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by JESSE CHAMBERS
My head’s filled these days with thoughts of three anniversaries. One commemorates a major historical event. The other two are much smaller, more personal.
First the big one. In August, we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II – the largest, bloodiest armed conflict in human history and a complex series of events that radically reshaped our world.
To be clear, the war’s end had two dates. The war in Europe ended May 8, when Germany surrendered to the U.S. and its Allies. That day is still commemorated as V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day.
The war in the Pacific lasted longer, with the Japanese announcing their surrender Aug. 14 after the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Allies accepted Japan’s surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, which was celebrated as VJ-Day, for "Victory Over Japan Day.”
I’m 68 years old, too young to remember WWII, but I’m still obsessed with it. After all, when I was a kid, I knew lots of people who remembered the war, including veterans.
This included my parents, who were part of the“Greatest Generation.” My dad joined the U.S. Navy in 1939 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor but was forced to take a
medical discharge before America entered the war.
That brings me to the first of those personal anniversaries. May 5 was the 80th anniversary of my mom and dad’s wedding, which occurred on a Saturday, just three days before V-E Day.
My parents were both 23-years-old. I look at pictures of them and see that they were full of love, hope and optimism – like America in the flush of victory. I want to cry, because I know the pain and challenges they faced in the years ahead.
There’s one more anniversary. On May 25, I celebrated the 50th anniversary of my graduation from the long-defunct Banks High School in Birmingham. We held the graduation on a brutally hot day in the school gymnasium, which had no air conditioning.
I recall how young and optimistic I was, my head filled with dreams of attending The University of Alabama in the fall. I think of my classmates, most of whom I’ve never seen again. Like my parents in 1945, none of us knew the challenges we would face as adults.
Of course, I think about how much time has gone by, and how quickly it seemed to pass – a topic I’ve discussed in these pages
before. Old people – and I’m one of them –warn young people that they’ll be stunned by time’s swift passage.
But most young people think that they, somehow, will be different, that they’ll never get old and die. They’re mistaken, of course, but aren’t ready to hear that truth. Old people seem compelled to share the truth, however, even if they’re ignored.
So what do all these anniversaries add up to for me?
I want to cry for our nation, which seems more bitterly divided than at any time since the Vietnam War and Watergate in the 1970s. If only we could summon the unity and purpose we had during WWII. I felt that same nostalgia as a kid while the Vietnam War – and the protests it engendered – still raged.
I miss my mom and dad and wish I could tell them one last time that I love them –especially my dad, who died when I was 24.
The anniversary of my graduation makes me realize how short and precious our lives are, and it makes me want to make the best use of the time I have left.
So whether you’re young or old, remember to treasure each day and each opportunity you have. And enjoy the rest of your summer!
I saw the mother and daughter in the hotel breakfast area. They were eating hotel breakfast; that uniquely American fare made of commercial plastic that will turn your bowels into stone.
Mom was middle-aged. Maybe early fifties. Her daughter was maybe 18. You could tell it was her daughter because of the way she kept rolling her eyes whenever the middle-aged woman opened her mouth.
“Aren’t you going to eat any fruit?” Mom said. Eye roll. “Mom.”
“Maybe you should go get an apple.”
“I don’t want fruit this morning.”
“They’re pretty good apples. I had one.”
“Mom.”
The mother smiled. Mom went back to her breakfast. She stabbed her plate absently.
“Did you finish setting up your dorm room last night?” Mom said, eyes still on the plate.
“Yeah. We hung colored lights.”
“What color?”
“Pink.”
“Where’d you get them?”
“Target. They have great stuff for dorms.”
Her mom smiled again.
Mother and daughter favored each other. In many ways, they were almost identical. One of them merely looked a little more tired than the other.
“Have you activated the credit card I gave you yet?” said Mom.
“No.”
“You need to do it before I leave town.”
“I will.”
“You have to do it on your phone, it’s kind of complicated, you need my help?”
Eye roll.
“Maybe you should do it now,” said Mom. “While I’m sitting here. In case you need me.”
“Mom.”
The girl went back to playing on her phone. The mother was just looking straight at the girl. There was a lot of love in Mom’s eyes. But it was being aimed at a kid who wasn’t paying attention.
“Do you need me to gas up your car before I leave town?” said Mom.
“No.”
“What about the oil? Doesn’t it need to be changed soon?”
The girl shrugged.
“You have to look at the sticker,” said Mom. “They always write it on the sticker.”
“What sticker?”
“It’s in the corner of the windshield. It tells you when you need an oil change.”
The girl kept thumbing away on her device.
Mom went back to her food. She spoke without looking up from her plateful of scrambled plastic. Her voice was small.
“I’m going to miss you, baby.”
The girl was still looking at her tiny screen.
Mom said, “The house isn’t going to be the same without you. I won’t know what to do with myself.”
The daughter just looked at her mom. They both held their stare. They reached across the table and held hands. Mom was crying now.
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat an apple? They’re good for you.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Food Blogger, GritsAndGouda.com
When summer tomatoes are coming in faster than you can slice ‘em, my Easy Tomato Galette is just the shortcut recipe you need! Think of it as a Southern tomato pie’s laid-back cousin—crispy, buttery edges with all that fresh tomato goodness in the middle. This rustic, open-faced tomato pie looks fancy but is as simple as rolling out a Pillsbury pie crust and layering it with juicy, homegrown tomatoes in every color and size on top of a flavorful cheese mixture.
