Firefighters Museum Executive Director presents vision to Calera City Council

Lindsey Schluntz, the new executive director of the Alabama Firefighters Museum and Education Center, was introduced at Calera’s City Council meeting Aug. 5 and presented her vision for the new fire museum.

Calera approves part-time firefighters, reallocates bond money

The Calera City Council approved Fire Chief Sean Kendrick’s request to hire part-time firefighters during its April 15 meeting. Kendrick said the fire department is comprised of 30 percent part-time personnel.

Calera wreck sends 12 to hospital

Twelve people were transported to the hospital after a March 9 one-vehicle wreck on Interstate 65 in Calera, according to Calera Fire Chief Sean Kendrick.

Calera softball dominates Jemison at home

While the temperatures were dropping close to freezing March 4, the Calera Eagles softball team’s bats were anything but, taking down neighboring Jemison 17-7.

Defense lifts Calera girls over MHS

A’kia Harris had 12 points and seven steals, and Calera held host Montevallo scoreless for the entire third quarter as the Eagles stayed undefeated with a 46-26 win in girls basketball.

Bishop leads Calera boys past MHS

Jordan Bishop turned in a monster performance for the Calera varsity boys’ basketball team as the Eagles bounded back from a halftime deficit to down host Montevallo 63-57.

Calera boys knock off Marbury for first win

A formidable pass-catch combo on the gridiron proved its worth on the hardwood to help George Drake grab his first win as Calera boys’ varsity basketball head coach with an 86-61 thumping of visiting Marbury.

Calera rolls on with win over Tallassee

For a team that is known for its offensive prowess, the Calera Eagles put on a defensive clinic Nov. 8, besting the Tallassee Tigers, 21-10.

Calera holds off Chilton County

The Calera Eagles move to 9-1 by virtue of edging Chilton County, 29-28, on the road Nov. 1.

Calera crushes Jemison in region finale

The Oct. 25 matchup between close-distanced and AHSAA Class 4A, Region 4 rivals Calera and Jemison had all the makings of a shootout as both squads came in with 7-1 records.

Calera falls late to Bibb County

It will be back to the drawing board for Class 4A top-ranked Calera come next week, as the Eagles fell to Bibb County 16-15 on Oct. 11.

Calera dominates Carbon Hill for homecoming

It had all the makings of a trap game: homecoming, Ronnie Clark’s commitment press conference earlier in the day and a huge matchup with Bibb County looming the following week all served as potential distractions for the Calera Eagles’ matchup with

Calera’s Clark commits to UA

After months of speculation in internet chatrooms, message boards and around office water coolers, it’s official: Ronnie Clark intends to play college ball at Alabama.

Calera volleyball continues success

The Calera Eagles volleyball team took down county foe Shelby County Oct. 1 in a 3-0 sweep.

Calera outlasts Shelby County, 42-27

The scoreboard doesn’t show it, but the Sept. 27 rivalry game between Shelby County High and Calera was anything but a 42-27 runaway win for the Eagles.

Calera sweeps in tri-match

The Calera Eagles volleyball squad swept both McAdory and Isabella in a tri-match competition Sept. 23.

Calera registers shut out on Corner

For the second consecutive week, AHSAA Class 4A No. 1 Calera took a while to gain traction offensively, though that stagnant start did little to impede its path to victory as the host Eagles shut out Region 4 foe Corner 37-0.

Calera cruises past West Blocton

Calera standout Ronnie Clark’s dual-threat performance guided the offense while the defense turned in a stellar effort as the AHSAA Class 4A No. 1 Eagles eased to a 63-0 win over Region 4 rival West Blocton.

Calera volleyball defeats Bibb County

The Calera Eagles’ volleyball team took down Bibb County in three sets Sept. 10.

Calera football soaring at new heights

All year long, every football team strives to be No. 1 at the end of the season, but what about being No. 1 just a week in?

Calera dominates Holt on the road

The Calera Eagles opened up the 2013 season with a bang, crushing the Holt Ironmen 69-0 on the road Aug. 30.

Calera to take on Chelsea in exhibition

When the Calera Eagles take the field Aug. 22 against Chelsea, they’ll be making up for lost time.

Coach Wiley McKeller said his squad would be using the preseason matchup as means of getting more practice time to fine-tune their offense. McKeller said..

