Embracing the Beauty of Fall, All That it Brings

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December 4, 2025

As autumn arrives, the world transforms into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and amber. The gentle rustling of fallen leaves and the crispness in the air remind us that change is not only natural, but also beautiful.

Fall teaches us to let go of what no longer serves us, just as trees release their leaves to prepare for new growth. In this season of transition, take a moment to reflect on your journey. Allow yourself to embrace change with hope and curiosity, knowing that every ending is the beginning of something new.

As nature slows down, find time to appreciate simple moments—a warm cup of cider, the laughter of loved ones, or the peaceful silence of an early autumn morning. Let the vibrant colors inspire you to pursue your passions with renewed energy and gratitude. Remember, just like the changing leaves, we too can transform and thrive through every season of life.

A couple of lessons come to mind: First, it’s our chance to fully embrace change and adaptability. Life is a constant journey of mutations, and the ability to adapt is crucial for personal growth and success. Embracing change means being open to new experiences, learning from them, and evolving as a person. It’s important to understand that change is inevitable and resisting it can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation. Instead, view change as a chance to grow and improve.

Whether it’s a new job, moving to a different city, or even a shift in personal relationships, adapting to change can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. By staying flexible and open-minded, you can navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and resilience.

Second, we learn there’s power in positivity. Maintaining a positive outlook can significantly impact your overall well-being and success. Positivity is not about ignoring life’s challenges but rather about approaching them with a constructive mindset. When faced with difficulties, a positive attitude can help you find solutions and stay motivated.

It also influences how you interact with others, fostering better relationships and creating a supportive environment. Positivity can be cultivated through practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, and surrounding yourself with uplifting people.

And finally, we are reminded of the importance of self-care. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. Self-care involves recognizing your needs and making time to address them.

This can include activities such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. It’s also important to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being, even if it means saying no to others sometimes.

Self-care is not selfish; it’s a necessary practice that enables you to be your best self and effectively support those around you. Embrace the shift that comes with the season. There are beautiful things that await you.

As always, I’m Keisa, Coach K and I am cheering for you.

Keisa Sharpe is a life coach, author and speaker. Her column appears each month online and in The Birmingham Times. You can contact Keisa at keisasharpe@yahoo.com and visit www.allsheanaturals.com for natural hair and body products.

64 New Homes Planned in Birmingham’s Northside Community Near Vacant Hospital Site

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Birmingham Times

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December 3, 2025

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By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

“New residents, new families, and new life.” That’s what citizens in Birmingham’s Northside community can expect, said Birmingham City Councilor Brian Gunn, as crews begin construction that will bring 64 new homes along a stretch of property facing Carraway Boulevard north of 17th Avenue.

Birmingham City Council approved plans Tuesday morning, clearing the way for the new residential construction to begin near the Coca-Cola Amphitheater which opened in June with its first outdoor concerts and just north of the former Carraway hospital site.

“As more housing comes, we’ll see more business, more services, and more opportunities for everyone who calls the Northside home,” said Gunn at the site on Tuesday.

Homes are expected to be ready for new residents by early 2027 and will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages and townhomes, as well as a clubhouse to serve the community. The development will be owned and managed by CR-Endeavors.

From left: Brian Gunn, Birmingham City Councilor, Janet Maycock, President of Druid Hills Neighborhood Association, LaTonya Tate, Birmingham City Council President Pro Tem, Robert Simon, CEO of CR- Endeavors, and Barbara Thomas, President of Norwood Neighborhood Association. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)

Janet Maycock, president of Druid Hills Neighborhood Association and Barbara Thomas, president of the Norwood Neighborhood Association said “excitement” was the best way to describe the new homes.

“We are excited by what we’ve seen with the amphitheater, what we’re going to see next year, and what we’re going to see in the years to come,” said Maycock.

“It’s exciting to be at this point, where demolition is wrapping up and we’re going to start seeing things built here,” said Thomas.

Robert Simon, CEO of CR-Endeavors, said residential was always a key component to the entire project that includes an overall plan to revitalize the 50-plus acre site that was the former Carraway campus that calls for commercial and entertainment-related venues on the south end of the property, closer to Top Golf.

“As we’ve envisioned this project, we always wanted to start with residential … reestablishing what is and was a great neighborhood, coming in with quality housing and affordable housing in many different ways, shapes, and forms,” he said.

The impact is expected to go beyond the Druid Hills neighborhood, where the new homes will be located.

Birmingham City Council Pro Tem, LaTonya Tate, whose district includes the Carraway site and who moved away from city before returning, remembers when the hospital provided medical care before later becoming an eyesore.

“I grew up right here. I still have a lot of ties to this community,” she said. “I never, ever dreamt that coming back to Birmingham after spending almost 12 or 15 years away from here that I would ever see this sight, transformed.”

After Stunning Performance, Birmingham’s Jazz Mckenzie Advances to Finals on ‘The Voice’

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Birmingham Times

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December 3, 2025

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JazzM 3 — Jazz Mckenzie will next perform on The Voice's live finale airs on NBC on Dec.15. (NBC)

By Marika N. Johnson | For the Birmingham Times

Birmingham native Jazz Mckenzie took another step to the finals on The Voice, the NBC singing reality competition television series, after her standout performance in the playoffs.

McKenzie advanced Monday night by digging deep into her gospel roots with a stirring rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” a song she says reflects her life in this moment. “Here we are — I’m chasing my dream. ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ is literally the mantra of my life. If it can happen for me, it can happen for anybody,” she said Monday night on NBC.

The Voice live finale airs on NBC on December 15 with McKenzie one of 6 contestants. The Top 6 will perform live on Monday, December 15, at 9/8c, with voting open online and in the app until early Tuesday morning, December 16th. The results show will air the following night, Tuesday, December 16, at 9/8c.

When Mckenzie stepped onto the national stage as a contestant on “The Voice”, she brought with her not only a powerful voice but the rich musical heritage of Birmingham. Her coach, Michael Buble’, praised her talent, “I think Jazz might be one of the greatest singers that I have heard in a long time. She has a massive range. She has power. I think that Jazz could be a frontrunner for this competition,” he said.

Jazz Mackenzie photographed at Mars Music Hall in Huntsville AL opening for Leela James (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Now residing in Huntsville, Mckenzie grew up in Birmingham’s West End, attending Glen Iris Elementary and Arrington Middle School before graduating from Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School. Her earliest musical foundation was built at Bessemer First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where she sang in the children’s choir. Her greatest influence though, she says, was her mother, Brenda Mackenzie.

“My mom made sure there was music everywhere –in the car, on the way to school, at the store, even at home,” Mckenzie told The Birmingham Times. “She kept music around me constantly.”

Those sounds ranged from gospel legends to soul icons. Mckenzie draws inspiration from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, The Clark Sisters, The Winans and Donny Hathaway.

Despite her vocal talent, Mckenzie never imagined that singing could become a full-time career. “I’ve always looked at singing as a side job –until now,” she said.

Her appearance on The Voice marked a turning point. ‘This opportunity has replenished me,” she said in her interview with The Times. “It showed me that when you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. You never know when God is going to bless you.”

She sees her journey as a lesson in preparation and faith. “In the meantime, you have to be a good steward of what He’s given you –protecting your gifts, protecting yourself– because you never know when you’ll need to rise to the occasion. All things are possible.”

Perhaps most meaningful is how the experience has helped her reclaim her confidence. “I’ve had this gift for a while, but I’ve felt unseen, looked over,” Mckenzie said. “To be chosen has replenished me thoroughly. It reminded me to be thankful and grateful for what I have.”

‘I Told Her How Much I Loved Her and Asked if She Would Marry Me’

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Birmingham Times

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December 3, 2025

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BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times

JEREMIAH & EDEN COCKRELL

Live: Homewood

Married: Aug. 5, 2017

Met: Fall 2012, on campus at the University of Alabama at Huntsville [UAH], at a Charger Village dorm meeting. While the two did not formally meet, they were able to find out a bit about one another during the introductions, where Jeremiah discovered Eden was on the track team, and Eden learned he’d transferred in Christian Brothers University in Tennessee.

“The first time I actually saw Eden was on move-in day. And coming from Christian Brothers [University], I wasn’t used to having co-ed dorms, and Eden was the first person I saw, and I was like ‘there’s girls in this dorm?’,” Jeremiah laughed. “And then at the meeting, I found out her name and that she was on the track team.”

“One thing that always caught my eye about Jeremiah was his fashion sense. I wasn’t checking for him, but I always noticed the details in [his attire]; you never caught him going to class in sweats, he always had on a real outfit,” said Eden.

Eventually, the pair crossed paths when Eden attended an intramural flag football league game Jeremiah played in.

