Columbiana Living Fall 2025

Timeless taste

Just a Tish, Wine & More celebrates 5 years of business

Class and court

Courtney and Bobby Madison lead the next generation

Fall in love with

Columbiana Main Street

Shop Local Eat Local

Don’t miss our events this fall!

-Witches Night Out 10/10 -Witches Ride 10/11 -Monster Walk 10/31 5pm-6pm -Christmas Open House 11/15 -Small Business Saturday 11/29

BY

city leadership

5 Columbiana Mayor David Mitchell gives insight into all of the fall activities across the city

arts & culture

6 The Guide: See everything happening in Columbiana throughout September, October and November

9 See the latest happenings from the Shelby County Arts Council here in Columbiana with great upcoming events

schools & sports

10 Get to know Shelby County High School Quarterback Ryan Sipes as he reveals what motivates him to lead the way for the Wildcats.

12 Shelby County High School teacher Marisol Lilly shares her passion for teaching special education.

meet your neighbors

24 Were you spotted? Check to see if you and your neighbors are featured in one of Columbiana’s recent events.

32 My Columbiana: Owner of Sweet Tweets Bird Supply Christy Smith shares what makes the city such a special place to work in.

columbiana living

EDITORIAL

Michaela Bankston

Dave Domescik

Daniel Locke

Anna Grace Moore

Tyler Raley

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Noah Brakefield

Evann Campbell

Octavia Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Tori Smith

Viridiana Romero

ADMINISTRATION

Anna Marie Cleckler

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Lauren Morris

Kayla Reeves

Leslie Reeves

Brittany Schofield

Class and court

Courtney and Bobby Madison lead the next generation

Photos by Jeremy Raines

Design by Sydney Allen

WWith fall finally arriving in Alabama, the season brings with it pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, cooler weather and a host of activities to enjoy in Columbiana.

As someone who was raised in Columbiana, this quarterly publication continues to be a personal honor for me each issue, as we work to highlight the people, businesses and events that make this city such a remarkable place to live and work.

Now that the busy nights of Sunset Music and Market and the annual Liberty Day celebration are over, fall will introduce a series of concentrated bursts of activity for the city with regular football games at Shelby County High School and annual hometown staples like Monsters on Main.

In this fourth issue of Columbiana Living, we look forward to all of the familyfriendly activities ahead, while also taking the time to dedicate our focus on the people who work behind the scenes to make all of the magic possible.

This season, meet Courtney and Bobby Madison—a true dynamic duo that works to educate and inspire the next generation in Columbiana. At the helm of Elvin Hill Elementary School, Courtney guides her staff in organizing educational programs and preparing young minds for the future. Meanwhile, Bobby shows them the life lessons behind the game of basketball each summer during his annual basketball camp.

Get acquainted with one of Columbiana Main Street’s coziest businesses—Just a Tish, Wine & More. After five years of business, owner Kelly Davis continues to work to offer a place for residents to sip, unwind and peruse a selection of wines from across the globe.

In this issue, we also highlight two stars from local schools with Q&As from Shelby County High School special education teacher Marisol Lilly, in addition to Ryan Sipes, the quarterback guiding Shelby County High School’s football team.

Spot a list of familiar faces at events across town in our Out & About section and catch a glimpse of all the fun Liberty Day festivities in our photo section.

It is our aim with this magazine to continue to showcase all the wonderful aspects of life in Columbiana and to continue to tell the inspiring stories of the people who make everyday life in the city possible. If you have any suggestions as we begin work on our winter edition, please email me at Noah.Wortham@shelbycountyreporter.com.

Noah.Wortham@shelbycountyreporter.com

a letter from the mayor

Summer is coming to an end, school is starting and, hopefully, we will fall into some cooler weather, soon. It’s been a great summer so let me provide a brief recap before moving forward.

For nine weeks we enjoyed the Sunset Market and Music on Main. The turnouts were good despite the occasional evening thunder shower. As I walked around Main Street during these events talking to folks and meeting people I was amazed that the majority of attendees were visitors from outside Columbiana. They were all very complimentary of our city. These folks come to town, support our businesses and tell their friends how great Columbiana is. This is exactly what we want so that our economy can grow and prosper.

In early June, the Beautification Board held its Garden Tour fundraiser. I was impressed with the effort our residents expend to make Columbiana beautiful. I wish I had their green thumbs.

