HITTING THE MAT
OFFICIALLY IN PLACE
HELENA’S NEW MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE HARD AT WORK
HOME SWEET HOME
JON BROWN HAS RETURNED TO HELENA AND INVESTS IN THE YOUTH
City Leadership
A letter from the mayor
Recapping a productive first month in office
The holiday season is upon us, and I hope each of you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. My family and I had a great visit with loved ones in Jacksonville, Florida, and we’re excited for the upcoming Christmas celebrations here in Helena, especially the Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, and the Christmas Parade the following day. If you have never been, I’d like to personally invite you to join. These are truly
“Hallmark moments” for our community, and I look forward to seeing many of you there. It’s hard to believe the first month of our new administration is already behind us! We began November with our installation on the 3rd, and I want to sincerely thank all the City employees who helped make that evening special, not only for the new administration but for the entire community. Soon after, our Helena Fire Department hosted the second annual Guns
“I was ready to move from talking about the job to getting to work, and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing, on your behalf.”
and Hoses BBQ event, raising nearly $7,000 to support our local first responders. A heartfelt thank you to Chief Chris Miller, Captain Ed Lindsey and all the firefighters, police officers, city employees, volunteers and barbecue teams who made it such a success.
I was ready to move from talking about the job to getting to work, and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing, on your behalf. Much of this first month has focused on understanding the city’s financial position, reviewing departmental operations and laying the groundwork for a healthy, balanced budget.
Many of our systems are terribly outdated and make it difficult to produce timely, accurate reports, the kind that are essential for strong financial management and long-term planning.
I’ve begun meeting with potential vendors to explore technology updates and am also implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy.
I’m proud to say that Helena is blessed with a dedicated team at City Hall who care deeply about serving our residents. However, it’s clear that our finance and administrative departments have been working without the modern tools they need to operate efficiently.
Mayor Billy Rosener
Additionally, I’ve met with all the parties involved in the new City Hall project. Interior work is nearly complete and should wrap up soon, though a few exterior modifications will take additional time. We don’t yet have a firm occupancy date, but progress continues steadily.
As we move into this special season, I want to wish each of you a joyful and peaceful holiday. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and love for our community.
Together, we can build a brighter future for Helena.
In this issue
Daniel
Sydney
Jamie
Noah
Rachel
Rhett
Viridiana
Utilities and Services
Cable, Internet and Phone
uAT&T Uverse – 1-888-708-0934 att.com
uSpectrum – 1-855-707-7328 spectrum.com
uC-Spire, Fiber Internet – 1-855-277-4735 cspire.com
Gas
uSpire – 1-800-292-4008 spireenergy.com
Power
uAlabama Power Company – 1-800-245-2244 alabamapower.com
Trash Services
uRepublic Services – (205) 631-1313 republicservices.com
Water and Sewer
uHelena Utilities City Water Service (205) 663-1670
LOCAL SCHOOLS
uShelby County Board of Education – (205) 682-7000
shelbyed.k12.al.us/
uHelena Elementary School – (205) 682-5540 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hes/index.htm
uHelena Intermediate School – (205) 682-5520
shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/his/index.htm
uHelena Middle School – (205) 682-5300 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hlms/index.htm
uHelena High School – (205) 682-3650 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/index.html
uHillsboro School - (205) 864-7330 thehillsboroschool.org
We want to hear from you!
Do you have an issue that City Hall needs to know about? Please use the City Action Center at cityofhelena.org to get a resolution to your neighborhood issue.
City Government
Billy Rosener
brosener@cityofhelena.org
chammann@ cityofhelena.org
ahealy@ cityofhelena.org
dwilson@ cityofhelena.org
bdodson@ cityofhelena.org
jmcdaniels@ cityofhelena.org
Departments
City Hall (205) 663-2161
Fire Department (205) 663-5809
Sports Complex (205) 620-2877
mharris@ cityofhelena.org
Library (205) 664-8308
Police (205) 663-6499
Utilities (205) 663-1670
HELENA CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND MARKET
DECEMBER 5
6:30 P.M.
Kick off the holiday season in the city of Helena by coming out for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Market at Helena Amphitheatre Park.
Helena Amphitheatre Park
DECEMBER 6
HELENA CHRISTMAS PARADE
1 P.M.
Helena Road
The 54th Annual Helena Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 1 p.m.