Serve it up as a light lunch, cut into wedges for brunch, or nibble on it like pizza. From my garden to your table! If you'd like a recipe for the more traditional Tomato Pie, you can find my Tomato and Vidalia Onion Pie with Bacon on my website at GritsAndGouda.com.
1 rolled-up, refrigerated premade pie crust dough [from a (14.1-ounce) package of two] (I used Pillsbury)
3 small tomatoes, any color or shape
2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional)
½ cup herbs and garlic-flavored spreadable cheese ( I used Alouette)
2 tablespoons pre-shredded Parmesan cheese
Ground black pepper, olive oil, fresh basil leave (Optional)
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes and lay them on two layers of paper towels to drain. Take another paper towel or two and gently press the tops of the tomato slices.
3. Sprinkle the cornmeal on the counter or right on parchment paper to make it easier to transfer to the baking sheet. Or, you can just grease the pizza pan.
4. Remove the pie crust dough from the plastic sleeve and unroll it onto the cornmeal or countertop. Use your fingers to smooth out the edges and gently press the dough into the cornmeal or use a rolling pin.
5. Flip the pie crust, gathering the scattered cornmeal underneath it. Gently press that side of the pie crust into the cornmeal.
6. For easier spreading, first dollop spoonfuls of the spreadable cheese onto the top of the pie crust. Distribute the cheese by spreading it to within 1 inch of the pie crust edge.
7. Arrange the slices of tomato on the cheese spread.
8. Pull edges toward the tomatoes, overlapping the crust edges about every 3 inches as you go around the circle. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Optional: If desired, brush the edges of the pie crust with olive oil for extra browning. Sprinkle with ground black pepper, if you like.
9. Bake for 23 minutes or until the cheese mixture is bubbly and the crust is lightly browned. If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
10. Cut into wedges to serve
At WestJeff Magazine, we seek to provide comprehensive coverage of business activity of all kinds in West Jefferson County – and not just the big projects. We want to hear news and updates about all of the businesses in the area, both large and small. We also report on real estate, construction and infrastructure projects. Please contact us with any tips, information or photos you have at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Teri Anders, a seasoned pharmacist with a passion for community care, is celebrating a trio of significant milestones in her career. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Rock Creek Pharmacy, which she founded in 2005; the 40th anniversary of Hinkle Pharmacy in Bessemer, which she acquired in January 2024; and her own 30th year as a licensed pharmacist.
“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years,” Anders said of Rock Creek Pharmacy’s anniversary. “My goal was always to serve the community I grew up in, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received over the years.”
For Anders, the most rewarding part of her journey has been building lasting relationships with patients. “Knowing we’re making a difference in people’s lives is what keeps me going,” she said. She also takes pride in mentoring the next generation of
pharmacists: “It’s fulfilling to see pharmacy students join us and grow into their careers.”
Her acquisition of Hinkle Pharmacy was both a professional and personal triumph. Founded in 1985 by Bruce Hinkle, the pharmacy was at risk of closing before Anders stepped in. “Had we not purchased it, the store likely would have shut down, jobs would have been lost, and the community would have faced a gap in healthcare access,” she explained. “We’re proud to continue serving the Bessemer and McCalla areas.”
Anders is especially impressed with the Hinkle team. “The employees there are phenomenal at what they do and I'm very proud of their continued service,” she said. Looking ahead, Anders plans to expand Hinkle’s services, including enhanced compounding options, veterinary compounding and vaccine offerings. At Rock Creek Pharmacy, she aims to deepen partnerships with local schools and businesses by providing vaccines and health screenings.
One standout initiative is Wellness Fridays, which offer teachers discounted insurance rates through wellness screenings. Additionally, Rock Creek will soon partner with a local insurance brokerage to assist seniors with Medicare open enrollment and plan selection.
Pharmacy runs in the family for Anders. Her daughters have followed in her footsteps: Samantha Hagood, a 2024 graduate of Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy, now works alongside her mother at both pharmacies. Haley Spence, who graduated from Auburn University’s Harrison College of Pharmacy in 2023, is a pharmacist at Walmart in Tuscaloosa.
“We call ourselves one big ‘pharmily,’” Anders said with a smile.
In 2018, Hagood and longtime employee Crystal Early launched Rock Creek Boutique, a gift and retail space inside the pharmacy that has become a customer favorite. “We’re always refreshing our boutique to give people new reasons to shop,” Anders said. The boutique now operates in both pharmacy locations.
Running two successful independent pharmacies is no small feat, but Anders embraces the challenge. “Independent
pharmacies allow us to truly connect with our patients and our community,” she told WestJeff Magazine in 2024. At the heart of everything she does is a commitment to exceptional customer service. “You meet people where they are and do your best to meet their needs,” she said.
Rock Creek Pharmacy is located at 6817 Warrior River Road. 205-497-8777. rockcreekrx.com
Hinkle Pharmacy is located at 1090 Ninth Ave. SW, Bessemer. 205-425-3039. hinklepharmacy.com
Miles College recently received a Retool Your School Innovation Lounge Grant from The Home Depot, which will fund an adaptable, tech-forward space designed to foster creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship among students and faculty. The school announced the grant in April on its website. The lounge will feature modular furniture, collaborative zones and personal pods to accommodate various learning styles. It will also serve as a knowledge hub, offering workshops, lectures and networking events that connect students with industry professionals, alumni and nonprofits, as well as affording them research opportunities.
