Coach Shawn Weltzin has built a dominating wrestling dynasty at Thompson High School. By Loyd McIntosh As the 2021-22 Alabama high school wrestling season heads toward its conclusion, the Thompson Warriors are, once again, favorites to win the state team championship as well as a handful of individual titles. These days, finding Thompson Warriors Wrestling … Read More
By Lee Hurley Brandon Matthews moved to Alabaster in 2011 to plant Cultivate Church, and he still pastors it today. Brandon began volunteering with For Tomorrow in 2017 at its inception and in 2019, For Tomorrow received a DFC (Drug-Free Communities) grant for a total of five years. Upon receiving the grant, there was a … Read More
By Barry Wise Smith Photo by Brit Huckabay Growing up in Shelby County, Neal Wagner, the City of Alabaster’s first ever Public Information Officer (PIO), couldn’t have predicted that this is where he would land. “I thought I might retire from the University of Montevallo,” Wagner says. “But then my dream job came open.” Wagner … Read More
By Barry Wise Smith Stacy Rakestraw is serving her third term on the Alabaster City Council representing Ward 3 where she lives in the Apache Ridge subdivision. Alabaster Connection: How long have you served Ward 3 and what inspired you to run for the seat? Stacy Rakestraw: I am in my third term on the … Read More
By day, 48-year-old JoPaul Cates has a steady job as the Frozen Food Clerk at Publix. He has been at the Alabaster location for six years. During his off hours though, JoPaul’s passion is his love of photography. His skill at fixing things, especially electronics, got him into taking pictures as a teenager when he … Read More
As the country celebrated Veteran’s Day on November 11, we continue to honor Alabaster’s veterans who have served with honor in the United States military. Ron McGriff—U.S. Navy Ron McGriff grew up in Columbia, Alabama, in Houston County northeast of Dothan. He laughs that Columbia was most known in the area for its one stoplight. … Read More
By Barry Wise Smith & Photos by Brit Huckabay Police Chief Curtis Rigney and Fire Chief Tim Love lead their departments with honor and experience. Chief Curtis Rigney and Chief Tim Love came to their positions in different ways, but they share a deep appreciation for the city they serve. Curtin Rigney has spent the … Read More
Each year, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce honors first responders serving in the 11 public safety agencies in Shelby County. Nominated by their supervisors for their dedication, hard-work, and sacrifice, this year’s Alabaster recipients were Officer Monique Bivins and Officer Bryan Stewart of the Alabaster Police Department and Apparatus Operator Jamada Green of the … Read More
By Lee Hurley John Haggard grew up in Cullman, Alabama, the son of two accountants. He attended Baylor High School in Chattanooga before heading to Auburn in 2006 intending to major in something other than accounting. In fact he earned a B.A. in history. Somewhere along the way though John remembered the words his dad … Read More
By Barry Wise Smith In 2016, Rick Ellis, a 20-year resident of Alabaster, was inspired by his family to run for the Ward 2 seat on the Alabaster City Council and won. Alabaster Connection chatted with Councilor Ellis about his plans and what he would like to accomplish in this term. Alabaster Connection: … Read More