DECEMBER 5, 9 AND 15
HOME VARSITY BASKETBALL
GAMES
GIRLS AT 5:30 P.M., BOYS AT 7 P.M. Helena High School
Basketball season is in full swing. Come out and support the Huskies as they aim to make this season a memorable one on the court.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
DURING NORMAL HOURS | 11 A.M Storytime at the Library
DECEMBER 2 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity wrestling dual match at HHS
DECEMBER 2 | 6:30 P.M.
HHS Winter Choir Concert
DECEMBER 2 | 7 P.M. Varsity basketball at Briarwood
DECEMBER 4 | 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Senior birthday and bingo party
DECEMBER 5 | 6:30 P.M.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Market
DECEMBER 5 | 7 P.M.
Varsity basketball vs McAdory
DECEMBER 5 AND 6 | 5:30 P.M. AND 9 A.M.
Varsity wrestling tournament at Oak Mountain
DECEMBER 6 | ALL DAY
Indoor track at Magic City Invitational
DECEMBER 6 | 1 P.M Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 8 | 7 P.M.
Varsity basketball at Bibb County
DECEMBER 9 | 5 P.M. City Council meeting
DECEMBER 9 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity wrestling tri-match at Brookwood
DECEMBER 9 | 7 P.M.
HHS Band Christmas Concert
DECEMBER 9 | 7 P.M.
Varsity basketball vs Gardendale AROUND TOWN
DECEMBER 11 | 9-11 A.M.
Senior pancake breakfast and Santa pictures
DECEMBER 11 | 5:30 P.M
Varsity wrestling quad match at Hartselle
DECEMBER 12 | 7 P.M
Varsity basketball at McAdory
DECEMBER 13 | ALL DAY
Indoor track at Holiday Invitational
DECEMBER 15 | 7 P.M.
Varsity basketball vs Oak Mountain
DECEMBER 16 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity wrestling tri-match at Helena
DECEMBER 18 | 9-11 A.M.
Senior bingo and Christmas lunch
DECEMBER 18 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity wrestling dual match at HHS
DECEMBER 19 | 1 P.M.
Christmas break begins for Shelby County Schools
DECEMBER 19 AND 20 | 5:30 P.M. AND 9 A.M.
Varsity wrestling at Pelham Invitational
DECEMBER 22 | 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Senior Dirty Santa
DECEMBER 24 | ALL DAY Christmas Eve
DECEMBER 25 | ALL DAY Christmas
DECEMBER 29 AND 30 | 1 P.M. AND 9 A.M.
Varsity wrestling at Scott Rohrer Invitational
DECEMBER 31 | ALL DAY New Year’s Eve
DECEMBER 19
CHRISTMAS BREAK FOR SCHOOLS BEGINS
1 P.M.
Students will be dismissed from school at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, marking the official beginning of Christmas break.
DECEMBER 25
CHRISTMAS
ALL DAY
Offices closed
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Helena – The Magazine!
HELENA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Monday, December 9
PRE-COUNCIL AT 5 P.M.,
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 P.M.
HELENA CITY HALL
Helena’s City Council meetings take place the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Helena City Council meetings are open to the public and offer the chance for you to get involved in the planning of your community.
In the News
HELENA COMES APART IN SECOND HALF, EXITS PLAYOFFS WITH LOSS AGAINST BESSEMER CITY
Getting off to a fast start was not enough to lead the Huskies to a victory in the first round of the playoffs, as they failed to keep pace with Bessemer City in the second half, falling 24-7 and bringing their season to an end.
While the full lineup will not be announced until a later date, one headlining act for the 2026 season has been confirmed by the Helena Old Town Board and Birmingham Mountain Radio. On Saturday, May 16, moe. will be headlining Old Town Live as part of its 2026 Born To Fly Tour.
HELENA SCHOOLS RECEIVE TAG GRANTS FOR FALL 2025
During the last Helena City Council meeting under the city’s previous leadership, representatives of all four Helena schools, as well as McAdory High School, were presented with their TAG Grants for the fall 2025 semester.
At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Helena City Council, three ordinances to annex and pre-zone land were approved on Monday, Nov. 10. The land will be used to develop an assisted living community that will be built by the Parrish Building Company.