Miles College recently received a Retool Your School grant from The Home Depot.
A popular Cajun restaurant, Boateng’s Cajun Creations Restaurant, reopened at 2 19th St. N. in Bessemer on June 17 after being closed for more than five years, according to AL.com. The restaurant opened originally at Watermark Place in Bessemer in 2007. It serves po-boys, bisques, gumbo and other items. The eatery has received a warm reception since reopening, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. ”I have seen so many old friends and it's so overwhelming to know you all have missed us as much as we have missed you,” the restaurant said. “I'm so glad that y'all are back!!” customer Valentina Green posted. “Came in yesterday. Almost got emotional when we walked in!!!”
LEFT: Several West Jefferson County municipalities will hold elections in August.
BELOW: Dr. Paul C. Erwin, Dean of the UAB School of Public Health, presents the Lou Wooster Public Health Hero Award to eco-group Black Warrior Riverkeeper, represented by its executive director, Charles Scribner.
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Americans cherish their right to vote, and the residents of seven communities in West Jefferson County will have the opportunity to exercise that right during municipal elections that will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The following are the municipalities holding elections and the main offices to be decided, according to bhamwiki.com.
Brighton: Mayor and Places 1-5 on the Town Council. 205-428-9547. brightonal.org
Fairfield: Mayor and City Council members for Districts 1-6 of the City Council. 205788-2492. cityoffairfieldal.org
Hueytown: Mayor and City Council members for Districts 1-5. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov
Lipscomb: Mayor and City Council members for Districts 1-5. 205-997-3004
Midfield: Mayor and City Council members for Places 1-5. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield. com
Pleasant Grove: Mayor and City Council members for Places 1-5. Pleasant Grove adopted "cumulative voting" in 2020. Each voter may distribute five votes for council among any combination of one or more candidates. The five candidates with the most cumulative votes comprise the new city council. 205-744-1723. cityofpg.com
West Jefferson: Mayor and Town Council members for Seats 1-4. 205-674-3219. townofwestjefferson.com
Run-off elections, if needed, will be held Sept. 23, according to the Alabama League of Municipalities at almonline.org. The City of Bessemer will hold its elections in August 2026, according to the office of the Alabama Secretary of State at sos.alabama.gov.
Following the passage of Act of Alabama 2021-157, municipal elections were moved to odd years to avoid conflicts with statewide and national elections. As a result, officials elected to 4-year terms in the 2020 Jefferson County municipal elections held their seats for 5 years.
The UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) recently awarded the 2025 Lou Wooster Public Health Hero Award to Black Warrior Riverkeeper (BWR), a non-profit eco-group dedicated to protecting and restoring the Black Warrior River and its tributaries, including those in West Jefferson County.
The award, which SOPH announced in May, is named in honor of Louise “Lou” Wooster, a brothel owner who helped save the city of Birmingham during the cholera epidemic of 1873. The award celebrates a person or group whose work makes a difference in the community’s health through atypical means – much like Wooster.
“We are grateful to Black Warrior Riverkeeper for their clear acknowledgement and understanding of the connections between the public’s health and the health of the Black Warrior watershed,” said SOPH Dean Dr. Paul C. Erwin in a news release.
“Black Warrior Riverkeeper is proud of this unique award, particularly coming from such an invaluable pillar of research and teaching,” said BWR Executive Director Charles Scribner.
Working with volunteers, BWR has removed over 100,000 pounds of trash from the Black Warrior River watershed since 2021, and has conducted clean-ups in the West Jefferson communities of Bessemer, Birmingport, Hueytown, Maytown, Mulga and Mulga Mines.
Scribner told WestJeff Magazine in 2024 that BWR would like to do more cleanups in West Jefferson County. “Any businesses, churches, clubs, governments, schools or individuals who would like to help us with a West Jefferson cleanup can email us anytime at cleanups@blackwarriorriver.org or call our office at 205-458-0095."
Welcome to our Health & Wellness page, the newest addition to WestJeff Magazine. Each month, we share tips from a variety of sources showing you how to improve the quality of your life in simple, practical ways. Let us know if there’s a particular health or wellness topic you’d like to see us cover. Write to us at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
by JESSE CHAMBERS
It’s almost time to send the kids back to school, as Jefferson County Schools open August 7. To help you and your children make the transition in a healthy way, the experts at Mayo Clinic Health System have the following wellness tips at mayoclinichealthsystem.org.
Make sure your kids see their pediatrician for well-child examinations. These check-ups monitor children’s growth and development, catch potential health issues early and make sure they’re physically and mentally prepared for school.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends about a dozen
vaccinations, including polio, influenza, hepatitis and human papilloma virus.
A child must get good nutrition. A balanced diet – beginning each day with a good breakfast, for example – helps children maintain their energy levels and concentration. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Minimize sugary snacks and sweetened beverages. Give them fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and nutritious snacks, like fruits and nuts.
Adequate sleep – about 8 to 10 hours per night – is crucial for a child's well-being, including their mood and their ability to learn.