September 8, construction will begin to replace the storm drainage culvert on Depot Street near the Highway 25 intersection. This should provide much needed flood mitigation during periods of heavy rain. A portion of Depot Street may be closed for approximately six weeks and traffic will be detoured. We have provided the detour details to the Middle School and Board of Education so they may inform parents. I will address it at City Council and on my Monthly Video so that all may know the detour routing before this happens.

“I can’t wait for all the great things that will be happening this fall, pumpkins and fall colors on Main Street, Monster Walk, Thanksgiving and so much more.”

Liberty Day at the end of June was amazing! Despite rain showers on Friday and Saturday’s concerts, it did not dampen enthusiasm. More than 35,000 people visited Columbiana over that day and a half—seven times our population! Again, word has gotten out about how great Columbiana is and we prosper from their visits.

As we close out summer and head into fall, school and football will dominate many of our lives. Please use extreme caution in our school zones, watch for kids walking and riding their bikes to school, and stop for school buses.

On Aug. 15 we’ll have our final Music on Main for the season in conjunction with the SCHS Community Pep Rally. Come join the fun and support our Wildcats. Residents, County employees and, especially Middle School parents, need to be aware that on or about

We’ve talked about the pending arrival of Tractor Supply in Columbiana for some time. This is the first major national retail chain to open in Columbiana in many years. As the closing on their property approached, Tractor Supply’s development project manager contacted me to help resolve an ALDOT permitting issue that might delay the closing. I contacted the head of ALDOTs East Central Region, DeJarvis Leonard, and the area Operations Engineer, Dee McDaniel. They quickly resolved the issue (In less than one hour!). The closing took place the following day.

Thanks to ALDOT for their rapid response and support. Partnering with, and support from, State and County agencies is essential for our city’s success. Ground breaking for Tractor Supply may be happening by the time you read this article.

I can’t wait for all the great things that will be happening this Fall, pumpkins and fall colors on Main Street, Monster Walk, Thanksgiving and so much more. Let me close this article by saying how blessed I am to be your Mayor and ask that we all give thanks every day for our wonderful community and the many blessings that allow us to…

Keep smilin’!

David Mitchell, Mayor of Columbiana

MONSTERS ON MAIN

OCT. 31

4:30

Columbiana Main Street

Columbiana Main Street will be decked out with Halloween décor and be filled with a sea of ghouls and ghosts during the city’s annual Monsters on Main tradition on Friday, Oct. 31 from 4:30-6 p.m. Children can put on their spookiest costumes and travel down Main Street collecting candy from the city’s local businesses.

THE GUIDE

American Legion Veterans Retreat

11 A.M. Alabama 4-H Center

The 2025 American Legion Department of Alabama Veterans Retreat is set for Sept. 26-28 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Alabama 4-H center which is located at 892, Four H Road, Columbiana, AL 35051. This year’s chairman is Paul Gonthier.

OCT. 11

Columbiana Witches Ride

Columbiana Main Street

Join Columbiana Main Street for the annual Witches Ride on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 11.

2025 BBC Annual Century & Time Trial

7 A.M.

Old Mill Square

Join the Birmingham Bicycle Club for its annual Century Weekend from Sept. 6 at 7 a.m. to Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. The event will feature a time trial on Saturday with five different mainevent ride distances on Sunday. Ride options include a 100-mile country, 62 mile metric century, 50 mile, 26 mile or 10 mile ride. SEPT. 6-7

Paul Thorn in Concert

7:30 P.M.

Shelby County Arts Council

Enjoy a show on Friday, Sept. 19 as Paul Thorn performs a show at the Song Theater in Columbiana at 7:30 p.m. Thorn comes to Columbiana after releasing his newest album “Life Is Just A Vapor.”

SEPT. 1 | 6 P.M

Beautification Board Meeting Police Department Conference Room

SEPT. 2 | 6 P.M.

Columbiana City Council

Columbiana City Hall

SEPT. 6-7 | 7 A.M.

BBC Century Weekend Old Mill Square

SEPT. 11 | 7 P.M.

Homecoming Pep Rally Shelby County High School

SEPT. 16 | 6 P.M.

Columbiana City Council

Columbiana City Hall

SEPT. 19 | 7:30 P.M.

Paul Thorn in Concert

Shelby County Arts Council

SEPT. 26 | 11 A.M.