FIRST OLD TOWN LIVE ACT FOR 2026 SEASON ANNOUNCED
HELENA ANNEXES AND PRE-ZONES LAND FOR ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
HELENA CELEBRATES COMMUNITY WITH HOMECOMING PARADE
Helena’s 2025 Homecoming Week was one to remember. The community as a whole was invited to celebrate with a homecoming parade on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m.
Residents of the city of Helena, as well as people passing through, now have another option for coffee in the community, as 7 Brew has officially opened for business.
The city of Helena was shaken to its core by the tragic passing of Helena High School student Khalia Smith in April 2023. To commemorate Khalia’s memory, a bench has been dedicated to her at Lee Springs Park.
The festival was held at Helena Amphitheatre Park on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11, giving local people an opportunity to listen to live music, shop from a variety of vendors, enjoy the expansive options of food available, and enjoy the famous duck race, named in honor of Jack Gray.
KHALIA SMITH HONORED WITH BENCH DEDICATION
7 BREW COFFEE OPENS IN HELENA
RUBBER DUCKS TAKE OVER HELENA DURING BUCK CREEK FESTIVAL
Update from THE COUNCIL
Brooke Dodson PLACE 4, CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
As we enter a new era in our Helena city government, I am honored to have been chosen by residents to serve as the Place 4 representative on the city council, and more recently to have been selected by my colleagues as city council president. I believe that public interest in our municipal government is at an all-time high, and I look forward to working with my colleagues, Mayor Billy Rosener, our city’s department heads and personnel and most of all, our citizens, in forging the best plans for the benefit of our community.
At the time of this writing, our new council and mayor have taken our oaths of office and conducted our first meeting. We have already begun discussing improvements to communication between citizens and the city government that serves them, and we are all eager to implement changes to our Council Rules of Procedure so that all citizens are knowledgeable about the actions and decisions of our City Council and their voices are heard in a public manner.
As Americans, we are blessed to live in a republic which allows participation from its citizens. We enjoy freedom of speech as a means of that participation, and government at any level should encourage and seek out public opinion and input on the decisions it makes for the benefit of those citizens, as it is essential to the success
of our republic. To that point, I hope to hear from you over the next four years as my colleagues and I strive to represent all citizens and implement the will of the people. I want to extend the advance posting time of agendas for city meetings and also include time for public comment on all key decisions on city council agendas. What are some communication improvements you would like to see introduced in order to improve those channels?
In closing, I’d like to share my “senior quote” from my high school yearbook in 1991. The sentiment of the song “With the People,” written by Kevn Kinney and performed by the band Drivin’ N’ Cryin,’ sums up how I feel representatives and leaders can best serve their communities of constituents:
“The leader must start the march, then fall behind to walk WITH the people.”
I look forward to seeing our citizens as we all enjoy the Christmas holiday events around our community, including our annual Tree Lighting on Dec. 5 and the Helena Christmas Parade on Dec. 6. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak to any of your council members. We thank you for putting your trust in us, and we look forward to hearing from you! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Library Update
GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY
DDecember is upon Helena, and it is hard to believe it is time to celebrate the holidays and another passing year. Please make time to visit the library to update your card and see what is new!
The holidays are a time to be thankful, and the library appreciates the support of so many organizations and supporters. Our Friends of the Library group, our many volunteers, as well as our fellow city employees and leadership, to name a few. Most importantly, we appreciate the community, young and old, and everyone in between. The best way to support the library is to visit often and encourage others to do the same.
Speaking of leadership, we want to welcome the new mayor and City Council members, as well as the folks with whom we continue to work every day. We look forward to the journey ahead.
Library Director
Dan Dearing
The library recently had an information table at the Buck Creek Festival. As a hometown library, we have lots of volunteers and other friends in common with the Festival. We were very excited that they offered the library a space to visit with the public and raise awareness. We thank them for their hard work and dedication to our city. We are very lucky to have so many people dedicated to our City’s one-of-a-kind festival!