“It was a Sunday afternoon, we had just got out of church, and [UAH] is a small campus and there was nothing else going on on campus, the food hall was closed [as were other departments or hangouts] so going to the game was just something to do with friends,” Eden recalled. “Jeremiah’s team was playing against some of my track teammates and afterwards we started mingling and walking back to the dorm together and that’s when Jeremiah said something to me. I wasn’t checking for him, but we shared mutual friends and all became one big group of friends.”

“After the game I just started making small talk. I took that opportunity [during the group talk] to start talking to her and bring her into the conversation,” he said.

The two began hanging out frequently with the group, and then started hanging out alone. “I would ask her if she wanted to grab something to eat, or go to the movies, it was always informal,” Jeremiah said.

“But I think our first date was a double date with another couple after we came back from Christmas. We dressed up a little for that date,” Eden said.

First date: January 2013. They went to Bridge Street outdoor mall in Huntsville, and had dinner at PF Changs.

“I was always laid back and I tried to play it cool, but then I saw her and thought, ‘wow, she looks very very good’,” Jeremiah laughed. “But being out with friends definitely calmed my nerves and throughout the night I kept thinking she was a beautiful girl, and I felt lucky that she wanted to go out with me.”

“I guess I was feeling the same way. I wasn’t super nervous because we always hung out in group settings, and since this was a double date, it was still a group setting,” Eden laughed. “But he was nice, he wasn’t trying to force anything and he was always playful. It felt like I was in between being his homegirl and his girlfriend … it still felt like we were hanging out like friends, but it was more official. And at the end of the night, our friends were like let me take a picture of y’all, and I thought we looked good together,” Eden said.

The turn: Soon after the double date. “I was in the middle of track season, but we started [making more forward] gestures towards one another. We would give each other a hug first, but it was college, so we were always still in group settings,” Eden said.

“But then we started making more efforts to hang out together alone,” Jeremiah said. “Our schedules never [accommodated each other], so we had to make a real effort to hang out. We’d try to catch a matinee, or go get food…,”

But Eden recalls a moment when things felt real. “I was traveling for track, and we were texting each other, that was like our only communication, we never really talked on the phone… and I remember Jeremiah being like ‘I thought we been dating, I thought you were my girl since last fall’,” Eden laughed. “And it made sense, I wasn’t dating anyone else, and we were spending a lot of time together, so that’s when we became official in my mind, but in hindsight we had been official.”

Jeremiah and Eden Cockrell met in 2012 at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. The couple married in 2017. (Provided Photos)

The proposal: Valentine’s Day, 2016, at Firebirds in Hoover. “We had always talked about being engaged, and Eden always said she’s going to know when it’s happening [because of clues] so I made a point to catch her as off-guard as possible,” Jeremiah said. “So when I got the ring, I called her best friend, Bri, and she said, ‘how do you want to do it’? and we decided to use [Bri’s] birthday, which was Valentine’s Day, as the cover up. It would look like we’re going to celebrate Bri’s birthday, especially since Eden and I had already gone to dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day [as a couple] the day before. And I had a ‘Will You Marry Me’ sign made that we had waiting in the back of the restaurant … and the signal we came up with for the waiter to bring out the sign was when we started asking about dessert.”

As the moment grew closer, Jeremiah said his heart was pounding. “The whole time I’m trying not to tip off Eden, and Bri was looking at me like it’s about to happen, and I’m looking back at her like ‘I know!’,” he laughed. “I could see the waiter getting closer with the sign and I started clutching my jacket to get the ring out without Eden noticing and I slid out of the booth and got on one knee. And when Eden saw the waiter, she was frozen, I almost couldn’t get her to move,” Jeremiah laughed. “I had to pull her from the table to stand in front of me, and I told her how much I loved her and asked her if she would marry me. And she said yes. The only person in her family who knew I was going to propose was her father because I didn’t want anyone to blow it.

“At that point I felt like the whole restaurant was in on it because everyone started clapping, “Eden said. “I was super nervous. And looking back on it. I hate attention, everybody was watching, and I was so nervous. But we went to my grandparents’ house and my parents’ house afterwards and everyone was so excited for us. It was a good day. And my best friend was so selfless to share her day with me. She’s still my best friend and knows that I would have done the exact same for her.”

The wedding: At Metropolitan Church in Birmingham, officiated by Eden’s father, Pastor Edward Williams of New Vision Christian Church in West End. Their colors were blush and tones of brown, and their reception was held at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. The couple’s wedding was also profiled by ‘Alabama Weddings’ in their 2018 edition.

Most memorable for the bride was walking down the aisle. “I was really nervous, and also, my bouquet was really heavy,” Eden said. “Seeing our family and friends who came from near and far in the audience was comforting, and seeing Jeremiah up there looking so handsome, and my girls looking so beautiful, and having my dad beside me… I just remember feeling comfort and ease, like everything was exactly as it was supposed to be. Also, that was my first time seeing the sanctuary [decorated] and it was so beautiful. My grandmother, Judith Harris, was our wedding coordinator and she killed it. I could have never imagined that it would be as breathtaking as it was.”

Most memorable for the groom was becoming emotional when he saw his bride. “The crazy part is I was actually calm all the way up to the point of knowing she was about to come out. Tears welled in my eyes, and a lot of emotions and happiness was going on within me, and when I saw her, tears fell,” Jeremiah said. “I thought she looked so beautiful.”

Both also remember the New Orleans 2nd line procession at the reception. Jeremiah is from New Orleans, and it was customary to have a celebratory 2nd line, a New Orleans tradition where a brass band leads a celebratory procession through the streets for events like weddings, birthdays, or funerals. ‘The second line set the tone, the whole reception was one big party. It was so much fun,” said Eden.

Honeymoon: The couple had just purchased their first home before the wedding, so Eden’s moving in and taking residence alongside her new husband was how they honeymooned.

Words of wisdom: “As cliche as it sounds, communication is key. It’s how you communicate when you have conflict to come to a resolution that’s important,” Jeremiah said. “And, always work as a team.”

“Stay friends and always treat each other kindly, ” said Eden. “Jeremiah and I have so many marriages to look up to. Our grandparents had just celebrated 50 years at the time of our marriage, both of our parents have beautiful marriages, we knew what to aspire to,” Eden said.

Happily ever after: The Cockrells attend New Vision Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in West End, where they serve as Deacon and Deaconess, and Eden as the church moderator. They have two children, Jeremiah ‘Deuce’ Jr., 7, and Jiana, 5.

Eden, 32, is a Homewood native, and Homewood High School grad. She attended The University of Alabama at Huntsville [UAH], where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in marketing. Eden works in operations for a national non-profit and is a high school track coach at Homewood High School.

Jeremiah, 33, is a New Orleans, LA native, who relocated to Huntsville, Ala. with his family after Hurricane Katrina. He attended Sparkman High School in Harvest, AL, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville [UAH], where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Jeremiah works as an electrical engineer at BL Harbert International in Birmingham.

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

City of Birmingham, Local Officials Address Homelessness with ‘First-of-Kind’ Symposium

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Birmingham Times

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December 2, 2025

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Symposium 1 — One Roof executive director, Gordon Sullivan, left, and Alanah Melton, director of unhoused strategy for the City of Birmingham. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

In another step to address the number of people living without shelter, the City of Birmingham, in partnership with One Roof, a leading homelessness advocacy organization on Monday hosted a symposium that drew over 25 different service providers that included faith leaders, nonprofits, local businesses, civic partners, and public-sector leaders.

Billed by officials as the “first-of-its-kind”, “The State of Homelessness: Redefining Community” was held at Regions Field and designed to focus on responses to Birmingham’s homelessness challenges and to create a path forward.

“Today is about redefining our community,” said Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin. “Community is a group of neighbors, friends, it’s colleagues. Community is not just to support our home, but our own … our own includes our homeless, our unhoused population.”

The gathering comes amid the City of Birmingham’s recent commitment of $1.5 million to strengthen housing and homelessness services and part of an effort to align the city with a Continuum of Care’s (CoC) coordinated system— a network to respond homelessness.

One Roof, which conducts the annual Point-in-Time Count used to estimate the region’s homeless population, reported earlier this year that Birmingham and surrounding counties continue to face persistent challenges, including rising housing costs, limited shelter space, and increased demand for mental health and substance-use services. The 2024 count found more than 900 people experiencing homelessness across Central Alabama.

“The whole purpose of this event is to unify our community,” said One Roof executive director, Gordon Sullivan. “This just marks the beginning. This is our starting point.”

The city of Birmingham and local organizations have made various efforts to aid in homelessness relief.

Earlier this year the city agreed to pay $1.2 million for the construction of micro-shelters downtown. And Jimmie Hale Mission plans to build a $4.4 million emergency shelter.