Veterans Retreat

Alabama 4-H Center

OCT. 2 | 11 A.M.

State of our Schools Luncheon Grande Hall

OCT. 5 | 4 P.M.

“By & By” Intermission & Friends

Shelby County Arts Council

OCT. 6 | 6 P.M.

Beautification Board Meeting Police Department Conference Room

OCT. 7 | 6 P.M.

Columbiana City Council Columbiana City Hall

OCT. 11 | MORNING Witches Ride

5

7 P.M.

Shelby County High School

Join the Wildcats at Shelby County High School on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. for an exciting Homecoming Pep 4 P.M.

Shelby County Arts Council

The group Intermission will deliver an evening of hymnals during an intimate

Tucson Rain: Celebrating the music of Linda Ronstadt

4 P.M.

Shelby County Arts Council

The Shelby County Arts Council will present a show celebrating the music of

Linda Ronstadt on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. Experience a musical celebration of her work that will include her hits in the genres of rock, country, pop, adult contemporary and Latin.

Beyond deep-seated roots

Our commitment to being a local community bank isn’t just in our mission statement, it’s who we are. As your friends and neighbors, we live here, we work here and we are dedicated to staying here. For you. Those types of time-honored financial values might not be something you’d expect from a bank, but it’s what you can expect from us. Banking Beyond Expectation.

RYAN SIPES

Shelby County High School Quarterback

How did you get into football and become a quarterback?

I grew up watching it, and I always liked to throw the ball and being the main guy.

How have you seen yourself grow since starting as a freshman?

I’ve seen myself get more comfortable and trust my team and just relax and play. I’ve grown to be a better leader.

How have you seen the culture transform inside the locker room from your first season to now?

The culture changed a lot. It’s changed because of the leaders we have on the team and how we rely on each other.

How have you become a better leader on the team, and what does it mean to you to be one of those trusted voices?

I’ve become a better leader by being more vocal on the field. It means a lot to me that they trust me to lead.

What do you enjoy to do outside of sports?

I enjoy hanging out with friends and family.

What does it mean to you to represent Shelby County High School on the field?

It means a lot because I know how much the community loves football and just makes it fun playing.

What do you think you’ll miss the most about being at Shelby County?

I’m definitely going to miss the atmosphere and the thrill on Fridays.

What makes Shelby County High School a special place to be a teacher?

Teaching at Shelby County High School is more than just a job. It’s my home, it’s my family, it’s my world. The hallways are filled with past and present teachers that all work together to help Shelby County students achieve their dreams. The close-knit culture is embedded all throughout the school and the community.

When you get to school in the morning, what is the one goal you have for the day?

When I arrive at school each day, I always remind myself that I am here to do the craft that God has equipped me to do. I make it a point to always speak to students and my coworkers, make eye contact with everyone, smile, and most importantly, tell others to have a good day. A smile can go a long way!

What is your favorite part of being a teacher?

As a special education teacher, being with my students is always my favorite part of each day. Seeing their smiles, their laughter and their growth bring me so much joy and happiness.

Since each teacher has their own unique approach to the job, what is it that you try to bring to the classroom each day?

My unique approach is always thinking outside of the box for each student to help them achieve their goals. Our lessons are hands on, real life and individualized so that everyone is supported and successful.

How do you create a learning environment that is both engaging and fun for the students?

Learning has to be fun for students to be engaged. We create many community-based outings for our students to help them be successful in the real world. My classroom is full of relevant, fun, hands-on activities that they can relate to real life scenarios. I meet them where they are at and provide relevant individualized learning programs to meet every need.

What ultimately made you decide to become a teacher?

When I was a senior in High School, I was given the opportunity to become a teacher’s aide. I was placed with a teacher in a special education classroom, and it was there that I discovered my love and passion for students with unique and special learning needs.

What do you hope your students’ one takeaway from their time with you is?

I want every student that leaves my classroom to always know how to advocate for themselves, be productive members of society, believe that they can do anything they set their mind to, and most importantly, know that they are loved.

DYNAMIC DUO

BY NOAH WORTHAM

Abruptly woken from her slumber at 4:30 a.m. by an alarm, Courtney Madison lies in bed for a few minutes contemplating her day before getting up for her daily routine.