Experts suggest parents create a consistent bedtime routine to help their child wind down. Ensure your child's bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. Reduce exposure to screens at least an hour before bedtime.
Teach your children a few ways to deal with bullying. They can ask a teacher or other school official for help. They can maintain their composure, walk away and not fight back. It’s also crucial for parents to offer children emotional support and even professional counseling if needed.
Even with school back in session, the weather is still hot – a perfect time to do yard work. UAB experts offer five tips for yard work safety at uabnews.com.
Drink water to prevent heat-related illnesses. “As the weather begins to warm up, make sure to hydrate before, during and after yard work,” said Dr. Johan Latorre, an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, who also recommends drinking fluids with electrolytes.
When it comes to your care, connection matters. Baptist Health Medical Group is a comprehensive network of primary and specialty care providers — part of the broader Baptist Health system advancing care across Central Alabama. With more than 60 locations, our physicians deliver complete, coordinated care close to home. From annual checkups to women’s health and heart care, we bring everything together with you at the center. One for you. One for all. BaptistHealthAL.com/MedicalGroup
Wear protective gear, including shoes that protect the feet and sturdy gloves to protect the hands. Wear safety goggles to protect the eyes from debris and ear protection when dealing with loud equipment. For activities where dust and debris are flying in the air, wear a dust mask to protect the lungs. Sun protection should be a priority. Latorre recommends wearing appropriate clothes to prevent sunburn or overheating. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher to provide the most protection.
Before starting tasks, protect muscles, bones and joints by doing stretches and warm-up exercises for 5-10 minutes. Lift items carefully and safely. Always bend and lift at the knees and not the back.
When doing yard work, use the right tools. “Better tools and posture will lead to better efficiency and decrease fatigue and improper biomechanics that can lead to injuries,” Latorre said.
Be sure to take frequent breaks, allowing you to avoid fatigue and overuse injuries, while helping prevent heat-related illnesses. Find a location that is out of the sun and drink plenty of water.
Maybe there’s time for one more camping getaway for your family before school starts. If so, heed these safety suggestions at uab.edu/news by Dr. Brandon Buchel, an emergency room physician at UAB St. Vincent’s.
Be aware of fire safety, because campfires are a common source of injury. “Burns are
a huge issue every camping season,” Buchel said. Keep the fire small and contained, and never leave it unattended. Keep a bucket of water or dirt nearby to put the fire out quickly if necessary. Keep a 10-foot area around the fire clear of any leaves or flammable materials or any items that people could trip on.
Campers should practice food safety. Avoid attracting dangerous animals to your food supply and prepare foods properly to
avoid getting sick, Bychel said. “Improper food handling can easily ruin a trip and land you in the hospital,” he said. Buchel advises keeping raw and cooked foods separate, using a meat thermometer when cooking and keeping perishable foods on ice in a cooler. To keep animals away, Buchel stresses secure storage. “Use bear-proof containers if you’re in bear country, and never keep food in your tent,” he said.
Be sure to hike safely. Wear proper hiking clothes and shoes. “Good boots with ankle support are essential, and wearing long pants can help protect against things like poison ivy and ticks,” Buchel said. Hikers should stay on marked trails. “Going off-trail increases your risk of encountering snakes, stepping into a hornet’s nest or getting lost,” he said.
When in the wilderness, stay connected. “Always have a method of communication, like a charged cellphone or a satellite device, if you’re going off-grid,” Buchel said. “And let someone know your itinerary before you leave.” A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Campers should know where they are at all times and stick with their group. “Stay together, stay alert, and trust your instincts,” Buchel said.
by LOYD MCINTOSH photos by ALLISON CARPENTER
2024 was a banner year for high school teams throughout West Jefferson County. Seven of the eight schools in our coverage area finished the season with winning records, with several teams advancing deep into the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) playoffs and the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA). While none of our teams brought home an AHSAA or AISA championship trophy last season, there was plenty to celebrate.
As the 2025 season approaches, the big question is this: Can we expect the same level of excellence from all West Jeff schools? While the smart money is on “of course,” it would take a crystal ball and a bejeweled fortune teller named Natasha to answer that question.
What we do know for certain is that all our teams are working hard to improve in 2025. The task at hand won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination. Between the early morning practices in the sweltering
Alabama summer heat, the hours spent building strength and stamina in the weight room, and the puke-inducing wind sprints, success is measured by sweat, perseverance and determination. As the great Vince Lombardi once said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
Here is what high school football fans can expect from all West Jeff programs this fall.
2024 Record - Overall: 9-2 | 4A Region 4: 7-0
Pleasant Grove will look to improve on an excellent 2024 campaign in which the Spartans finished with a record of 9-2, and a perfect 7-0 in 4A Region 4 play.
Head Coach Durrell Fuqua said the 2025 Spartans will be breaking in some new talent on defense after graduating the majority of last year’s defense. While the new crop of defensive leaders may be a little green, Fuqua believes they have cornered the market in one specific area: speed.
“As we replace the majority of the defense, our team speed on defense will be our strength,” Fuqua said. One of the few upperclassmen leading the defense is senior Dominick Robinson, a linebacker who averaged just under five tackles per game in 2024.