The symposium featured remarks from Woodfin, city officials, and community leaders, as well as service providers who work directly with families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Every resident deserves safe, stable housing,” said Alanah Melton, the city’s director of unhoused strategy. “This symposium is about mobilizing our collective power—government, businesses, faith communities, nonprofits, and neighbors—to ensure we meet that responsibility.”

One of the biggest misconceptions is that people “choose” to be homeless, Sullivan said. “In reality, that’s rarely true,” he said. “When we recently surveyed individuals living in encampments, the overwhelming majority told us they want stable housing. Yes, a small number may choose to remain unhoused, but most people are simply navigating barriers, like high rents, health issues or lack of support. The truth is, people want housing, and our community has the power to make that possible.”

The plan to reduce homelessness includes six goals:

Offer preventative services to avert homelessness.
Reduce the chronically unsheltered population by 40%, about 200 people, by December 2026.
Reduce the number and intensity of encampments.
Reduce the number of youth experiencing homelessness to net zero.
Develop a sustainable shelter framework to support residents during extreme weather conditions.
Provide housing insecure residents with access to permanent supportive housing.

To complete these goals, the city and partner organizations plan to implement 12 strategies:

Provide proactive and accessible early intervention; estimated cost: $1.5 million.
Assist with the creation of 350 additional beds for emergency and transitional housing; estimated cost: $3.5 million.
Implement the Built for Zero Plan; estimated cost: $210,00.
Create a self-sustaining model for operating warming and cooling stations; estimated cost: $250,000.
Establish regular communication with state and county leaders for coordination of funding, policies and resources; estimated cost: $0.
Update, create and support the city of Birmingham’s policies and ordinances; estimated cost: $0.
Reinforce and enhance the city’s existing relationship with the Continuum of Care; estimated cost: $0.
Reduce homelessness for justice-impacted individuals; estimated cost: $200,00
Provide resources to reduce opioid overdoses; estimated cost: $1.5 million.
Address mental health and discharge-related issues; estimated cost: $620,000.
Utilize a by-name list and case conferencing to more effectively address the individual needs of unsheltered residents; estimated cost: $215,000.
Address the shortage of affordable permanent supportive housing; estimated cost: to be determined.

To read the full plan, click here

Kevin Kirk won Hair Care Industry’s Legacy Award. Now He’s Bringing Top Stylists to Birmingham

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Birmingham Times

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December 2, 2025

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Kirk 1 — Kevin Kirk, founder of KirkPro, a multicultural hair care line sold exclusively to licensed stylists. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Kevin Kirk’s initial career path was not in hairstyling. His first choice was a degree in psychology.

“On my way to UAB (University of Alabama-Birmingham) I got stopped at traffic light in Midfield right by Western Hills Mall,” Kirk told the Birmingham Times. “I heard the voice of God say, ‘look to your right.’ And when I did, I saw Step Ahead Cosmetology School. I made that right, turned into the parking lot, and enrolled. People thought I had lost my mind.”

Apparently not. Kirk founded KirkPro in 2012, a multicultural hair care line sold exclusively to licensed stylists.

Kevin Kirk, founder of KirkPro. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

As CEO, Kirk has grown the company into one of the most respected brands in the industry, recognized for its commitment to quality and inclusivity.

He’s planning a Jam Session December 6-7 at the Hilton Downtown Birmingham for the top stylists and barbers from across the Southeast with a full day of education, networking, and high-energy competitions on Saturday. Then on Sunday night, he’ll hold his exclusive “Beat The Stage” Cut Party.

The event promises attendees a unique opportunity to learn cutting-edge techniques, connect with industry leaders, and showcase their skills in front of an elite audience, Kirk said.

“I want to make my city hot. I want to bring the attention to my area and Jam Session is a manifestation of that,” he said.

Multicultural Beauty Standards

Kirk is no stranger to the beauty industry. His contributions were recognized this fall [October 13 in Atlanta, Georgia] at the inaugural Beauty Icon Awards hosted by the Bronner Bros. Hair Company. He received the Legacy of Excellence Award, a testament to his lasting impact and dedication to advancing multicultural beauty standards. The recognition highlighted Kirk’s role as a trailblazer and mentor within the hair care community.

“Shocked might be the best way to explain it. Shocked and relieved,” he said. “I’ve been working with Bronner and in the hair industry for decades. I was hoping that the things that I contributed to the industry had a positive impact and influence that would be recognized. You don’t know until someone actually gives you the nod.

Walking on the stage to accept the award was one of his career highlights, Kirk recalled.

“To see a company like Bonner and the whole beauty industry recognizing my work and my pursuit of trying to walk in excellence was surreal,” Kirk said. “Being recognized while I’m trying to be something I can be proud of, but more importantly, that God is proud of me for doing it and something that my family can be proud of. I’m leaving something behind that my kids can still eat from.”

Artistry And Innovation

Kevin Kirk, founder of KirkPro, at work inside Salon Dae in Irondale. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

He has made history as the only four-time winner of the Bronner Brothers’ International Hair Battle, a national competition celebrating artistry and innovation. His victories include memorable performances in Houston, Atlanta, and Baltimore, where he claimed the $50,000 Hair Battle Royale.

In 2017, he captivated audiences at the 70th Anniversary event in Atlanta with his ‘Beauty for Ashes’ showpiece, further cementing his status as an industry icon.

Here he describes one of award-winning showcases:

The stage was set with dramatic lighting, casting a spotlight on Kirk, the model, and his styling station, but what immediately distinguished his performance was his use of aerial suspension. Kirk was literally floating above the ground, attached securely by a harness system that allowed him to move gracefully through the air. While hovering above the stage, he worked intently on his model’s hair, demonstrating precision and flair despite the challenge of his elevated position.

The soundtrack was uplifting gospel music, which filled the venue with a spirit of inspiration and celebration. The power of gospel — its rhythmic handclaps, soulful vocal harmonies, and messages of hope — matched the intensity and ingenuity of Kirk’s performance.

He has also appeared in three national reality television programs, “Ambushed Make Over”, “Tears, Shears, & Beauty”, and “The Look: All-Stars, hosted by Tori Spelling. He co-starred, along with Chris Rock, in the HBO movie titled “Good Hair”, a documentary film about African American hair stylists, hair styles, and the roles they have in African American culture, which came out in 2009.

“When I was a young hairstylist, I didn’t have the blueprints. I had mentors, but they worked behind a chair. Now that I’m trying to expand my career from behind a chair, I don’t really have a lot of mentors that I can pull on locally here in Birmingham or Alabama. A lot of this is just me, my faith, and making it happen,” Kirk said.

He specializes in styling, cutting, and color. “You’re taking your creativity, and you’re taking your passion. You’re taking what you see in your imagination, and you’re trying to manifest it,” he said.

Raising the Bar

Growing up in Bessemer, Alabama Kirk’s educational path began at Hueytown High School. By the time he turned 19, Kirk received his cosmetology license and began his career as a shampoo technologist before transitioning to a hairstyles at a local salon.

“It was downtown Birmingham, and it was salon called the Atmosphere Hair. It was owned by a guy named Kenny May. He was one of the top hairstylists in the city at that time and he had one of the more prominent Black-owned salons in the city. There weren’t too many salons in the city that made it into national magazines, and he did it. Kenny hired me and took me under his wing.”

Now Kirk is looking for ways to take others under his wing through his Jam Session. “I was getting invited to other cities to educate and to perform and I met this guy, his name was Patrick Bradley. He had a show in Virginia, that he called Jam Session. I asked him what it was about and he began to describe how musicians come together. You might have someone playing the drums and the guitar would kick in, which would lead to more instruments starts jamming together.”

Kirk added, “as a hairstylist you are a musician. He (Bradley) started it and stopped doing it and I took it over and brought it to Birmingham. I have one person teaching about hair cutting, another person teaching how to style. We get together and we share all our information and just kind of jam together teaching people how to further the beauty and hair industry.”

High-Quality Hair Care

As he continues to innovate and mentor others, Kirk remains committed to his vision of inclusive, high-quality hair care.

“I had opportunities and people encouraged me to move to Atlanta because there were more opportunities. People felt like I could go for it and expand, but I wanted to make sure that Birmingham and Bessemer stayed as my flagships.

So did he really want that degree in psychology?

“I took a test in high school that gave me an idea for a career path and psychology was one of them,” said Kirk. “I was working at Taco Bell and I knew they had a manger’s program that helped you pay for school. My goal was to enroll in their manager’s program and to have them to pay for my education.”

Not everyone was happy he went into cosmetology.