After spending time in devotional and prayer, she checks her work email and begins to catalogue the various tasks in her calendar for the day. She makes note of upcoming faculty meetings as well as the sports schedule for her two sons. As she bounces about the house getting ready, her husband, Bobby Madison, wakes up long enough to catch that it’s only 5:15 a.m. and goes back to sleep.

Following in his mother’s footsteps, their youngest son, Bryson, will get up next at 6 a.m. and watch cartoons before needing to get ready for school, while his older brother, Brayden, copies his father and continues to sleep in.

With everything ready for the day, Courtney leaves the house and heads to work in order to be in time for an early meeting at Elvin Hill

Elementary School.

Bobby wakes up, and it is now 7:30 a.m., with no time to waste, he springs out of bed and begins getting ready so that he can be in Birmingham in time for work and so that he can drop off his sons at school.

While their two personalities are diametrically opposed, Courtney and Bobby make things work—finding strength and support in each other’s differences, fueling their mutual passion for helping young people.

“It just works,” Courtney said. “It’s been so nice to just come together as a team and as a partnership to really give back.”

Full-circle moments

Six years into her role as the principal of Elvin Hill Elementary School, Courtney spends each day finding ways to continually uplift the students and educators in her care—all while

“Sometimes in a small town, you don’t realize what a big world it is until you get out. And so, in coming back home, I just want our students and our kids to know that there is a big world out there that you can see and be whatever you dream to be. I just want to be that picture of hope for them.”

-Courtney Madison

taking the time to support her family at home.

Courtney first started her teaching career in 2009 at Elvin Hill Elementary School as a firstgrade teacher and then a fourth-grade teacher before becoming an instructional coach with Shelby County Schools in fall 2016. In March 2018, she joined the staff at Helena Intermediate School as their new assistant principal before returning to her alma mater in July 2019 to be the new principal of EHES.

Courtney spends her days as principal keeping up with emails, meeting with parents, carrying out disciplinary actions, meeting with staff and doing classroom visits. It’s a never-ending and

consistently-expanding list of tasks and objectives, but to Courtney, it is where the thrill of the job thrives.

“Some days, you just never know,” she said. “You want to be able to predict it, but you just don’t know.”

In addition to doing her best to supply her employees with everything necessary to educate the kids, Courtney also does her best to play a part in preparing them for the larger world.

“Sometimes in a small town, you don’t realize what a big world it is until you get out,” Courtney said. “And so, in coming back home, I just want our students and our kids to know that there is a

big world out there that you can see and be whatever you dream to be. I just want to be that picture of hope for them.”

Having grown up in Columbiana, the opportunity to serve as the principal of Elvin Hill Elementary School is not only a significant milestone in her career, but it’s also the chance for her to connect with the next generation of children at her alma mater. As the years go by, she’s even able to spot familiar faces as she has the opportunity to teach the children of past students.

“It means a lot to be able to be a part of their lives each day, especially now, seeing I have classmates whose kids are coming,” Courtney said. “This year, a student I taught in fourth grade has a kindergartener coming, and so you’re able to experience full-circle moments being back at home. It makes the journey a little sweeter to be able to have that.”

Serving others

Bobby spends his days working for Alabama Power at its corporate office in Birmingham in the compliance department. Previously, he

served as the supervisor of the organization’s office, which was formerly located on Columbiana Main Street.

“I think a lot of what drives both myself and Courtney is serving people and being an advocate for people,” Bobby said. “In my current role, I work in the compliance group, but I deal with a lot of employee issues. So, employee concerns may arise, and in that I’m able to serve people, I’m able to be a voice for people that are having difficult situations.”

However, even beyond serving Alabama Power’s customers, Bobby makes time for coaching his favorite sports and helping local youth after school hours.

After graduating from Shelby County High School, Bobby went to Western Michigan University on a scholarship to play basketball. From there, he journeyed to Europe and several countries in South America, where he was able to share his love of basketball.

While still in Portugal and before they were married, Bobby was on the phone one day with Courtney when a casual discussion led to the start of the annual Bobby Madison Basketball Camp, which recently celebrated its 15th year.

“Courtney said, ‘Hey, why not just do a camp and share your love of basketball with the kids. It’ll be something for the community. Give them an opportunity to learn the game and share some of what you know,’ Bobby said.

That summer after he got back home, the two worked together to start planning the camp. With everything set up, they figured that 25-30 kids would show up and were shocked to find 150 kids eager to learn at the first event.