On offense, the Spartans have many key members from the 2024 Spartans returning for another season, including the entire offensive line, anchored by Joseph Rodger at center, as well as quarterback Timothy Blue. “All five offensive linemen have plenty of playing experience, and three out of the five have at least two years of starting experience,” Fuqua said. “They’re the core of the offense and look for them to lead us this year."
Fuqua says key areas of growth for the Spartans in the offseason are developing relationships, team bonding and leadership.
“We preach every day about being a good person and a great teammate,” Fuqua said. “With a young team, it’s key for our older guys to be leaders and lead the younger players in the program in the right direction.” Pleasant Grove will open the 2025 season at McAdory on Friday, Aug. 22.
2024 Record - Overall: 9-4 | 6A Region 4: 6-0
We preach every day about being a good person and a great teammate. With a young team, it’s key for our older guys to be leaders and lead the younger players in the program in the right direction.”
—DURRELL FUQUA, Head Coach, Pleasant Grove Spartans
After reaching the AHSAA quarterfinals, the Hueytown Golden Gophers are poised for another remarkable campaign. Hueytown Head Coach Gregory Patterson said the Golden Gophers faced some of the best teams in 6A in their out-of-area schedule, like Mountain Brook and the mighty Clay-Chalkville (both losses), before going 6-0 in 6A Region 4.
Patterson said the team rebounded from those early losses, emerging battle-tested and ready for area play and a deep run into the playoffs. “We had another slow start against really tough competition, but the players and coaches stayed the course and believed in what we were teaching,” Patterson said. “This commitment allowed us to get back to the quarterfinals, where we lost a heartbreaking game versus Pike Road on a last-second field goal.”
In 2025, Patterson says the team’s offensive strength lies in their senior leadership. Hueytown’s quarterback, Jaden Powell, is back for his senior year and leads on and off the field. “Powell has a superpositive personality with an incredible work ethic and a strong arm,” Patterson said.
Hueytown is stacked at running back, with Anthony Robinson and Karder Pritchett returning. Patterson says Robinson is the Golden Gophers’ workhorse runner and is a humble leader with great vision and power. However, he believes Pritchett is the team’s secret weapon.
“Karder is somewhat of an unsung hero, in my opinion, playing behind Anthony,” Patterson says. “He’s an unselfish team player who holds himself and others accountable and just simply shows up every day to do whatever we ask him to do to make our team better.”
The defense will be anchored by linemen Donivan Moore and a 6-3, 220 Keegan Horn, a powerhouse with “explosiveness off the ball, above average football savvy and a relentless motor to get to the ball and make
plays,” Patterson said. The Golden Gophers open the 2025 season with Clay-Chalkville at Gilmore-Vines Stadium in Hueytown.
2024 Record - Overall: 7-4
6A Region 4: 3-3
Bessemer City looks to improve upon a 2024 season in which a young, somewhat inexperienced Tigers squad earned seven overall wins, fourth place in 6A Region 4 and a trip to the AHSAA playoffs. Bessemer City graduated around 20 seniors from the 2023 squad, making last season a bit of a question mark. However, Head Coach Antonio Nelson says the experience gained from 2024 is a huge plus for the 2025 campaign.
“We didn’t know what the team was going to look like, but we knew we were going to play hard,” Nelson said. "I was impressed with them and how they fought and came out and played games and just gave themselves the opportunity to win seven ball games and make the playoffs again. That momentum has carried over into what we are right now, and we have more buy-in from the kids.”
programs like Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Ohio State.
“He's a really good player and a really respectable kid,” Nelson said.”He has really great character, and he's one of those types of kids you just love on.”
Nelson also highlights Courtney Acoff and Razarius Horn as playmakers who’ll make an impact on the Tigers’ defense. Nelson says the team’s offensive identity is coming together, primarily due to several linemen graduating from the 2024 team. However, Nelson says he has a lot of faith in sophomore running back Chenyis Fuller and junior quarterback Vernon Slaughter, a 2024 midseason transfer from Hueytown.
Bessemer City will open the 2025 season at Center Point on Friday, Aug. 22.
Oak Grove Tigers
2024 Record - Overall: 8-3 | 4A Region 4: 5-2
Oak Grove High School is coming off an excellent 2024 season, which saw the Tigers earn eight wins and a third-place finish in 4A Region 4 play. Despite losses to regional foes Pleasant Grove and Bibb County, Oak Grove put up some big numbers in 2024, such as a 50-6 pounding of Weaver and 57-13 manhandling of Hanceville, averaging just under
30 points per game.
Bessemer City's strength lies in its defense, which Nelson calls the team’s “glue.” Nine starters are returning, including Emanuel Ruffin, a highly recruited 4-star defensive tackle with scholarship offers from
Offensively, Oak Grove Head Coach Chris Musso said the passing game has been an area of focus this off-season. However, with a talented group of offensive linemen opening holes for running backs Ethan Jones and Wiley and three-year starting quarterback Noah Chapman returning for his senior season, Musso believes the Tigers can build on the chemistry developed during the 2024 campaign.
“Our 2024 season was exciting. Our team played together and for each other,” Musso said. ”We are excited about the togetherness of our senior class. We have worked on getting stronger.”
On the other side of the ball, Oak Grove looks solid with seven starters returning to a defense that led the Tigers to the AHSAA playoffs in 2024.
The Oak Grove Tigers open the 2025 season at Weaver High School on Friday, Aug. 22.