“My mom, she was disappointed,” Kirk said. “She didn’t really say she was disappointed, but when she when I told her, she hung and she shook it. She said I was young enough that if it didn’t work out, I could still make it,” said Kirk. “It left me feeling kind of stupid to be honest, but it also made me determined to show her and show everybody else that I didn’t make the bad decision.”

Jam Session, Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Hilton Downtown Birmingham at UAB, 808 20th Street South, 35205. Classes are open to licensed professionals, hair care enthusiasts, beauty influencers, and the general public. For more visit here.

November 25, 2025

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Birmingham Times

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December 1, 2025

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Birmingham, Alabama, USA downtown city skyline. — By multiple measures, the Birmingham area has seen dramatic declines in unemployment since the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

_____________________________

EMPLOYMENT

____________________________

Senior Public Safety Manager

BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) 1. Senior Public Safety Manager for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530.

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

LEGAL

______________________________

CASE NO. CV-2025-902182

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO: ESTATE OF LOUIS VELLA; CHRISTINA V. KEMP, EXECUTOR OF ESTATE OF LOUIS VELLA; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

TAKE NOTICE that on June 2, 2025, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 3, according to the map or plat of E. A Westbrook Survey as recorded in Deed Book 74, Page 356 in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama.

It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in 2019111757 as follows: All of BLK 6 E A Westbrook

and assigned Parcel ID No. 22-00-23-4-005-044.000

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for January 20, 2026, in Room 360, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 10:00 a.m. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued. FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20^th St, Birmingham, AL 35203. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Jake A. Kiser at (205) 918-5037.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this case before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

BT11/25/2025

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CASE NO. CV-2025-902179

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO: ALICE M. WASHINGTON; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

TAKE NOTICE that on June 2, 2025, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

Lot 4, in Block 3, according to Walnut Hill Land Company’s Re-subdivision of Block 698 of Elyton Land Company’s Survey of Birmingham, as recorded in Map Book 10, Page 47, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama.

It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument Number 2019111484 as follows: LOT 4 BLK 3 WALNUT HILL

and assigned Parcel ID No. 22-00-25-2-026-003.000

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for January 20, 2026, in Room 360, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 10:00 a.m. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued. FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20^th St, Birmingham, AL 35203. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Jake A. Kiser at (205) 918-5037.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this case before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

BT11/25/2025

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CASE NO. CV-2025-902813

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO: JACQUELINE A. SIZEMORE AND HER HEIRS AND DEVISEES, IF DECEASED, JACK NUGENT AUSTIN, JR. AND HIS HEIRS AND DEVISEES, IF DECEASED, STEWART CARLTON AUSTIN AND HIS HEIRS AND DEVISEES, IF DECEASED, ALBERTENE NUGENT (DECEASED) AND HER HEIRS AND DEVISEES; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

The Birmingham Land Bank Authority (the”Land Bank”), a public corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alabama, filed a Petition to Quiet Title and Foreclosure (the “Petition”) on the property described herein on July 14, 2025, in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County and recorded a Notice of Pending Quiet Title and Foreclosure Action on November 12, 2025 (the “Lis Pendens”) in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that a final hearing was set to be heard on October 14, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. which hearingwas continued and reset to be heard on December 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at the Jefferson County Courthouse, Courtroom 340, 716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard, North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. The property that is the subject of this hearing is described as follows:

Property Address: 3615 26th Street N, Birmingham, Alabama 35207

Tax Parcel ID No.: 22–00-14–1-017–003.000 a/k/a 0122001410170030000000

Legal Description: That part of Block 63, according to the map of Park Place, Property of the North Birmingham Land Company Addition Number Two, as recorded in Map Book 6, Page 81, more particularly described as follows: Commence at the intersection of the South line of 37th Avenue with the East boundary line of 4^th or 26^th Street; thence Southwardly along the East boundary line of 4^th or 26^th Street for 150 feet for the point of

beginning; thence Eastwardly parallel with south boundary line of 3]1h Avenue 190 feet; thence Northwardly and parallel with East boundary line of 4th or 26 th Street 50 feet; thence Westwardly and parallel with South boundary line of 37th A venue 190 feet to East boundary line of 4th or 26 th Street; thence Southwardly along East boundary line of 4^th or

26th Street for 50 feet to point of beginning; less and except that part of subject property conveyed to the State of Alabama, more particularly described as follows:

Commencing at a point that is 45 feet Northeasterly of and at right angles to the centerline of Project No. F–317(4) at P.C. Station 114+13.72; thence Northwesterly along a curve to the right, 45 feet from and parallel to said centerline a distance of 112 feet, more or less, to a point on the Southeast line of Lot No. G, Block 63, of Park Place Survey, and the point of beginning to describe the property herein conveyed; thence continue Northwesterly along said curve a distance of 53 feet, more or less, to a point on the Northwest line of said Lot that is 45 feet Northeasterly of and at right angles to the centerline of said project at approximate Station 115+89; thence Southwesterly along the Northwest line of said Lot a distance of 32 feet, more or less, to the Southwest line of said lot; thence Southeasterly along the Southwest line of said Lot a distance of 50 feet to the Southeast line of said Lot; thence Northeasterly along the Southe line of said Lot a distance of 17 feet, moreor less, to the point of beginning a/k/a POB 100 FT SE OF SW INTER 37TH AVE N & ALLEY TH SE 50 FT TH SW 160S FT TO 26TH ST N TH NW 50 FT ALG 26TH ST N TH NE 150S FT TO POB BEING PART BLK 63 PARK PL

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE–REFERENCEDQUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The judgment of the

Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Any

person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama

Code 1975 §§ 40-10- 3, et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued. FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE FIVE-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 20^th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 and may be contacted care of the City of Birmingham Law Department at 205-254-2117.

BT11/25/2025

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Notice of Completion

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Taylor Electric Inc. has completed the LAKESHORE DRIVE EXTENSION, BESSEMER ELECTRIC, located in Jefferson County Alabama. Taylor Electric has made request for final settlement of said contract and all people who have any claim for labor, material or otherwise in connection with the project should immediately notify the Sylacauga Utilities Board.

BT11/25/2025

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LEGAL NOTICE – FINAL SETTLEMENT REQUEST

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Global Construction & Engineering, Inc. has completed the Contract for Middle Street Water Line Upgrade #FS010448-01 for the MONTEVALLO WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD and has made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons with any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify, in writing, to Global Construction & Engineering, Inc., 5511 Bankhead Highway, Birmingham, AL 35210 or the Owner, MONTEVALLO WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD, 613 Valley St, Montevallo, AL 35115, USA.

BT11/25/2025

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LEGAL NOTICE

In the Estate of Jack Whatley case # 25BHM001714, Administrator Easter Whatley-Rookard has filed a petition for probate of the estate of Jack Whatley in the Jefferson County Probate Court. All creditors must submit claims against the estate by Dec 15th, 2025.

BT11/25/2025

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INVITATION TO BID

The City of Birmingham will accept sealed bids for Pratt Alley & Subdivision Improvements Project # ENG 2025-008. Bids will be received by the City Engineer in Suite 220 of City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama until Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by 2:00 p.m. Sealed bids will be time-stamped at the time of arrival. Bids will then be publicly opened and read in Suite 220 Conference Room beginning at 2:00 pm. It is the bidder’s responsibility to make sure that the bid is in the possession of the City Engineer on or before time set for opening. Bids received after this time will not be considered. Bids can be dropped into the bid box located in Room 220 City Hall, hand-delivered to the City Engineer in Room 220 of City Hall, or brought to the bid opening.

This is a streetscape project in the Pratt Neighborhood. The construction consists of roadway, alley, and subdivision improvements, and includes sidewalks, curbs and gutters, ADA ramps, striping, as well as new water service, new sanitary sewer service, new underground electric service and storm water infrastructure. The primary items of work are approximately: Asphalt Binder (630 Ton), Asphalt Seal (320 Ton), Prime Coat (1900 Gal), Heavy Duty Concrete Paving (2500 CY), 4” Concrete Sidewalks (1200 SY), 18” Concrete Curb and Gutter (2750 LF), 4” Ductile Iron Pipe (750 LF), and 8” Ductile Iron Pipe (1365 LF).

A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm (CST) in Conference Room 220 City Hall.

Bid documents are open to public inspection at the Office of the City Engineer in the Department of Capital Projects — Suite 220 of City Hall, 710 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Bid documents may be viewed and purchased through the City of Birmingham online plan room site at https://www.birminghamplanroom.com/ under the above project name. Any cost for reproduction shall be the responsibility of bidders. Prospective bidders are advised to check their source of bid documents frequently for any addenda to the bid documents. It is the bidder’s responsibility to bid on the correct set of bid documents.