The Library has some great upcoming events: u On Monday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m., Children age 3 and up can make an elf door hanger craft.
u On Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 10:30 a.m., the library has a fun program for teens and grown-ups: Knit, stitch, and chat. Bring your knitting or other simple craft, and visit with others.
u On Monday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 p.m., patrons ages 12 through 18 can enjoy a teen program: Cocoa and Craft
u On Monday, Dec. 15, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., check out Lego Fun, which is open to all ages. Play with Legos and visit with others.
u On Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 10:30 a.m., the library will have a program for seniors: Singo! It’s like bingo, with songs!
u For those of you with children age 4 and younger, check out our Storytime. This is a fun event with stories, sing-alongs and music that will keep young people moving.
u Storytime is every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. throughout the year, and it is a great way for your preschooler to learn and meet others in your community.
The library will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at noon, and reopen on Monday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. Happy Holidays!
Jane B. Holmes Public Library
230 Tucker Road Helena, AL 35080
Phone: (205) 664-8308
Facebook: Helena.Public.Library.Friends
Website: cityofhelena.org/public-library
Instagram: @helenalibrary
Please visit the library soon, - Daniel Dearing, library director
December’s Top Picks
THE GINGERBREAD BAKERY
By Laurie Gilmore | Adult Fiction
A cozy romantic novel with an enemies-tolovers dynamic, small-town setting and a “happily ever after” guaranteed.
IT’S SO EASY TO MAKE: SNACKS, SWEETS, AND QUICK EATS FOR ANY KITCHEN
By Patrick Zeinali | Adult Nonfiction
Known for his five-ingredient recipes and “make it anywhere” mentality, Patrick makes cooking fun and, above all, easy.
PERSONAL COLOR: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO FINDING AND WEARING YOUR BEST COLORS
By Anushka Rees | Adult Nonfiction
Harness the power of color theory and discover which shades best harmonize with your unique skin tone, hair and eye color.
THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY: HURRICANE HEIST
By James Ponti | Juvenile
When a hurricane uncovers new information in a cold case, the Sherlock Society investigates a decades-old heist.
THE COMPLETE BAKING BOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS: 100+ SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES THAT YOU’LL LOVE TO BAKE, SHARE AND EAT!
By America’s Test Kitchen Kids | Juvenile Nonfiction
This ultimate baking book brings scientific know-how and hands-on learning to kids.
HAVE YOURSELF A CHEESY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
By Jory John | Easy/Picture
When it comes to Christmas, the Big Cheese goes BIG. Mere hours before the festivities, disaster strikes! Will Christmas still be Christmas if it’s not quite so grand?
ELIJAH HUDSON
Guard for Helena Basketball
What inspired you to start playing basketball?
Growing up watching my favorite players like Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo play.
How old were you when you started playing?
I believe I was seven or eight years old.
Has there ever been a coach or mentor who made a huge impact on you?
My AAU coaches Coach Murray, Coach Griffith and Coach Julius, as well as Coach McDonald at Helena.
What did they teach you?
They’ve taught me that no matter what happens, make sure you do it with a purpose. They’ve believed in me throughout my high school career, and I’m very appreciative of them.
What is your favorite thing about playing basketball for the Huskies?
My favorite thing is being able to say that my teammates are more than just teammates, and I could say that they’re family.
What is your favorite basketball memory?
In 10th grade on junior varsity, I hit a buzzer-beater deep 3-pointer against Pelham to go into overtime.
When you’re not in school or playing sports, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Besides playing sports, I’m most likely playing PlayStation.
Education PAM CLAY
Second grade teacher at Helena Elementary School
First, tell me more about yourself.
My name is Pam Clay. I have spent most of my adult life in Shelby County as an educator of young children. For me, teaching is my calling. It’s a commitment to serve, lead and support the young people of our community.
Can you tell me about your career in education?
I have taught elementary school for 27 years, with almost 21 of those teaching 2nd grade at Helena Elementary School. Over the years, I have earned a Master’s degree, I became Nationally Board Certified and I continuously pursue professional development opportunities to enhance my approach as an educator.
What kind of impact do the students you teach have on your life as a teacher?
While it is my job to guide students academically, the students, in turn, teach me valuable lessons about life, humanity and continuous personal improvement. When a student chooses to confide in me about a challenge or a dream, it is a profound honor and a reminder of the influential role I play.
What makes working with elementary school students special?
Each day is an adventure in elementary school. It isn’t just a place for learning; it’s a genuine adventure full of firsts, discoveries and non-stop growth. Elementary children possess an innate, unjaded curiosity.