2024 Record - Overall: 7-4 | 6A Region 4: 5-1
McAdory High School will look to improve upon a solid 2024 season in which the Yellow Jackets advanced to the second round of the AHSAA playoffs following a solid 7-2 regular season record, and going 5-1 in 6A Region 4 play.
Quarterback Justin Patton will be back in 2025 to lead a McAdory offense that racked up 72 points in a game in 2024.
Offensively, Head Coach Aryvia Holmes says the Yellow Jackets will be solid with running backs Kawann Johnson and Derrion Davis, quarterback Justin Patton and wide receiver Jamarius Sams returning to lead a high-scoring offense that slung up 72 points against Brookwood in 2024. As Holmes explains, in the modern era of high school football, the best defense is an electrifying offense.
“Just those four guys alone will make us competitive because you’ve got to score points in today’s football game. Offenses are just so dynamic now,” Holmes said. “I remember when I was playing, if you held a team to seven points, you could win. Now, if you can keep them to around a 21-spot, you have a chance.”
Defensively, Holmes says the Yellow Jackets will be young, particularly up front, and although he says the coaching staff is “trying to figure things out in the secondary,” he believes the 2025 McAdory squad will be solid at the linebacker position.
Even though the Yellow Jackets had a tremendous season in 2024, they did have three close losses in the regular season to Helena, Hueytown and Briarwood. Holmes says a major focus in the spring and summer has been on mental toughness and handling adversity.
"We've got to be able to win those games when things go wrong," Holmes says. “When guys start fighting back and we get a little adversity, it’s hard to pull them out sometimes, so we’ve been working on a lot of mindset stuff this offseason.”
McAdory will host Pleasant Grove to start the 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 22.
2024 Record - Overall: 5-5 | 3A Region 5: 4-3
Midfield High School will have to regroup quickly following the unexpected resignation of longtime Head Coach Rod Issac in early July. In 15 years as the Patriots' head coach, Isaac amassed a 73-89 record and took Midfield to the playoffs 10 times, including 2024. Midfield looks to improve upon a 5-5 overall record, 4-3 in 4A Region 3 action. The Patriots will host Huffman to open the season on Friday, August 22.
2024 Record - Overall: 9-4 | 4A Region 4: 4-3
Fairfield High School will look to keep the winning ways going after compiling a 9-4 record in 2024, their best mark since 2011. Running back Justin Murray returns for his senior year after rushing for just under 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024. Fairfield will host Jackson-Olin to open the season on Friday, August 22.
2024 Record - Overall: 7-6 | AISA AAA Region 1: 2-2
Bessemer Academy will break in a new head coach as Mike Bramblett takes over for Jonathan Wright in 2025. Bramblett will lead a Rebels squad that earned a record of 7-6 and advanced to the second round of the AISA playoffs. The Bessemer Academy Rebels will host Patrician Academy to open the 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 22.
Congratulations to Hueytown Primary School Librarian Jocelyn Neville for receiving a Torchbearer Award for the district. The award is given for integrating technology into curriculum. She did an amazing job implementing Beanstack this year and also tested out many technology resources and tools that could be used in the classroom.
McAdory High School is honored to partner with the new UAB West Hospital in McCalla to launch the “Drawn Together” Art Wall, a rotating gallery featuring student artwork from local schools. The display debuted with photography by 15 McAdory students, presented by CEO Keith Pennington alongside students, families, art teachers and Principal Andrew Reid, celebrating the power of creativity to uplift and inspire within a healing space.
Congratulations to Melodie Law, Hueytown High School’s librarian, for being selected as the 2024-2025 Jefferson County Schools ETeam Excellence Award winner. The ETeam is composed of campus technology leaders in schools across Jefferson County. She empowers other ETeam leaders throughout the county and puts her full effort into all things technology.
Get ready, football fans, August marks the start of high school football season in West Jefferson, and the energy is already building. Local teams are suiting up and hitting the gridiron, ready to ignite school pride and community spirit under the Friday night lights.
All Jefferson County Schools will begin the 2025-26 school year on Thursday, Aug. 7.
Minor High School educators recently attended the 2025 Model School Conference in Washington, D.C. under the direction of principal Dr. Yvette Sanders. This conference emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to meet the diverse needs of all students. They engaged in dynamic sessions on various topics, listened to inspiring keynotes, participated in team-building activities, enjoyed energizing brain breaks and planned for the upcoming school year.
Here’s a look at this month’s exciting home matchups:
Aug. 22: Hueytown Gophers vs. Clay Chalkville Cougars
Aug. 22: Fairfield Tigers vs. Jackson-Olin Mustangs
Aug. 27: McAdory Yellow Jackets vs. Pleasant Grove Spartans
Aug. 28: Minor Tigers vs. Paul W. Bryant Stampede
Aug. 29: Bessemer City Tigers vs. Woodlawn Colonels
Principal featured as speaker at Leadership Retreat
Fairfield High Preparatory School principal, Dr. Timothy Perry, was a featured speaker at Superintendent Regina Thompson’s Annual Leadership Retreat this year. Dr. Perry reviewed the school’s data from previous years and highlighted the innovative initiatives being implemented to meet the evolving needs of students, families and the community.