Bids shall be accompanied by a cashier’s check drawn on an Alabama bank, or a bid bond executed by a surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in the State of Alabama, in an amount equal to 5% of the bid (subject to maximum of $10,000) and payable to the City of Birmingham. Bid bonds of the three (3) lowest bidders will be held for a period of ninety (90) days unless bidders agree, in writing, to a longer period of time. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of the bids for a period of ninety (90) days.

A performance bond equal to 100% of the contract amount and a payment bond equal to 100% of the contract amount will be required of the successful bidder during the award process. Said bonds shall be executed by a surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in the State of Alabama.

Liability insurance certificates shall be required of the successful bidder during the award process and such certificates shall list the City of Birmingham, its officials, agents, and employees as additional named insured.

Only bids submitted by General Contractors licensed in the State of Alabama in accordance with Alabama Code Chapter 8, Title 34 (inclusive) will be considered.

Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Pratt Alley & Subdivision Improvements” on the outside of each envelope. Contractors shall also write on the outside of the sealed bid envelope his or her State of Alabama general contractor’s license number as well as the name of the company submitting the bid.

The sealed bid envelope shall contain the following documents: (1) the Form of Proposal, (2) Sales Tax Attachment, (3) the Authorization to Execute the Form of Proposal, (4) fully executed bid bond or certified check, (5) MBE/DBE Forms A, C, and D, (6) a copy of the contractor’s State of Alabama General Contractor’s License, (7) a current City of Birmingham Business License, (8) E-verify documentation, (9) list of subcontractors, and (10) Transparency in City Government form.

This project is subject to the requirements of the Birmingham Plan-Construction Industry Program, which is designed to encourage the utilization of Minority Business Enterprises and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“MBE/DBE”) in City of Birmingham construction projects. The program is administered by the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA) which establishes a system of floating MBE/DBE goals which may differ from year to year and project to project. Overall, these goals shall not be less than the historical participation of MBE/DBE’s in construction projects of the City and its agencies.

Special attention is called to the requirement of all bidders to identify trades and activities for which it will solicit and accept bids from potential MBE/DBE subcontractors. Potential bidders are encouraged to contact the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA) to request a list of potential subcontractors and submit the required MBE/DBE forms by contacting the Executive Director, Birmingham Construction Industry Authority at 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35222; telephone (205) 324-6202 or info@bcia1.org.

As a matter of public policy, the City of Birmingham agrees to make opportunities available to the maximum extent possible, to actively include Historically Underutilized Business Enterprises (HUBE’s) such as architectural firms, engineering firms, investment banking firms, other professional consultant services providers, and construction contractors as part of business, economic and community revitalization programs.

The City of Birmingham reserves the right to reject and or all bids and to waive any informality in any bid.

Jesse Miller, PE

City Engineer

BT11/25/2025

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Advertisement for Bid

AGCO Finance LLC will offer the following repossessed equipment for sale to the highest bidder for Certified Funds, plus applicable sales tax. Equipment: MF-MFGC17236EB TRACTOR/LOADER/BACKHOE S/N: AG3MGC230NKR15017. Date of sale: 12/2/2025. Time of Sale: 11:00 A.M. Place of sale: ORBIS JCB MACHINERY 8920 WEAVER AVE NE. LEEDS, AL 35094. Equipment can be inspected at place of sale. The equipment will be sold AS IS, without warranty. Final sale of equipment will be contingent upon winning bidder meeting all applicable federal and state regulatory requirements. We reserve the right to bid. For further information please contact GENO TOLVER (334) 314-9985, Reference Number: 2939219.

BT11/25/2025

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Abandoned Vehicle

2007 Chrysler 300 Touring VIN# 2C3KA53G27H742809
Location: 1460 Minor Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35224

Vehicle will be sold at public auction for cash to the highest bidder at 6:00 AM on 12/20/25 The seller reserves the right to reject any bid and the right to bid.

BT11/25/2025

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CIVIL ACTION NO. 01-CV-2025-901408.00

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA,

The estate of Donald Croom Beatty, Jr, deceased, by and through its Personal Representative Robert J. Hayes Petitioner, v. In Rem: Lot 196 and the Easterly 75 feet of Lot 195, as Described the Map and survey of the New County Club Sector of Mountain Brook Estates, as recorded in Map Book 17, Page 49, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, and as more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto, and Gene Nelson, Rick Nelson, Pam Nelson Stephens, David Nelson, Stanley Gonyea, Kathy Gonyea Ely, Jennifer Pratt Oliver, and Julie Pratt Oliver, individuals, The Respondents.

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: Gene Nelson, and any and all unknown parties who may claim an interest in the above described property, located in Jefferson County, Alabama described to wit as:

Parcel I:

Lot 196 according to the map of Mountain Brook Estates, New country Club Sector as recorded in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama in Map Book 17, Page 49.

Parcel II:

The easterly seventy-five feet of Estate One Hundred Ninety-Five (195), according to the map and survey of New County Club Sector of Mountain Brook Estates made by Mountain Brook Estates, Inc. and recorded in Map Book 17, Page 49, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama; said property fronting seventy-five (75) feet on the southerly side of Montevallo Road and extending back of that uniform width along the easterly line of said estate to the rear line thereof, together with all improvements thereon.

Parcel III:

Commence at the SE corner of Lot 195, and go in a southerly direction approximately 1.2 feet to a power pole thence follow a fence SW to a point 9 feet south of the SW corner of the fence on the western line of the east side division of Lot 195 thence turn 90° to the right and go in a NE direction 77.64 feet to the point of beginning.

AND ALSO

Commence at the NW corner of the east 75’ of Lot 195 and go to the SW along said property line 215 feet to the SW corner, then turn right 90° and go 2.64 feet to the west side of the fence post, then turn right and go in a NW direction along the fence for 146.8 feet to the intersection of the old fence and the new fence corner for the western division side of Lot 195, which intersection is 1.05 feet west of the west line of the east 75 feet of Lot 195, and from the intersection of the old fence and the new fence which are perpendicular to each other, continue in a northerly direction along a straight line to the point of beginning; said parcel of land contains the old driveway and fence belonging to the eastern 75 feet of Lot 195.

BT11/25/2025

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RFP 25-12-01

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

Central Alabama Water will be accepting sealed Request for Proposals for Armed Security Guard Service, RFP 25-12-01.

The specifications may be examined and obtained in the Purchasing Department’s office at 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35222, or by emailing derleda.abrom@bwwb.org, or our website at www.bwwb.org.

Sealed proposals for Armed Security Guard Service, RFP 25-12-01will be received in the Purchasing Department not later than Friday, December 12, 2025, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

• Mandatory In-person Site Visit: Monday, November 24, 2025, 11:00 a.m. will be held at the Customer Service Building in the Security Department (please RSVP by Thursday, November 20, 2025, 4:30 p.m. If your organization is unable to attend, your proposal will be deemed unresponsive and will not be accepted.

Prospective proposers should deliver or mail their RFP to 3600 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35222, directed to the attention of LyTonja Levert, Purchasing Manager, and marked in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope as follows: “RFP 25-12-01 – Armed Security Guard Service, Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

BT11/25/2025

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Advertisement for

Vendor / Contractor Pre-Qualification
Birmingham City Schools

New Central Office – Low Voltage Cabling and Termination Project

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by Birmingham City Schools (BCS) Purchasing Director, Ed McMullen and Tim Lewis, BCS IT Project Manager, until 2:00pm Central time on December 2, 2025 for the Birmingham City Schools New Central Office – Low Voltage Cabling and Termination project located at 2101 6^th Ave North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Pre-Qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Birmingham City Schools website: https://www.bhamcityschools.org/Page/332 and ALGX Digital Plan Room (www.alagraphics.com).

Receipt of Pre-Qualification Information Package

Prospective Prime Contractors / Vendors Pre-qualification Packages must be received at Birmingham City Schools Purchasing Department, Room 202, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, no later than 2:00 p.m. Central Time on December 2, 2025, by Ed McMullen, BCS Purchasing, purchasing@bhm.k12.al.us, after which no further requests will be considered. Three (3) paper copies, one (1) pdf, and two(2) flash drives with documents loaded are required for pre-qualification approval.

Prospective Prime Contractor / Vendor Notification

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent Low Voltage Telecommunications Cabling prime contractor / vendor relative to the requirements of the Low Voltage Cabling and Termination Project. Prospective prime contractors / vendors will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification.

PRIME CONTRACTOR / VENDOR PREQUALIFICATIONS

Prime Contractor / Vendors interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of the vendor’s current Alabama contractor’s license is to be included in the pre-qualification submittal. Only Prime Contractors / Vendors that have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a proposal / bid for the Project.

GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK

Installation of a complete Structured Cabling System(SCS) in a newly renovated building. The interior renovations to a 166,000 square feet 12-story office building located in Birmingham, Alabama. The building includes office space on levels 1-2 and 7-12, with existing integrated parking on levels 3-6. The low voltage cabling portion of the renovation project include installation of: fiber risers; horizontal fiber; over 1900 Cat. 6A cables; and installation of telecommunications equipment cabinets and ladder tray in the MDF and 14 IDFs. The scope of work also includes termination, testing, and documentation of the SCS. The work will be performed under a single Prime Low Voltage Cabling Contractor who will coordinate the work of this project .The timeline will require a single contractor / vendor with multiple crews working at the same time to meet the completion schedule. The project documents and drawings will be released after the pre-qualification process is complete.

The owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in the applications, extend or abandoned the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the owner appear to be promoted thereby.

BT11/25/2025

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Track resurfacing for Central High School Track

For Tuscaloosa City Schools

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

OWNER PROJECT #: 2025-6

Sealed proposals will be received by Mr. Edward Smith, Executive Director of Facilities, Tuscaloosa City Schools, Central Office, 1210 Almon Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, until 2:00 PM CT on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

Contractors must visit the site prior to bidding. Project location: Central High School, 905 15th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Bidders must carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Bids shall exclude taxes and be submitted on forms provided by the Owner’s Representative. No bid may be withdrawn for 90 days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any proposal or waive technical errors.

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education for 5% of the bid amount (max $10,000) must accompany each bid. Performance and payment bonds are required at contract signing.

Bidders exceeding State Licensing Board limits must be licensed under Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama (1975) and must list their license number on the outside of the sealed envelope.

Bid documents may be obtained by emailing jana@gamedayassociates.com. Only documents issued through this process are endorsed by the Owner/Engineer. Addenda will be issued only to confirmed bidders. The Owner/Engineer retains all document copyrights.

All RFIs regarding the bid documents shall be sent to Jana Cox at: jana@gamedayassociates.com.

Completion Time: See Scope of Work in Project Documents.

Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work.

Owner: Tuscaloosa City Schools, Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, 1210 Almon Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Owner’s Representative: Gameday Associates, LLC, Jana Cox, jana@gamedayassociates.com

BT11/25/2025

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JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER & CORONER’S OFFICE

BUILDING PACKAGE

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION – LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that

_Doster Construction Company, Inc.

(Contractor)

has completed the Contract for the JEFFERSON COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER & CORONER’S OFFICE BUILDING PACKAGE for the Owner, Jefferson County Commission, and has made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connec- tion with this project should immediately notify Poole & Company Architects, PC, 2 North Twentieth Street, Birmingham, AL 35203

Doster Construction Company, Inc. 2100 International Park Drive

Birmingham, AL 35243, 202-443-3800

(Contractor, Business Address & Business Phone Number)

BT11/25/2025

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PREQUALIFICATION PROPOSALS

Sealed proposals shall be received by White-Spunner Construction on behalf of the Retirement Services of Alabama, until 4:00 pm local time on December 17th, 2025 and then publicly open for review for qualifications to furnishings all labor, materials, and insurance to perform all work required and described as follows:

Project No.

Battle House Parking Deck Repairs

Project Narrative:

The parking deck is an existing precast concrete structure constructed in the early 2000s. The structural system consists of precast double tees, shear walls, single trusses, and concrete members containing pre-stressed cables. The parking deck is six stories in height and includes approximately 223,632 square feet, with the top level containing a pool, spa, gym, and tennis court. Over the years, chlorine leakage from the pool and pool equipment room has caused significant infiltration and deterioration of surrounding concrete elements. The scope of the work shall include but not be limited to removal of infiltrated concrete from walls and topping slabs, treatment of exposed rebar, epoxy injection of cracked trusses, repair of damaged trusses and double tees, shoring of structural members during repairs, installation of a new concrete column, installation of carbon plate reinforcement at affected structural areas, installation of a silane sealer on the entire parking garage, installation of a traffic coating system in specified areas, repair of steel stairs, sealing of stairwell walls with elastomeric joint sealant, painting of stairwell walls, replacement of damaged fire sprinkler lines, demolition of existing CMU walls, reconstruction of topping slabs and removed concrete with repair mortar, insulation of CMU stairwells, perimeter sealing of the entire garage, electrical demolition, and plumbing demolition, floor drain replacement, application of migrating corrosion inhibitor, .

No prequalification packages will be issued to contractors later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time indicated above for receiving prequalification proposals.

All prospective bidders shall submit a written submittal using American Institute of Architects (AIA) Document A305, “Contractor’s Qualification Statement,” latest edition, which may be purchased from an AIA documents vendor.

No Proposals will be considered unless the bidder, whether resident or non-resident of Alabama, is properly licensed and qualified to submit a proposal for this construction in accordance with all applicable laws of the State of Alabama. This shall include evidence of holding a current license Chapter 8 of Title 34, of the Code of Alabama, 1975. In addition, non-residents of the State, if a corporation or LLC, shall show evidence of having qualified with the Secretary of State to do business in the State of Alabama

PREQUALIFICATION PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

PROJECT: Battle House Parking Deck Repairs

1.1 Written Submittal – To include at least each of the following items:

(Note that failure to provide all information requested, and failure to provide full disclosure may be deemed non-responsive by the Owner and as just cause for rejection of any prequalification submittal).

A. Completed American Institute of Architects (AIA) Document A305, “Contractor’s Qualification Statement”, latest edition, which may be purchased from an A.I.A. documents vendor by the Contractor.

1. List of projects under construction

2. List of projects completed in the last 5 years

3. Most recent audited financial statement

B. Include a list of projects of similar types, size, scope, and complexity which have been completed by the company submitting this prequalification proposal. In addition, provide the original bid amount, number of change orders, and final contract amount. List any warranty claims by the owner and amount and frequency of site visits to correct construction related issues.

1. Include name, address and telephone number of Owner, Architect, Construction Manager (if any), and the original and final Contract amounts.

2. A minimum of three (3) such similar projects in size, scope and complexity, within the last 7 years, will be required for prequalification.

C. Confirmation that insurance and bonding requirements of the Retirement Systems of Alabama can and will be furnished, and a letter of confirmation from your company’s underwriter, broker, and/or agent indicating bonding limits, and that the required liability insurance with stated limits and other required provisions, is either in place or obtainable by the company submitting this prequalification proposal.

D. Corporate/Company overview and philosophy/mission statement.

E. Organizational chart of company structure.

F. Resumes of key personnel anticipated to be involved in this project, including at least the following (*) required personnel:

1. Principal*

2. Project Manager*

3. General Superintendent*

4. Quality Control Manager

5. Any other staff that may be involved

G. Provide a brief description of your company’s safety program (including in part, your substance abuse program); quality control program; and “partnering” program, training or experience.

H. Provide description of how your company addresses warranty claims during the warranty period. Also provide a typical time frame of how quickly you will respond to such claims.

I. Provide (and list, if applicable) your company’s OSHA accident frequency rates and Alabama

workers compensation modifier.

1.2 Refer to Advertisement for additional information and requirements regarding prequalification.

A. Note that following this Prequalification process and legal advertisement for bids, a Pre-Bid Conference will be held, and attendance by Prequalified General Contractors will be strongly encouraged.

1.3 Submittal Deadline: 4:00 pm PM, December 17th, 2025

1.4 Number of Copies to be Submitted: One (1) Digital.

1.5 Submit one copy to:

White Spunner Construction 2010 W I-65 Service Rd S Mobile, Alabama 36693 Attn: Cole Hession

cole.hession@white-spunner.com

Phone: (251) 222-1166

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

Notice of Service by Publication

In the General Court of Justice

District Court Division

File No. 25 CV 004374-000

State of North Carolina

Alamance County

Roxanne Natacia Burke-Mayhew,
Plaintiff,

v.

Jennifer Marie Mayhew,
Defendant.

To: JENNIFER MARIE MAYHEW, Defendant, whose last known address is 2131 Kings Ct, Moody, AL 35004. Take notice that a Complaint for Absolute Divorce has been filed against you. You are required to file a written answer or response to the Complaint with the Clerk of Superior Court at 212 W. Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253 no later than XXXX which is forty days from the date of first publication of this notice. Failure to file a timely response may result in a default judgment against you, granting the divorce and any relief requested by the Plaintiff.

