.55. Oak Mountain comes in as the
23rd-ranked team in the state. The Lady Eagles are led by Nicole Payne, a freshman who has run an 18:57.70 this year, good for 17th-best in the state. Evie Bell, Mallory Staubach, Meisi Jacobs and Clair Kicklighter round out the top 5 for Oak Mountain.
Evangel Christian keeps on rolling YOU SAVE
$ 100
YOU SAVE
$ 600
By BAKER ELLIS
Sports Editor M A D I S O N — Q u i e t l y, Evangel Christian Academy is having the most impressive season of anyone in the county, from a pure offensive production standpoint. After the Lightning’s most recent 62-28 romp on Oct. 16 over Freedom Academy, they have now scored over 50 points in each game since their opening game, save for one, where they scored 49. Evangel has out-
scored opponents from Aug. 28 on by a total of 465- 158, which works out to an average score of 58-20. That’s incredible. Freedom Academy outscored the Lightning in the first quarter and led 8-6 after one before Evangel found some offensive rhythm. The Lightning, led once again by Micah Murphy, scored 56 points combined in the second and third quarters as they cruised to a win. Murphy scored on runs on one yard and seven yards, returned an
interception 85 yards for a score, connected on a five yard touchdown pass to Mason McEvoy and another 12 yard touchdown pass to Hahn Hahn Lau for a cumulative total of five touchdowns on the night. Brad Baggett also added a 12-yard score in the third quarter as well. With the win, Evangel moved to 8-1 on the season. The Lightning will finish the regular season next Friday at home as the Memphis Nighthawks (Tenn.) come to visit.