The entire state of Alabama is now fully covered by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. That means every child from birth to age five can now be registered anywhere in the state to receive free, high-quality, age-appropriate books delivered right to their homes each month at no cost and no catch. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a worldwide literacy initiative that has gifted over 200 million books since 1995 with the goal of inspiring a love of reading from the very start and helping children build their own personal library before they even enter kindergarten. This initiative was inspired by her father's inability to read and aims to foster a love of reading from a young age. Register your child at imaginationlibrary.com.
Minor High School students recently enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime moment—being featured on the iconic Nasdaq MarketSite billboard in New York City’s Times Square. This exciting recognition stemmed from their participation in the Eco Sneakers “Step Towards Your Destiny” event held at The University of Alabama in Birmingham in April. During the event, the students proudly supported Operation HOPE’s Green Sock Financial Literacy initiative, demonstrating their commitment to both sustainability and financial empowerment.
Aug. 2: Birmingham CrossPlex Birthday Bash, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2340 CrossPlex Blvd. An annual family-friendly celebration with games, food and live entertainment. It highlights the facility’s community spirit, diverse amenities and engaging experiences for all ages. 205-279-8900. birminghamal.gov
Aug. 4: Pleasant Grove City Council. 6 p.m. Pleasant Grove City Hall, 501 Park Road. The council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-744-1723. cityofpg.com
Aug. 4: Fairfield City Council. 6-8 p.m. Fairfield City Hall, 4701 Gary Ave. The council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-788-2492. cityoffairfieldal.org
Aug. 5: Hueytown Board Of Zoning Adjustments. 4:30-5 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. The board meets the first Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov
Aug. 5: Bessemer City Council. 6 p.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The council meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Aug. 5: Brighton City Council. 6 p.m. Brighton City Hall, 3700 Main Street. The council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 205-428-9547. brightonal.org
Aug. 7: Jefferson County Commission. 9 a.m. 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Room 270, Birmingham. The commission meets on the second floor of the County Courthouse downtown in the Commission Chambers. 205-325-5300. jccal.org
LEFT: The UAB Blazers open their football season at Protective Stadium this month. BELOW: Rock vocalist Rod Stewart in his younger days. He’s bringing his farewell tour to Birmingham Aug. 2.
PHOTO SOURCED AT FACEBOOK.COM/ RODSTEWART/PHOTOS
Aug. 7: First Day of School for Jefferson County Schools. 205-379-2000. jefcoed.com
Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27: District 8 Walking Group. Birmingham Crossplex, 2331 Bessemer Road. Each Wednesday at 8 a.m., meet at the CrossPlex Starbucks for a coffee and a casual 1.5 mile loop. Walkers of all abilities and speeds are welcome. Sponsored by the Freshwater Land Trust. freshwaterlandtrust.org/get-involved/events
Aug. 11: Midfield City Council. 6 p.m. Midfield City Hall, 725 Bessemer Super Highway. The council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com
Aug. 12: Bessemer City Council. 9 a.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The council holds a planning session on the second Tuesday of each month in the multi-purpose room on the first floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Aug. 12: Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The pre-meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov
Aug. 12: Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals meets on the second Tuesday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Aug. 18: Fairfield City Council. 6-8 p.m. Fairfield City Hall, 4701 Gary Ave. The council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-788-2492. cityoffairfieldal.org
Aug. 18: Pleasant Grove City Council. 6 p.m. Pleasant Grove City Hall, 501 Park Road. The council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-744-1723. cityofpg.com
Aug. 19: Brighton City Council. 6 p.m. Brighton City Hall, 3700 Main Street. The council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 205-428-9547. brightonal.org
Aug. 19: Bessemer City Council. 9 a.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The council meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Aug. 19: Bessemer Planning and Zoning Commission. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Aug. 19: Hueytown Planning & Zoning Commission. 5-6 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. This ninemember board, appointed by the mayor and council, meets on the third Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov
Aug. 21: Fairfield City School Board. 6 p.m. Fairfield Board of Education, Gladys T. Coleman Boardroom, 6405 Avenue D, Fairfield. The five-member school board meets on the third Thursday of each month. 205-783-6850. fairfieldschoolsystem.com
Aug. 22: Hueytown High School Gophers vs. Clay-Chalkville High School Cougars. Hueytown Stadium, 4881 15th Street Road. The Hueytown Gophers will play the Clay-Chalkville Cougars at the first Hueytown home football game of the season. 205-379-4150. jefcoed.com/o/hueytownhs
Aug. 25: Midfield City Council. 6 p.m. Midfield City Hall, 725 Bessemer Super Highway. The council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com
Aug. 26: Bessemer Historic Preservation Commission. 5:30 p.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The commission, established by city ordinance, helps identify, protect and preserve Bessemer’s historic properties and districts. The Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. bessemeral.org/bessemer-historicpreservation-commission
Aug. 26: Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The council typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, however this month the meeting will be held on the second and third Tuesday, due to the holiday schedule. The premeeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov
Aug. 27: McAdory High School Yellow Jackets vs. Pleasant Grove High School Spartans. McAdory High School, 4800 McAdory School Road. The McAdory Yellow Jackets will take on the Pleasant Grove Spartans in the first McAdory home football game of the season. 205-379-4700. jefcoed.com/o/mcadoryhs
Aug. 28: Jefferson County Commission. 9 a.m. 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Room 270, Birmingham. The commission meets on the second floor of the County Courthouse downtown in the Commission Chambers. 205-325-5300. jccal.org
Tuesdays in August: Hueytown Harvest Farmers Market. 2730 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Pkwy. Enjoy a local farmers market selling things grown or made only in Alabama. Every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. Rain or shine. hueytownharvest.com
A.G. Gaston Business Institute will allow young entrepreneurs to sell their wares at Innovation Depot Aug. 23.