Calera tops Thompson in spring game

The Calera High Eagles notched an upset of sorts May 16, knocking off Thompson High 35-28 in a spring football exhibition at Larry Simmons Stadium.

Author and sustainable living expert to visit library

In the early 1970s, Gwen Rowland and her boyfriend set out to live a simpler life. With no building experience or training, they managed to build a houseboat, which would be their home for eight years on the Atchafalaya River Basin Swamp in Louisiana.

Calera softball dominates Jemison at home

While the temperatures were dropping close to freezing March 4, the Calera Eagles softball team’s bats were anything but, taking down neighboring Jemison 17-7.

Book characters come to life in a Fairy Tale Ball held at the Calera Library

"The library is a little loud tonight," said Sara Dickens, a library assistant at the Roy Downs Memorial Calera Library.

Words hard to find when describing the high and lows of sports

My job is a relatively easy one.

I go to sporting events across the county, take some notes, and write stories that give hard-working student-athletes the credit they’re due. I report the facts and to a more subdued level, give the athletes and their...

Roy Downs Memorial Library offers free tax preparation

Roy Downs Memorial Library will offer free tax preparation on Tuesday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Haynes’ buzzer-beater propels Calera to finals

The Calera Eagles’ girls basketball squad magical season continues, thanks to a buzzer-beating jump shot by Tyesha Haynes that propelled the squad past Anniston, 45-44.

Calera girls ready for state semifinals

The Calera Eagles girls basketball team is just two wins away from capturing the AHSAA Class 4A State Championship, but head coach James Knowles said he knows his squad can’t worry about trophies just yet.

Senator Richard Shelby visits A.C. Legg on statewide business tour

Senator Richard Shelby continued his statewide jobs and industry tour with a visit to leadership and employees at A.C. Legg, Inc. in Calera.

Clark honored by USA Today, National Guard

To say Calera’s Ronnie Clark is a great football player is akin to saying that Bear Bryant was a great coach; at this point, it’s an understatement.

Calera teacher named 2014 Best Environmental Educator

Calera High School teacher Brian Copes was named the 2014 Best Environmental Educator by the Environmental Education Association of Alabama.

PRADCO to open distribution center in Calera

PRADCO Outdoor Brands, a company that manufactures and markets major hunting and fishing brands, will open a new distribution center in Calera, the company announced.

Mayor drives students home in snow

“It was quite an adventurous day.” That’s the way Calera’s Mayor, Jon Graham, described the unexpected snowstorm that occurred on Jan. 28. “I picked up my boys from school here in Calera at 10:30 a.m.,

Shelby County governments ready to respond to winter weather

Shelby County communities are preparing for the possible arrival of winter weather tonight or Tuesday morning that many hope will not be a repeat of the Jan. 28 snowstorm that made roads nearly impassable with ice.

100 years old and ‘still figuring it out’

Frances Degroat—Ms. Frances to almost everyone—is a celebrity at the Calera Senior Center, and quite a crowd gathered on a rainy Wednesday, Feb. 5, to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Calera emergency crews, mayor reunite families after winter storm

Calera emergency responders worked around the clock transporting children from their respective schools to their homes following Tuesday’s winter storm.

Heisman winner Mark Ingram Jr. helps Calera students score in financial education

Former Crimson Tide running back and 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram Jr. brought his football skills to Calera High School this morning for a lesson that combined sports and financial education.

Alabama’s first drive-through liquor store opens in Calera

Calera residents can now buy alcohol and cigarettes without getting out of their car. The first drive-through liquor store in the state, R&R Wine and Liquor, opened on Highway 31 next to Subway and Publix in November 2013.

American Family Care Breaks Ground in Calera

Urgent care just got a little more accessible in Central Alabama with the ground breaking of a new American Family Care clinic in Calera. This clinic marks AFC’s 50th urgent care clinic overall.

City of Calera gets credit rating boost from Standard & Poor's

CALERA, Alabama -- Standard & Poor's has boosted the City of Calera's credit rating to AA from AA-minus as the municipality prepares to seek bond financing to work on major capital improvement projects.

Calera named one of Alabama's top ten cities.

Movoto, a national online real estate brokerage firm and blog, today posted its list of Alabama's Top 10 cities.

Natural gas station to be built in Calera

A compressed natural gas station for use by trucking companies and other approved fleets is slated for construction in Calera.