What has been your favorite thing about working at Helena Elementary over the course of your time?
1. It is a tremendous blessing to find a workplace with leaders and colleagues who are both supportive and passionate. That kind of collaborative work environment, where staff genuinely look out for one another, is the engine that makes great education possible.
2. We have an amazing PTO that “goes all out”. This is like having a turbo-boost for the school. Their dedication to creating wonderful experiences for both students and staff is a powerful indicator of a healthy, invested community.
3. There has been a saying in my classroom for many years, and it definitely holds strong to this day. “Once a Clay Kid, Always a Clay Kid!” The students I have taught over the years will always be part of me. It is profoundly rewarding to see those students transition from excited, curious elementary learners into wonderful young adults within the same supportive community.
Do you have a message you would like to say to the Helena community?
I want to sincerely thank the Helena community for allowing me the immense privilege of being part of such a great place. I recognize and deeply value the critical partnership you provide. Thank you for being such tireless champions for our students.
Meet Your Neighbor
The Sanford Family
Helena has provided many families with a stellar place to raise their children, including the Sanford’s.
Christy and Brad moved to Riverwoods after the birth of their son, Brandon, in 2007, and have never looked back. They have been involved in numerous organizations over the years, including scouts and the Helena High School Marching Band,
where Brandon was a four-year member.
Christy serves as the assistant coach for the Helena Mountain Bike team and is a part of the TAG committee for Helena. Some of their hobbies include scuba diving, snow skiing and traveling. Brandon is currently a freshman at the University of Alabama, majoring in civil engineering.
Helena Church Directory
ANGLICAN
Lamb of God Church
Head pastor: Caron Glenn Davis 5140 Hwy 17 (205) 919-7932 Lambofgodcec.org
BAPTIST
The Church at Old Town
Head Pastor: Josh Knierim 815 Highway 52 E (205) 663-7879 Thechurchatoldtown.org
Gospel Light Baptist Church
Lead Pastor: Gary Bohman 5781 Roy Drive (205) 685-0772 Glbcbham.com
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkins 5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323 Mpbchelena.com
Riverside Baptist Church
Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson
Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910 Rbchelena.org
Crossbridge Community Church
Lead Pastor: Cody Brister 1455 Starkey Street (205) 358-3500 Crossbridgehelena.com
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 (205) 620-4575 Helenachurch.com
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
Grace Christian Church
Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson 869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233 Gracechristianchurch.org
LUTHERAN
LCMS Helena Plant 4097-B, Helena Road (205)283-6742 helenalutheranplant@gmail.com
METHODIST
Helena Methodist Church
Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenamethodist.org
Church at Cahaba Bend
Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday 3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060 Cahababend.org
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Open Door Independent Church 120 Laurel Woods Drive (205) 482-5963 Opendooral.com
The Cornerstone Church
Lead Pastor: Timothy Trimble 2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332 Cornerstonechurchhelena.org
New Vision Christian Church
Senior Pastor: Van C. Houser 2383 Highway 95 (205) 919-6678 Nvcc4god.org
The Rock Church
Head Pastor: Bryan Van Gieson 501 2nd Avenue West (205) 358-7625 Rockofbirmingham.org
The Voice of Faith International Ministries
Head Pastor: Franklin Kirksey 1560 Cunningham Drive (205) 663-7396
PRESBYTERIAN
Harmony Church of Helena
Head Pastor: Scott Edwards 3396 Helena Road (205) 663-2174 Harmonychurchofhelena.net
Christ Community Church
Pastors: Phil Chambers and David
Cunningham 2222 Highway 52 (205) 881-4222 ChristCommunity.net
Helena Methodist Church
Grace Christian Church
HELENA WELCOMES NEW MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
BY DANIEL LOCKE
BY JEREMY RAINES
HELENA – Helena City Hall was packed with people excited to help usher in a new era for the community on Monday, Nov. 4.
Cathy Hammann, elected to Place 1 on the council, was sworn in by Judge Erin Wellborn.
Hammann has over three decades of experience in telecommunications and has owned a small business. She also has a considerable amount of volunteering experience.
Andy Healy, reelected to Place 2 on the council, is the only returning member from the previous council. He was sworn in by City Attorney Brian Hayes.