Saturdays in August: Bessemer Farmers Market. Bessemer Recreation Center, 100 14th St. N., Bessemer. Shop local vendors, enjoy live entertainment and activities for the kids. 205-907-4099. facebook.com/ bessemerfarmersmarket
Ongoing: Exercise classes. Legacy YMCA, 1501 Fourth Ave S.W., Bessemer. Legacy presents a wide variety of exercise classes for members year round, including swimming, aerobics, aquacise, yoga, cycling, Zumba and Power HITT. Legacy also offers lots of youth sports, camps and health and wellness programs. For details, call 205-426-1211 or go to legacyymca.org.
Ongoing: Classes and workshops. Bessemer Public Library, 400 19th St. N. Bessemer. The library presents a wide range of classes, workshops and other activities for children, teens and adults. Adult classes include nutrition, computers and self-publishing. Activities for children include a toddler playgroup and Pre-K storytimes. 205-428-7882. bessemerlibrary.com
Rock Creek Boutique Located inside Rock Creek Pharmacy & Hinkle Pharmacy
Two Locations offering... celebrating years 40 celebrating 20 years
• Immunizations & Health Screenings
• Convenient Dose Packaging
• Diabetic Prevention and Education Services
“We are here for you” Rock Creek Pharmacy 6817 Warrior River Rd, Bessemer | (205) 497-8777 Hinkle Pharmacy 1090 9th Ave SW, Bessemer | (205) 425-3039
Aug. 2: Rod Stewart. 7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., Birmingham. Legendary rock and pop vocalist Rod Stewart will bring his "One Last Time" farewell tour to Birmingham with Cheap Trick opening for an evening of classic rock hits. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25: Boxing Cardio. 6 p.m. Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. S. Get your heart pumping with boxing cardio and leave feeling stress-free and motivated. By using just body weight, this routine helps tone muscles, build endurance and boost metabolism. Admission free, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield. 205-521-9933. railroadpark.org/programs/exercise-classes.
Aug. 9: Babypalooza Baby Expo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. BJCC North Hall. 1160 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N., Babypalooza is a free, one-day expo offering seminars, baby gear demos and resources for new and expectant parents. babypalooza.com
Aug. 9: Riley Green: Damn Country Music Tour. 7 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., Birmingham. Country musician Riley Green is an Alabama native known for his authentic storytelling and crowd-pleasing energy. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Aug. 15: Teddy Swims. 8 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., Birmingham. Teddy Swims, the soulful Atlanta-born singer-songwriter known for blending pop, R&B and country, will perform his hits, such as “Lose Control” and “The Door.” coca-colaamphitheater.com
Aug. 19-25: Sidewalk Film Festival. Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, 1821 Second Ave. N. The Sidewalk Film Festival is an annual celebration of independent cinema held in Birmingham's historic Theatre District, showcasing more than 300 films at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema and other downtown venues. The event brings together filmmakers and audiences for screenings, Q&As, panels and communitybuilding activities, spotlighting Alabama and international talent. 205-324-0888. sidewalkfest.com
Aug. 22: Dierks
Bentley: Broken Branches Tour. 7 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., Birmingham. Dierks Bentley will headline his “Broken Branches” tour, delivering a high-energy country showdown supported
by opening acts Zach Top and The Band Loula. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Aug. 23: Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz. Noon - 8 p.m. 4th Avenue Business District, Birmingham. The Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival is a free, family-friendly event in Birmingham that celebrates jazz, blues and community with live music, food and cultural activities. 4thavenuejazz.org
Aug. 23: Young Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace. Noon-4 p.m. Innovation Depot, 1500 First Ave. N., Birmingham. Sponsored by the A.G. Gaston Business Institute, this marketplace allows middle-school and young adult entrepreneurs to showcase and sell. gastonbusinessinstitute.com/programs/pop-up-marketplace
Aug. 23: Ben Rector. 7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., Birmingham. Ben Rector, known for his heartfelt songwriting and catchy melodies blending pop and folk, will appear as part of his "Richest Man in the World" tour. Also appearing will be Switchfoot. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Aug. 28: UAB Blazers vs. Alabama State. 7:30 p.m. Protective Stadium, 1020 24th Street N. The UAB Blazers will take on the Alabama State Hornets in their first home football game of the season. Call the UAB Athletics ticket office at 205-975-8221 or visit to uabsports.com.
Our team of orthopedic specialists are here to help.
At UAB Medical West, our team of orthopedic specialists are dedicated to helping patients restore mobility and enhance their quality of life. We are committed to bringing quality, stateof-the-art orthopedic care to the residents of West Jefferson County, AL and are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jay Fitts to our team. Dr. Fitts specializes in spine surgery and is now accepting new patients at both our brand new main hospital location and our Hoover location. To schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West Orthopedic surgeon, call us today at (205) 481-8570. For more information about UAB Medical West and all of our services, visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.