Friends of the Calera Public Library gearing up for Fairy Tale Ball

Roy Downs Memorial Library in Calera is proud of their Annual Fairy Tale Ball, with good reason. Saturday, March 1 will mark the library’s sixth year of hosting the event, which will feature two Fairy Tale Balls and a Princess Tea.

George Drake’s true calling

George Drake has come home – home to his alma mater and home to Calera, the town he loves. The former Calera High School basketball standout and star of both the Vanderbilt and UAB basketball teams has begun his first season as head coach of the Eagles...

NXS opens indoor batting facility in Calera

Though known for cheerleading and gymnastics, NXS Gym in Calera has expanded to include some other sports.

Calera City Council approves Calera Crossings shopping center expansion

The Calera City Council approved a resolution at its Dec. 2 meeting that would allow the city to lease land adjacent to the Publix shopping center to a developer, who plans on adding a 5,600-square-foot retail space.

New fire truck arrives in Calera

The day before Thanksgiving, Calera Mayor Jon Graham said the city had a lot to be thankful for with the arrival of a quint, or a five-in-one fire engine that serves both as an engine and ladder truck.

Seniors have much to be thankful for

As we get older, it’s natural for medical needs to become a greater focus in our lives, but Calera Senior Center members direct their focus toward fun and fellowship. Each one has reason to embrace the important meaning behind Thanksgiving Day.

Acceleration lane added to I-65 north ramp at exit 228

Those driving on Interstate 65 in Calera may have noticed some changes this week. The north ramp leading to Interstate 65 at exit 228 has lost its stop sign and gained an all-new acceleration ramp, a change that Calera Police Chief Sean Lemley said was...

Calera falls to Dadeville in second round

After weeks of the defense leading them to victory, the Dadeville Tigers’ offense carried the load in Friday’s 35-24 second round playoff win over the Calera Eagles.

Calera teen races barrels on blind horse

It was May 6 at a practice that Brooke Bailey noticed something wasn’t right with her horse. Bailey, 17, races barrels with her horse Jaspur, and that day it was as if Jaspur wasn’t seeing the barrels.

Calera rolls on with win over Tallassee

For a team that is known for its offensive prowess, the Calera Eagles put on a defensive clinic Nov. 8, besting the Tallassee Tigers, 21-10.

Film features Calera High School students’ work in Honduras

“Children Changing the World” is a fitting title for the documentary that features a group of Calera High School engineering students.

Calera High freshman gain insight of the cost of living

Calera High School freshman got a perspective of what it cost to live in the adult world when the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce brought its ShelbyOne Initiative program, Keeping it Real, to the school Oct. 23-24.

Calera Elementary School receives Carmax Foundation grant for science lab

When Calera Elementary second grade teacher Kristina Harper inquired about the Carmax Foundation Regional Grant Award last spring, the school received a visit from Carmax’s Atlanta Regional Manager. Participation in the program is by invitation only.

Calera Middle School teacher publishes book with Penguin

When Calera Middle School teacher John Mantooth was 30 years old, he set a goal for himself – to publish a novel by the time he reached age 40.

Clark named to Under Armour All-America game

The accolades keep coming in for Calera quarterback Ronnie Clark. On Oct. 31, Clark was named to the prestigious Under Armour All-America team in a ceremony held at Calera High School.

Calera holds off Chilton County

The Calera Eagles move to 9-1 by virtue of edging Chilton County, 29-28, on the road Nov. 1.

Calera crushes Jemison in region finale

The Oct. 25 matchup between close-distanced and AHSAA Class 4A, Region 4 rivals Calera and Jemison had all the makings of a shootout as both squads came in with 7-1 records.

Is commuter rail service coming to Shelby County?

Amtrak is considering creating a commuter rail service linking Birmingham with Montgomery, and the service could include multiple stops in Shelby County, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters said on Oct. 22.

Calera shuts out Oak Grove, 55-0

A week after a tough defeat at rival Bibb County, the Calera Eagles bounced back in a big way with a 55-0 victory over visiting Oak Grove.

Calera High School's United States flag once flew over U.S. Capitol

The United States flag waving on a pole in front of Calera High School may seem ordinary, but the educational institution in Shelby County is not the first place where it has flown.

Breast cancer awareness month

We are in the middle of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many organizations across Shelby County are doing their parts to help ensure that local women have the information they need to fight against breast cancer.