Healy is a military veteran with more than 40 years of experience in logistics. He has volunteered with multiple veteran organizations and as the president of the Helena Business Association. He has also served as an ambassador for the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.
Dennis Wilson, elected to Place 3 on the council, was sworn in by Kate Belyayeva. Wilson has 34 years of experience in the
waterworks industry and serves on the board of directors for the Helena Utility Board. He volunteers at community events and as a youth sports coach.
Brooke Dodson, elected to Place 4 on the council, was sworn in by Charles Fry.
Dodson has experience working in commercial real estate and in food sales. He has served on Helena’s Planning and Zoning Committee since 2022 and volunteers with maintenance on the Hillsboro Trail.
Jeff McDaniels, elected to Place 5 on the council, was sworn in by Hayes.
McDaniels is a military veteran with nearly two decades of experience in human resources and administration. He has volunteered with organizations such as the Bessemer Housing Authority, Community Food Bank and the PTO.
Billy Rosener, elected to serve as Helena’s mayor, was sworn in by Hayes.
Rosener has more than two decades of experience in accounting and finance and is currently a realtor. He has volunteered as a coach and leader on different boards.
PHOTO
HOMEGROWN HERO
Jon Brown reinvests in the community that invested in him
BY DANIEL LOCKE
PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES AND FILE
YYears after he lit up the scoreboard and led the Helena Huskies on the court, Jon Brown has returned as a mentor, teacher and coach.
Teaching special education during the day and serving as an assistant basketball coach for the Huskies at night, Brown is looking to give back to the community in more ways than one.
Returning to Helena reminded Brown of what he loves most about the community, the way it comes together and feels like a family.
“What I like the most about Helena is it’s kind of a small town,” Brown said. “Everybody knows everybody, people are always nice and caring and willing to help. It felt like home, a family-
type atmosphere. That’s the main thing I liked about it.”
Brown’s high school career originally started at Pelham, but transitioning over to Helena for his sophomore year gave him a chance to be part of the first basketball team in program history.
It was an honor that Brown didn’t take lightly.
Chris Laatsch, Helena’s head coach at the time, was determined to get things started on a high note while getting the program built correctly.
“Being at Pelham and then coming over to Helena was kind of an adjustment, but being a part of Helena and being able to start something new and a new program, we got to help build the
foundation of what Helena would be. I think that was the most amazing thing about what we got to do.”
Brown took his responsibility to help shape the future of Helena basketball seriously during the program’s early seasons.
When his high school career came to an end, he had numerous accolades to his name, including an All-County first-team selection and a nod to the All-State 6A second team during his senior season.
As a result of his impressive play for the Huskies, Brown earned the opportunity to play
at the next level.
This was an achievement Brown fully understood the significance of and tried never to take for granted.
“I was grateful for the opportunity because not a lot of people get the opportunity to play at the next level,” Brown said. “When the opportunity presented itself, I was happy, I was ecstatic. I was happy that I was able to continue to play, and not just play, but play at a high level.”
Despite his gifts on the court, Brown never imagined he would have the opportunity to compete collegiately. His motivation to start
playing came from needing a hobby to channel his emotions.
“It meant a lot,” Brown said. “I didn’t really get into basketball thinking I was going to be able to go to college for it. I really got into it because I was a 10-year-old kid with anger issues and all these other things going on in life. When I got on the basketball court, all that stuff went away, I got to be a real kid.”
When his college career came to an end, he spent some time teaching and coaching in Texas and Missouri, until Helena head coach Lucas McDonald—who coached Brown during his
freshman season at Pelham—reached out to Brown and offered him a chance to help coach the Huskies.
“It’s kind of amazing to be the coach I had for the guys now and help them reach whatever goals they want to reach,” Brown said. “It was good to come back and give back, it’s always worth it. I’ve always loved the city of Helena. I love and believe in the basketball program because of what it does and what it can do for people. It’s amazing to come and give back to a city and program that gave so much to me.”
Returning to Helena was not something that
Brown had planned on, however. When his college career came to a close, he planned on pursuing a professional career overseas. Those plans were ultimately changed when Brown faced some adversity toward the end of his college days.
