Employee Spotlight: Fred Hawkins, Director of Engineering, Building, and Environmental Services By Barry Wise Smith When Fred Hawkins came to Alabaster in 2019, he brought years of municipal experience—both employee and leadership—with him. A civil engineer and Auburn graduate, Hawkins spent the first 20 years of his professional career working on the design and construction … Read More
Ward 4, President Pro Tem How long have you served Ward 4, and what inspired you to run? I’m currently in my second term with 5/1/2 years as Council Representative for Ward 4. After retiring from the Alabaster Fire Department as Deputy Fire Chief in 2011, I felt that I could bring a fresh perspective … Read More
Meet Albert L. Scott Library Director Kim Roberts Library Director Kim Roberts has a long history in Alabaster. Originally from Montgomery, Roberts moved to Shelby County in middle school and has lived in Alabaster since high school. Roberts graduated from Pelham High School, received her history degree from the University of Montevallo, and got her … Read More
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