“From there, we realized that this is something the community wants,” Bobby said.

For Bobby, the camp was more than just a way to teach a sport to children; it was a way to introduce them to a gateway, which can lead to higher education, a career and more—just as it did for him.

“It’s a way to show kids, ‘Hey, you can go see the world through a game of basketball if you love it, or you can learn life lessons from just being in a gym and learning sports and being a part of a team,” Bobby said.

The camp also gives Courtney the chance to spend time with students and allows them to see her in a different light than her typical role as

principal.

“It’s always a nice week to come and have the kids see me in a different capacity,” Courtney said. “It’s laidback, it’s informal (and) it’s a different way for us to connect on a different level.”

Home sweet home

Courtney and Bobby both grew up in Columbiana and attended Elvin Hill Elementary, Columbiana Middle and Shelby County High School. While they knew each other through their family, it wasn’t until after college that the two reconnected when Bobby was back home one Christmas and they went on a date. There was a spark there that led to them eventually getting married in 2012.

Ever since, despite having different personalities, the duo continues to support one another as they raise their kids and participate in the community.

“I’m the planner and overthinker, and he is more of a go-with-the-flow person,” Courtney said. “I guess opposites attract in that our

personalities have similarities, but our brains are definitely wired with a different configuration.”

After spending time in Hoover shortly after getting married, the couple moved to Calera, where they stayed for approximately four years. Once their first son, Brayden, reached school age, they knew they wanted to find a place where they could establish themselves and there was really one option—home.

“We knew our village is in Columbiana,” Courtney said. “Everything just kind of lined up.”

For Bobby, the decision to move back home after traveling the world was not an immediate answer but something he arrived at as he grew in age and experience.

“Growing up, I thought once I moved from Columbiana, I would never come back here because it’s a small town and as a kid you think there’s not much to do,” Bobby said. “But as I got older and we got married and had kids, I realized the value of Columbiana… I always had support from people here in Columbiana growing up, and I want my kids to have that same experience.”

AGE TO IMPRESS

Just a Tish Wine & More savors five years of success

BY NOAH WORTHAM

While spending a nice Saturday out with her daughter, Kelly Davis was perusing the items at a thrift store when she received an urgent phone call. On the other end was Kayla Lopez, the manager of her business in Columbiana, Just a Tish Wine & More.

“Kelly, I’m so sorry to do this, but I need help,” Lopez said. “We’ve had a bunch of people come in, and I really need your help.”

Wanting to help her employees, which she believed to be under strain, Davis quickly dashed to her car and traveled across town to her business where she pulled into the parking lot. She entered Just a Tish Wine & More through the back entrance. As she opened the door behind the bar, she looked up and was greeted by a shocking scene—more than 90 people shouting “surprise” with mischievous grins on their faces.

Hors d’œuvres featuring every snack one could imagine were spread across the bar, along with a large decorative wine display—featuring the numeral five created out of beer cans.

Initially stunned by the jolting scene, the realization of what was happening slowly began to sink in. All of her employees, customers, friends and family members had conspired together to surprise her for the fifth anniversary of Just a Tish Wine & More—and they got her good.

“It was very heartwarming to see the community,” Davis said. “It was a great surprise. I felt very loved and appreciated.”

Scripts to sips

For Davis, wine was a longtime passion—it was

the perfect hobby to pair with traveling and a great way to spend an evening with friends while socializing. As someone who also worked as a pharmacist for a living, wine was also a science—a way to pair ingredients and sides for the ultimate sensory experience.

“There’s a lot of chemistry involved in winemaking,” Davis said. “It’s not just mashing up grapes… and (then) you get this wonderful wine.”

The very first inklings of what would become a future business began with a simple dream.

“I always dreamed of having a neat little cellar in my basement, and I was going to name it ‘Just a Tish’ after my grandmother,” Davis said. “That’s what she would say when you asked her if she wanted a glass of wine.”

Davis also had aspirations to open a business in her hometown of Columbiana. With those two goals in mind, she began to look for the right space to rent and eventually settled on a spot at 113 West College Street next to Golden City.

“I just thought it would be a neat thing to have in Columbiana,” Davis said. “I love little wine shops. I visit wine shops all over. Anytime I go

anywhere, if there’s a wine shop, I’m going to be in it, just checking out other people’s passion and love for the wine world.”