“Absolutely not,” Brown said of whether he ever expected to return to Helena. “I went to the University of North Alabama, then the University of West Florida. I was never back in the city for more than a week or two weeks. I was thinking, ‘I’ve done all I can in Helena.’ I wanted to go out and move around. Once I got out of college, I
was going to play overseas, but one of my last years playing, I tore a ligament in my ankle. I decided I was just going to be done.”
Having struggled with behavioral issues himself as a child, Brown is able to relate to some of the students he teaches and help them through their struggles.
This is an aspect of his job he finds particularly rewarding, as it gives him an opportunity to make a difference and see the effects of his work pay off in real time.
“I love what I do because I can empathize with them,” Brown said. “I’ve been in their shoes, felt
“I didn’t really get into basketball thinking I was going to be able to go to college for it. I really got into it because I was a 10-year-old kid with anger issues and all these other things going on in life. When I got on the basketball court, all that stuff went away, I got to be a real kid.” -JON
how they felt. It might feel like there’s not a way out, but here I am, 26 years old, teaching, coaching, successful because I had people that came alongside me and helped me and did not see me as what my behavior was, but saw me as a person.”
Returning to Helena to give back to the community and invest in the next generation on and off the court may not have been what Brown had in the cards for this part of his life personally, but he is enjoying where he at every day.
From helping develop athletes on the basketball court to assisting students in the classroom, Brown is excited for the opportunities that remain in front of him at Helena.
“It might not have been something I was planning on doing, but I feel like this is what I needed to do,” Brown said. I’m so grateful that life brought it to my face right then and there. Now I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
BUILT ON GRIT
The culture driving Helena wrestling forward
BY DANIEL LOCKE
PHOTOS BY DANIEL LOCKE
WWhen someone thinks about sports in the city of Helena, wrestling is likely not the first one that comes to mind.
As the middle and high school programs continue to grow, head coach Nick Souder is doing everything possible to grow the program both on and off the mat.
When Souder took over the program, it had seen better days. Teams that featured state champions laid the groundwork, but the program was not competing at that level.
The Huskies did not have a great showing at the sectional or state tournaments, making Souder aware that there was rebuilding to be done.
Consistent improvement throughout his first two years with the program has given Souder confidence that things are on the right track and that brighter days for the program are ahead.
“Over the past two years, we’ve slowly worked up that ranking,” Souder said. “Last year we broke the top 20 for sectionals, and we also got top 30 for state with only three qualifiers. They’ve consistently went up the past two years.”
While Souder wants to see improved results on the mat and the program gain more attention as a contender, his top priority is to see his athletes grow off the mat as people.
He wants his athletes to be prepared for things
they might come across in the future and have the ability to handle them. Additionally, his athletes performing to the best of their abilities in the classroom is a significant point of emphasis for the program.
“The vision for the program is to just see the kids grow, not just as wrestlers, but as student athletes,” Souder said. “Also, growth on the mat with their character, their determination and just wanting to be involved with their teammates. I would like to get to the point where, on the mat, we’re taking six to eight qualifiers (to the state tournament) every year and then slowly getting that back up.”
One of the biggest things the program has going for it is alumni who serve as volunteer coaches.
One of these volunteers is Alex Miller, who won a state championship during his time as a wrestler at Helena and went on to compete in college.
“He (Miller) reached out to me after coming to one of the home duals and asked ‘what do I have to do to be a part of it and give back to the program?’” Souder said. “I said we’ve got to get you all the courses, then we can get you in the room. He’s been nothing but helpful to me.”
Nathan Dunaway, who also brought home a state title during his time with the Huskies, offers his services as well.
He works with the wrestlers in higher weight classes, offering more versatility in the instruction available for the athletes during practice.
“Dunaway is going to be fantastic for us, just having somebody to help our big boys out,” Souder said. “Me and Alex (Miller) weren’t heavyweights by any means, we were lightweights and midweights. So that’s where Dunaway is going to come in to help this year, helping our upper weights and just teaching them how to wrestle like big boys.”
Souder highlighted the low popularity of the sport in the southeastern part of the United States—especially compared to sports such as football, basketball and baseball—as one of the
toughest things to combat when trying to build a wrestling program.
“One is just the numbers, it’s not a very popular sport,” Souder said. “When you think of wrestling, everyone thinks of WWE and all the entertainment that comes with it. It’s a lot more than that. It’s an art really, in my opinion. If you look at the Midwest and the northern region of the country, we’re just so far behind in numbers and competitors.”