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF

The ADOPTION PETITION OF Case No.: 8122A

HEATHER GRIFFIT

TO: CEDRIC FANNIN, BRYSON MAY, AND ANY ALLEGED FATHER, AND ANY PERSON CLAIMING PARENTAL RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO PIPER LEE FANNIN, A FEMALE CHILD BORN MAY 6, 2013; AND TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY

A petition having been filed in this Court on behalf of Heather Griffith, requesting the Court to grant the adoption of Piper Lee Fannin, a female child born on or about May 6, 2013; and the Court having set a hearing to be held on January 26, 2026, at 4:00 pm, to determine whether the adoption should be granted, you are hereby notified that at said date and time, you may appear in Judge Frank Barger’s courtroom at the Madison County Probate Court, 1918 North Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, and show cause, if any you may have, why the adoption of the said child should not be granted to Heather Griffith as requested in said petition. Inquiry may be made as to this matter by contacting Isabel Montoya-Minisee, attorney for the petitioner, or this Court prior to the hearing.

Done this 17th day of November 2025.

__________________

Probate Court Judge

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Birmingham Airport Authority (“BAA” or “Authority”) is soliciting Statements for qualifications (SOQ) and Project proposals from qualified engineering firms to perform civil engineering services for the design phase of the Village Creek Relocation Design. Copies of the RFQ can be obtained by visiting the Airports Website at http://www.flybhm.com or via email request sent to eseoane@flybhm.com. There will be a non-mandatory pre-submittal meeting via zoom on December 4th, 2025, at 2:00PM. You must RSVP eseoane@flybhm.com by December 3, 2025 to receive the zoom invite. SOQ deadline is January 22, 2026.

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION

And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS

from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, David McCabe on behalf of Office of the Chief Facilities Officer, UAB Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233 until 4:00 PM Central Time, December 12, 2025. The original and two (2) flash drives with duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, email transmission copies may be transmitted to the UAB Project Manager David McCabe at dcmccabe@uabmc.edu and cc’d to sheywood@ghafari.com and mfreeman@ghafari.com to expedite the review process with a hard-copy of the submittal and two flash drives to be delivered within 24 hours.

UAB SRC Room 205

Radiology Equipment Replacement

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

Project No.: H265004

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project consists of an X-Ray machine replacement in Room 205 located on the 2nd floor of the Spain Rehab Center (SRC). The scope of work includes architectural and electrical new work and associated demolition to facilitate the equipment replacement. The construction budget is anticipated to be between $100,000 and $200,000

The work will be performed under a single Prime General Contractor who will coordinate the work of this project. Particular and specific care will be required to coordinate complex shutdowns, limit disturbances and follow strict Infection Controls and Interim Life Safety Measures (ICRA/ILSM) requirements for the protection of patients, family and staff. The Prime General Contractors seeking to be pre-qualified will require experience with similar size and type hospital projects performed in and adjacent to an operating hospital environment and with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures, interim life safety measures, coordinating shutdowns, and maintaining a clean and organized job site in an operating hospital. The General Contractor must have experience with representative projects as a General Contractor (not as a Construction Manager, Program Manager, etc.)

B. PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime General Contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, December 12, 2025, after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request sent by email or scanned into an email to sheywood@ghafari.com, copy mfreeman@ghafari.com and dcmccabe@uabmc.edu. Any addenda to the prequalification requirements will be issued to documented prime contractors only.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, on or about December 16, 2025.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, extend or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:

Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location beginning December 12, 2025:

Architect:

Ghafari Associates

2170 Highland Ave S

Suite 220

Birmingham, AL 35205

Phone: 205-203-4611

Contact: Scott Heywood

Email: sheywood@ghafari.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at; ALGX Digital Plan Room, http://www.algraphics.com, 2801 5th Ave, South, Birmingham, AL 35233: Dodge Data & Analytics, http://www.construction.com, 2860 S State Hwy 161, Ste 160 #501, Grand Prairie, TX 75052-7361; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road Suite 100, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, http://www.bcia1.org, 601 37^th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Construction Market Data, http://www.cmdgroup.com, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.

Bonds:

A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is January 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the bidder’s name, address, State license number, the name of the project being bid, time and place of the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

On the date of the bid opening, bids may be hand delivered or received by Express Service mail to the Office of David McCabe, Project Manager Facilities and Capital Projects, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on January 13, 2026 (the date and time set for the receipt of bids) will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:

Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

Fire Alarm Work:

In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A (the ACT), of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid evidence of licensure as required by the ACT by including with the bid submittal a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is currently scheduled to be held at 1:00 PM CST on December 17, 2025 at UAB Hospital Facilities, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION

And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS

from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, David McCabe on behalf of Office of the Chief Facilities Officer, UAB Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233 until 4:00 PM Central Time, December 12, 2025. The original and two (2) flash drives with duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, email transmission copies may be transmitted to the UAB Project Manager David McCabe at dcmccabe@uabmc.edu and cc’d to sheywood@ghafari.com and mfreeman@ghafari.com to expedite the review process with a hard-copy of the submittal and two flash drives to be delivered within 24 hours.

UAB Highlands

Main Switchgear and Boiler Room Roof Replacement

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

Project No.: H255023

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project consists of a roofing replacement for the single story main switchgear and boiler room at the UAB Highlands facility. The scope of work includes architectural new work and associated demolition with limited MEP modifications to facilitate the roof replacement. The construction budget is anticipated to be between $400,000 and $500,000

The work will be performed under a single Prime General Contractor who will coordinate the work of this project. Particular and specific care will be required to coordinate complex shutdowns, limit disturbances and follow strict Infection Controls and Interim Life Safety Measures (ICRA/ILSM) requirements for the protection of patients, family and staff. The Prime General Contractors seeking to be pre-qualified will require experience with similar size and type hospital projects performed in and adjacent to an operating hospital environment and with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures, interim life safety measures, coordinating shutdowns, and maintaining a clean and organized job site in an operating hospital. The General Contractor must have experience with representative projects as a General Contractor (not as a Construction Manager, Program Manager, etc.)

B. PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime General Contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, December 12, 2025, after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request sent by email or scanned into an email to sheywood@ghafari.com, copy mfreeman@ghafari.com and dcmccabe@uabmc.edu. Any addenda to the prequalification requirements will be issued to documented prime contractors only.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, on or about December 16, 2025.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, extend or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:

Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location beginning December 12, 2025:

Architect:

Ghafari Associates

2170 Highland Ave S

Suite 220

Birmingham, AL 35205

Phone: 205-203-4611

Contact: Scott Heywood

Email: sheywood@ghafari.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at; ALGX Digital Plan Room, http://www.algraphics.com, 2801 5th Ave, South, Birmingham, AL 35233: Dodge Data & Analytics, http://www.construction.com, 2860 S State Hwy 161, Ste 160 #501, Grand Prairie, TX 75052-7361; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road Suite 100, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, http://www.bcia1.org, 601 37^th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Construction Market Data, http://www.cmdgroup.com, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.

Bonds:

A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is January 08, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the bidder’s name, address, State license number, the name of the project being bid, time and place of the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

On the date of the bid opening, bids may be hand delivered or received by Express Service mail to the Office of David McCabe, Project Manager Facilities and Capital Projects, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on January 08, 2026 (the date and time set for the receipt of bids) will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:

Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

Fire Alarm Work:

In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A (the ACT), of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid evidence of licensure as required by the ACT by including with the bid submittal a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is currently scheduled to be held at 10:00 AM CST on December 17, 2025 at UAB Hospital Facilities, 8^th Floor Daniel Building, 15 20^th Street S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given

that Williford Orman Construction LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Liberty Building Renovations at St Clair County for the State of Alabama and the County of St. Clair, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects PC

Williford Orman Construction LLC

(Contractor)

PO Box 1985, Pelham, AL 35124

(Business Address)

BT11/25/2025

______________________________

Randall Woodfin Builds on Legacy as Birmingham’s Education Mayor

By

Birmingham Times

-

December 1, 2025

0

_DSC5350 — Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin chats with students during recent visit to John Herbert Phillps Academy. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. | For The Birmingham Times

On an overcast Wednesday morning in late November Birmingham Mayor Randall arrived at John Herbert Phillips Academy for a parent-student luncheon where his stepson Mason is a 6th-grader.

Woodfin’s arrival immediately brightened the atmosphere inside the school’s large auditorium as staff members warmly greeted the mayor while he made eye contact with everyone in sight and extended a firm handshake to those nearby.

Woodfin has been a city father since 2017 when he unseated incumbent William Bell to become the 30th mayor of Birmingham. But now Woodfin, who was elected to a third term in August, and inaugurated on Tuesday, is father to 15-month-old daughter Love as well as stepsons Mason and Aubrey

The mayor was at Phillips for the luncheon and also in his role as the Education Mayor, a moniker he wears with greater pride and determination; more so now because he is a dad.

“I look at Mason, who’s in the sixth grade … (and I) look at Love. I’m not leaving Birmingham when she turns 5 or 6,” he told the Birmingham Times in an hour-long interview that took place at his City Hall office a week ahead of his inauguration. “I want her to be able to go to pre-K and kindergarten in Birmingham City Schools (BCS). When she turns 11, I want her to go to Birmingham middle schools. And when she turns 14, 15, I want to go to Birmingham City Schools.”