She began to furnish the spot and get the business ready to open; however, there were a few hurdles left, including obtaining proper permitting and one unexpected roadblock, the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Davis was eventually able to open on May 1, 2020 to a surprising amount of success even with an ongoing pandemic.

“Opening a business during COVID was difficult, but actually, the wine business went really well because people couldn’t go to restaurants, they couldn’t get out and socialize, so they were having their wine at dinner at home with their family,” Davis said. “We didn’t know how it was going to go, but it went well.”

In addition to an unexpected perfect storm of circumstances, the small space lent itself well to teaching David the tools of the trade as she began to better learn how to run a business and serve her customers.

“I didn’t know what to expect, and I certainly didn’t know what to expect business-wise during

Kyle Mims Financial Advisor

COVID,” Davis said. “I’ve never run a business before, so that was all learning. I thought it did it well. It was just me, and we were paying the bills and rocking and rolling.”

Just a Tish Wine & More secured a place for itself in the community, building up its customer base and improving its services for the next three years, until Davis learned about an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Finding the right pairing

While the first location for Just a Tish Wine & More was a great way to learn the tools of the trade and to build up a customer base, it was too small to accomplish Davis’s goal of offering the perfect place for people to socialize and buy wine.

The initial location of Just a Tish Wine & More offered a small bar that could seat five people as well as a couch seating area. The business offered a selection of retail wines and a few gift items.

A piece of property at the end of Columbiana Main Street, across from Blue Agave, became available for purchase and offered an immense amount of space. Seeing the value in the new

opportunity, Davis partnered with her siblings, Christy Brasher and Corley Ellis, to buy the new spot at 112 South Main Street in December 2022.

After painting the inside, ripping up the carpet and decorating the interior, the newest version of Just a Tish Wine and More was ready for business and opened on May 10, 2023.

“It was great,” Davis said. “I think everybody was happy for us to be on Main Street, and that (outdoor) patio was a game changer for us. I feel like this building was meant for us to be here.”

In addition to a new, larger location for operations, Davis was also able to secure a helping hand that would allow the business to thrive and allow her to keep working as a pharmacist on the side. Lopez came on board with experience from previously working at Hope Farms in Fair Hope and has assisted Davis in bringing the business onto social media and helping make the magic happen.

“She’s fabulous,” Davis said. “We finish each other’s sentences. We’re two peas in a pod. She knows me and what I want and everything she does is perfect.”

Now, Lopez has been working at Just a Tish

Wine & More for more than a year and serves as the manager, handling operations on days that Davis spends working as a pharmacist. The duo works together to serve both longtime clientele and new patrons.

“I love it,” Lopez said. “It is truly a job that I come in, and I feel at home. I feel like I was meant to be here. Kelly has been wonderful to work with and to work for. We complement each other really well.”

Five years in, Davis continues to strive to make Just a Tish Wine & More a safe place for locals to socialize while enjoying a glass of wine as well as the perfect destination to secure bottles of retail wine from across the world.

“Wine is a resource that facilitates relationships and conversations,” Davis said. “For us, it has been an avenue to grow friendships and grow relationships and enjoy good food. I’d love for people who haven’t been in to stop by and get to know us, just say ‘Hello’ and see what we have to offer. I think once somebody comes in, they’ll be hooked.”

LET FREEDOM RING

The city of Columbiana joined together in fun, food, fellowship and fireworks during the 39th annual Liberty Day celebration on June 27 and June 28.

FOR THE REPORTER/JEREMY RAINES

FLOWERS & TIARAS

North Shelby’s Hannah Adams was crowned Miss Shelby County 2026 and Helena’s Charlee Reid was named Miss Shelby County’s Teen 2026 at the conclusion of the 38th annual pageant on July 26.

FOR THE REPORTER/ELIZABETH GRANDY

LIBERTY DAY

REPORTER PHOTOS/TYLER RALEY

The city of Columbiana came together to make memories, listen to great music and watch fireworks at Liberty Day on Saturday, June 28.

1. Nolan and Nesha Jones.

2. Chanh Huynh.

3. Lori Nix and Alysia Carlisle.

4. Eliza Blankenship and Joana Hernandez.

5. Bobby and Lisa Holsomback.

6. Erica Roberts.

7. Randal Lewis and Nick Jones.

8. Jim and Linda Barry.

9. Jeremy Raines and Charles Hunter.

SUNSET MUSIC AND MARKET

REPORTER PHOTOS/NOAH WORTHAM

Local residents pulled out lawn chairs and enjoyed live music and fellowship during Columbiana’s weekly Sunset Music and Market on Main Street on Friday, July 18.