While the numbers still aren’t where Souder would like for them to be, he is confident in the growth he has seen and believes the sport could be heading for a more prominent role in local sports.
He has plans to compete in tournaments with teams from other regions to give his athletes insight into the wrestling culture that exists in regions of the country where the sport is more prominent.
“I’ve seen the sport growing in numbers,” Souder said. “It’s good to see that it’s actually growing, but challenging the kids to get to that level, like the Midwest and the north, is going to be a little bit harder just because of the competition that we see. Hopefully within the next few years I could take the team out west or go a little bit north to some tournaments and show them what it’s like outside of the state and see what their wrestling is about.”
While having a team full of talented wrestlers is surely something Souder is striving for at Helena, he is equally concerned with the character of his athletes and helping them grow into adults as much as he possibly can.
Souder believes the sport of wrestling is good for growth and development because of the way it teaches competitors to keep going and dig deep when things get tough.
“I want them to be leaders overall,” Souder said. “I want them to have good character development, because once your career is over, everything will be easier because wrestling puts you through so much adversity. I think if your character and determination is strong, you’ll be
“The vision for the program is to just see the kids grow, not just as wrestlers, but as student athletes. Also, growth on the mat with their character, their determination and just wanting to be involved with their teammates”
-NICK SOUDER
able to get through almost anything in life. That’s something I’ve been trying to push these last two years.”
Another challenge that coaches face when building a program is getting their athletes to truly buy into the sport. Once that happens, progress is made almost instantly.
“Building their technique up is the easiest thing, getting them to like the sport is the hardest,” Souder said. “Once they like it, that’s when it gets easier. Once they fall in love with it, the rest just takes care of itself. Then they start going to club practice every day, they meet new friends and they’re getting better. That’s how people grow in the sport, once they fall in love with it, they go find a club to be a part of outside school hours.”
While building the program is still a work in progress, Souder is confident in the way things are going and believes the future of Helena wrestling is bright.
Your child learns with all five senses.
Six including their sense of wonder.
TRANSITION OF LEADERSHIP
The city of Helena has officially entered a new era of leadership, as the candidates who were successful during the Municipal Election have officially taken office. Mayor Billy Rosener will serve alongside City Council Members Cathy Hammann, Andy Healy, Dennis Wilson, Brooke Dodson and Jeff McDaniels.
FOR THE MAGAZINE/JEREMY RAINES
SENIOR NIGHT SUCCESS
The Helena Huskies closed out the regular season on a high note, picking up a dominant 48-7 win over
Tarrant on senior night.
One last march
The Helena High School Marching band had the opportunity to spend more time on the field during halftime on senior night, giving it more time to entertain the crowd with the music it has worked hard to perfect throughout the season.
BUCK CREEK FESTIVAL
MAGAZINE PHOTOS/ANDREW SIMONSON
One of Helena’s most beloved traditions took place on Oct. 10 and 11, bringing another year of music, food, shopping and family fun to Helena’s Amphitheatre Park, along with the duck race, named in honor of Jack Gray.
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Morning coffee at The Caboose
Starting the day with community
One of the things I love about Helena is the morning coffees at The Caboose. It’s a great group of people, always filled with engaging conversations, and it provides a welcoming environment for those who volunteer for our city.
Helena Old Town events
Enjoying community outings and activities
I really enjoy all of the events at the Amphitheater Park. For example, Oktoberfest was an absolute blast, Guns N’ Hoses was fantastic, as was the car show. Old Town Live events are a lot of fun each time.
A place to call home
Enjoying Helena through different life stages
Ultimately, my favorite thing about Helena is the opportunity to live and grow up here. It has been a phenomenal place to live that has truly transformed me into the person I am today. I am excited about my future in Helena.
Helena wrestling
Investing in athletes’ futures
Another thing I love about our city is our wrestling team. I grew up in Helena and wrestled for Helena, and now I have the opportunity to assist in coaching the high school wrestling team. This opportunity to give back is not something I take for granted.
The Depot
Enjoying food from a local spot
My favorite place to eat in town is definitely The Depot, the burgers there are impossible to beat, and it has been a staple of the community for a long time.
HELENA
P.O.