“First Choice”

Woodfin said he wants BCS to be the first educational choice for more than just his family.

“It’s my job as mayor, it’s my job as a father, it’s my job as a friend to other parents who have kids to make sure we do everything we can to create an environment where Birmingham City Schools are the first choice for families to attend,” he said. “You don’t have to leave the city limits. You don’t have to homeschool if you don’t want to. You don’t have to go to private school. I believe that. I believed that before I was a father, but I believe it even more now as a father.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin delivers inaugural address after being sworn in for a third term on Tues. Nov. 25. 2025. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Last week, Woodfin took the oath for the third time as Birmingham mayor and the first time as a husband and father. Education was at the centerpiece of his inaugural address.

“In my third term our children won’t just be a part of the agenda, they will be the ‘why’ that drives every decision we make,” he said from the stage of the historic downtown Boutwell Auditorium. “ … Every decision we make as a city, every dollar we spend, every policy we pursue, every fight we pick, really comes down to one important question, ‘What does this mean for Birmingham’s children?’

“Cradle To Career”

Woodfin’s first step into public office was on the Birmingham Board of Education where he served as president.

And while you can take the three-time elected mayor of Birmingham out of the hierarchy of Birmingham City Schools, you can’t take the drive to lift the city school system out of the 44-year-old attorney.

That is a drastically diverse stance from some elected officials who will shun talk of education, saying that’s the responsibility of the superintendent and the board of education.

“That’s deflecting and that’s not real leadership,” said Woodfin, to those who say he should stay out of the direction of the city’s school system. “Whatever is the biggest problem in any community, just because the mayor is not in control doesn’t mean the mayor shouldn’t show up. It doesn’t mean the mayor shouldn’t be concerned, involved, committed to solving the issue.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin reads along with a student in a fourth-grade class at John Herbert Phillps Academy. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

The mayor, who remains close to Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Mark Sullivan, Ed.D, said he intends to “level up” through “Cradle to Career” a plan he introduced last week “where every child walks into school ready to thrive, where every baby born comes home to books and support, where every student sees a clear path from the classroom to college to career.”

He added, “Cradle to Career is not just an early childhood initiative or an education program but an organizing principle for our entire city. [It] means we take responsibility for our children from the moment they are born until they are launched into a successful adulthood, not just in one program, not just in one neighborhood, but as an entire community working together every step of the way.”

”Birmingham Promise”

As the education mayor, Woodfin pledged to build on Birmingham Promise, the non-profit organization, founded in 2019, that places students of Birmingham City Schools in business apprenticeships and offers financial assistance for college tuition to graduates.

Already the Birmingham Promise has transformed more than 1,600 young lives with over $11 million in tuition assistance. “This isn’t just a number on a page,” he said during his swearing in last week. “That’s 1,600 young people who walked across the stage knowing their city saw them, their city believed in them and their city invested in them.”

Woodfin added that he wants more. “This [third] term we’re going to strengthen the Promise,” he said. “We’re going to endow the Promise and we’re going to expand the Promise. We’re going to make sure students know about it earlier so they can plan their futures with confidence. We’re going to connect Promise scholars with more mentors and more internships and more career pathways right here in Birmingham.”

The mayor called his “Cradle to Career” vision “the most robust, genuine public-private partnership around educating our children since the Birmingham Promise.”

Woodfin said his focus on children is not unlike the focus of those in surrounding suburbs.

“The nucleus of those cities and communities is around what they do for their children,” he said. “Birmingham, Alabama is no different, and I am committed to doing everything necessary, everything possible for our children. It is the priority.”

Realtor Tiffany Henry Unveils Plan to Host Gathering for First-Time Homebuyers

By

Birmingham Times

-

December 1, 2025

0

TiffanyHenry1 — On Dec. 6, Realtor Tiffany Henry is inviting a group of women join her for an inaugural gathering at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham from 12:30 to 2 p.m. to help first-time homebuyers. (Mike Fisher Photography)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Real estate for Tiffany Henry isn’t a career. “It’s a movement born from my own story,” she said.

That story comes from moving from place to place, switching schools and never feeling fully rooted, Henry said. “I remember what it felt like to want stability, to crave a space that truly felt like home. Those experiences shaped my purpose.”

Now a realtor with Barnes & Associates Realty, Henry wants to use her experiences to help others.

On Dec. 6, she is inviting a group of women join her for an inaugural gathering at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham from 12:30 to 2 p.m. to help first-time homebuyers who may feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or simply don’t know where to begin when purchasing a home.

“I wanted to create something special for Black women and women of color who are curious about homeownership … I’m calling it an unofficial cohort not a class, but a supportive and welcoming space where we can have honest conversations about the homebuying process,” Henry said.

“The women who are part of this cohort are the everyday women who simply want a piece of legacy for themselves,” she continued. “They’re the single mothers who have always dreamed of owning a home but feel intimidated by the process and don’t know where to start. They’re the women who grew up in apartments or government housing and have long to create something of their own.”

“New Perspective”

Henry, 38, began her professional path in credit repair where she witnessed firsthand how financial barriers hindered many from purchasing homes.

Tiffany Henry said she took the time to educate herself on how the real estate worked and what financial assistance programs could help her. (Mike Fisher Photography)

“While living in Atlanta, I became certified in credit repair because I was focused on becoming a homeowner myself,” Henry told the Birmingham Times. “Returning home from (Atlanta, Georgia) as a single mother gave me a new perspective — it showed me how important it is to understand credit, build stability, and create opportunities through homeownership.”

From there, Henry earned her realtor license and joined Barnes & Associates Realty led by the highly respected Abra Barnes, owner of the largest Black-owned real estate brokerage in Alabama, “but also a powerful example of what leadership, integrity, and community impact look like,” Henry said.

More Than A Realtor

Once in Birmingham, Henry wanted to do more than sell houses. She wanted her own. “One of the biggest challenges I faced while trying to become a homeowner was the housing market itself,” Henry said. “When I was living in Georgia, many of the homes I made offers on were already under contract. Even after getting pre-approved, it was difficult to find something available and within my budget,” she said.

“As a single mother, I had to make some tough decisions about what was best for me and my daughter, and what I could realistically afford on my own income.”

Henry said she took the time to educate herself on how the process worked and what financial assistance programs could help her.

“I stayed focused and determined, and through patience, faith, and persistence, I was able to overcome those obstacles and turn those challenges into motivation to help others do the same,” she said.

“Helping someone achieve homeownership — especially when they thought it wasn’t possible — is incredibly rewarding,” she added. “It’s more than just selling homes; it’s about educating, empowering, and guiding people toward financial stability and generational wealth.”

“There’s something so special about handing someone their keys and knowing how much it means to them. Especially when they’ve worked so hard to get there.”

Fashion And Fitness

Outside of real estate, Henry is known for her love of fashion, dedication to fitness, and a commitment to self-care.

With over 19,000 followers on Instagram, Henry’s energy and authenticity that have become her trademarks in business and life can be felt.

“Fashion and fitness are both a reflection of how I love and take care of myself. Fashion lets me express my personality — it’s how I bring confidence, class, and creativity into every space I walk into. It’s where I clear my mind, talk to God, and reset. It’s not just about how I look, but how I feel from the inside out. Both fashion and fitness remind me that when you feel good and look good, you move through life with purpose and power.”

Henry will host her event Saturday, December 6 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203

With Storm Damage to Birmingham’s Inglenook School, Students will be Temporarily Relocated

By

Birmingham Times

-

November 29, 2025

0

bhamcityschools.org

Students at Inglenook K-8 School will have two days of virtual learning next week and attend class at other locations as a result of damage sustained at the school during severe storms on Tuesday, November 25. Eight classrooms were impacted, including the aviation lab, computer lab, and library.

Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan said the storm damage and repairs will not disrupt learning for the Inglenook students.

“Our school buses will transport the Inglenook scholars each day to Hudson K-8, Norwood Elementary and the Martha Gaskins Early Learning Center,” Sullivan said. “Inglenook Principal Dr. Steve Brown is communicating with families to provide transportation details.”

Pre-K students will go to the Martha Gaskins Early Learning Center. Students in Kindergarten through second grade will go to Norwood Elementary. Students in grades three through eight will go to Hudson K-8 School. Buses will depart Inglenook at 7 a.m. each morning and return at the end of the school day. Teachers working with the Inglenook students will follow their regular assigned grades.

Sullivan said the relocation arrangements for Inglenook are temporary. “We will provide updates to the students, families, and the community as we assess the damage and proceed with restoration,” he said.