1. Kandy Cockerill and Patrick Hayes.

2. Pavlina and Karina Steffek and Carla Ragland.

3. Susan and Eddie Rodriguez.

4. Rachel Reeves.

5. Casey Blackburn, Nathan and Madison Buse.

6. Kin Crawford and Elizabeth McCurry.

7. Linda and Rachel Henderson.

8. Tommy and Jan McNorton.

SCHS BAND CAMP

REPORTER PHOTOS/NOAH WORTHAM

The Pride of Shelby County Marching Band took to the field to prepare their show for the upcoming season during their annual band camp in July.

1. Kian Holmes and Oakley Stewart.

2. Emilee Walker and Laney Jones.

3. Easton Seale and Luke Nunnally.

4. Hannah Holland, Jenna Lee and Jeanne Tinsley.

5. Lily O’Brian and Ava Smithey.

6. Nathan Parrish and Jackson Shelnut.

7. Aida Vansant, Madeline Gilbreath and Nealie Smith.

8. Luke Walker and Johnny Johns.

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Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Parttime. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

ETS Restorations & Tree Service “From street to walls, we do it all” •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)209-7787 (205)683-3257

Hill Brook Manor Apartments 300 Sumner Dr. Calera, AL 35040 205-6682020 Affordable Living Apartments Available 1 BR for $665/month 2BR for $705/month

Breakpoint Manager

– positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Understand eng design & specified auto parts, & work w/ both Planning & Purchasing on best time operationally & financially to change suppliers, parts, or both. Submit resume to legalcompliance@ gvwgroup.com.

Software Engineers III - eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mot-talentacquisition@ motion.com (Must REF: Job Title in subject line).

P&F COIN

COMPANT: We Pay The Highest Prices In Town! 561 First St. N, Alabster, AL 35007 “WE BUY & SELL GOLD & SILVER” *Scrap/ Broken Jewelry *Gold & Silver Bullion * Sterling Silverware Sets *

Vintage Watches

*And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205624-3033 admin@ pfcoincompany.com

For All Your Masonry

Needs•Block •Brick

•Concrete Repair

•Brick Cleaning

•Painting Call 205643-0729 or email srichardson642@ gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES!

Sales Associate (Part-Time) at Earthly Treasures Thrift Store :Earthly Treasures has parttime sales associate positions available. The person applying for this position will be cross trained to function/work in all areas of the thrift store. To download the application or get more information for this position stop by the thrift store or

go to our website at shelbybaptist.org/ job-opportunities/

Pelham’s Newest Community! Tower Homes Community, Huntley Ridge, is nestled conveniently near I-65, I-459 and Highway 31 and is now selling 3BR/2BA homes starting in the $320s. Call today to schedule a showing!

Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors

Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter.net or call 205-369-6250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

MY COLUMBIANA CHRISTEN SMITH

Owner of Sweet Tweets Bird Supply

Dough-lightful treats

Chula’s Bakery

There are so many wonderful places to eat locally but my favorite local lunch and sweet treats shop is Chula’s Bakery. There’s just something special about walking into Chula’s and smelling fresh-baked bread and sweet treats made from scratch with love. Her homemade lunches feel like a warm hug, and her desserts are little pieces of heaven. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why small towns are the best towns.

Feathered friends

Sweet Tweets Bird Supply

Owning a small business in Columbiana has truly been a gift.

Sweet Tweets began as a bird supply store, but it has evolved into a space where community thrives, a place for neighbors to gather, share and support one another.

Monster mash

Monsters on Main

The annual Monster Walk is hands-down my favorite town event. It brings so much joy to see all the children and families come together in the heart of town for a night of fun. For me, it’s not about making money, it’s about pouring back into our community. These kids are the next generation of leaders, helpers, believers and givers, and events like this help nurture that sense of belonging and connection from an early age.

Picture perfect

Columbiana

Beautification Board I absolutely love the way the Beautification Board keeps our town looking like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. From the flowers and planters to the seasonal decorations, their hard work makes Columbiana feel warm, welcoming and pictureperfect all year round.