Calera Elementary School hosts Grandparents’ Day Luncheon

Shakespeare wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Calera falls late to Bibb County

It will be back to the drawing board for Class 4A top-ranked Calera come next week, as the Eagles fell to Bibb County 16-15 on Oct. 11.

Calera dominates Carbon Hill for homecoming

It had all the makings of a trap game: homecoming, Ronnie Clark’s commitment press conference earlier in the day and a huge matchup with Bibb County looming the following week all served as potential distractions for the Calera Eagles’ matchup with

Calera’s Clark commits to UA

After months of speculation in internet chatrooms, message boards and around office water coolers, it’s official: Ronnie Clark intends to play college ball at Alabama.

Calera volleyball continues success

The Calera Eagles volleyball team took down county foe Shelby County Oct. 1 in a 3-0 sweep.

Picking pumpkins by train

Calera’s Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum will offer train rides with a seasonal destination beginning Oct. 5.

Alabama Firefighters Museum cuts ribbon on new campaign office

The Alabama Firefighters Museum and Education Center moved into a new office Sept. 27 in what executive director Lindsay Schluntz called a “very visible step forward” on the construction of the new museum.

Calera outlasts Shelby County, 42-27

The scoreboard doesn’t show it, but the Sept. 27 rivalry game between Shelby County High and Calera was anything but a 42-27 runaway win for the Eagles.

As mayor, Graham’s heart is in Calera

Calera Mayor Jon Graham was born in Birmingham and raised in Vestavia for the first 14 years of his life. He then moved to Calera in 1984. It was where he and his heart would stay and his political career would begin.

Calera AOK clothing give-away set for Oct. 5

Residents in Calera and surrounding communities will stay warm this winter thanks to Calera Acts of Kindness (AOK). The neighbors helping neighbors semiyearly clothing giveaway continues with its fall giveaway Oct. 5, beginning at 8 a.m.

Calera resident re-elected American Mensa treasurer

About 10 years ago, Calera resident Nick Sanford found himself rather bored. He wanted intellectual stimulation. He wanted to talk to people. And then he found Mensa.

Calera registers shut out on Corner

For the second consecutive week, AHSAA Class 4A No. 1 Calera took a while to gain traction offensively, though that stagnant start did little to impede its path to victory as the host Eagles shut out Region 4 foe Corner 37-0.

Calera City Council approves 2014 budget

The Calera City Council approved its 2014 budget Sept. 17, through which the city reinstated step raises for current city employees, absorbed most of the cost of rising insurance premiums and funded new positions in the police, fire and parks departments

Calera Elementary is soaring to new heights

When you walk in the welcoming entrance of Calera Elementary School, the first smiling faces you meet are Secretary Tracie Rothe, Registrar Sherri Jones and Bookkeeper/Office Manager Tina Allen. These cheerful ladies run the daily office operations of...

Calera cruises past West Blocton

Calera standout Ronnie Clark’s dual-threat performance guided the offense while the defense turned in a stellar effort as the AHSAA Class 4A No. 1 Eagles eased to a 63-0 win over Region 4 rival West Blocton.

Calera volleyball defeats Bibb County

The Calera Eagles’ volleyball team took down Bibb County in three sets Sept. 10.

Red Hatters gather at Hampton Inn for Bama Bash

A woman’s work is never done, but Patty Miller, princess of the Senior Rita’s, said Red Hat Society women occasionally forget work and kick their heels up. Red Hatters from Alabama and surrounding states gathered Aug. 23 at Calera’s Hampton Inn for fun...

Calera rocks Dora in region opener

In what was supposed to be a shootout between top-10 schools in AHSAA Class 4A ended up being a blowout as the No. 1 Calera Eagles routed the No. 8 Dora Bulldogs, 56-32, at home Sept. 6.

Calera football soaring at new heights

All year long, every football team strives to be No. 1 at the end of the season, but what about being No. 1 just a week in?

Calera dominates Holt on the road

The Calera Eagles opened up the 2013 season with a bang, crushing the Holt Ironmen 69-0 on the road Aug. 30.

Calera to take on Chelsea in exhibition

When the Calera Eagles take the field Aug. 22 against Chelsea, they’ll be making up for lost time.

Coach Wiley McKeller said his squad would be using the preseason matchup as means of getting more practice time to fine-tune their offense. McKeller said..

Oliver Park ball fields covered in angels

A swing and a miss, strike one. The batter attempts again, strike two. A voice rises from the stands, “Hit the ball for me Jeffrey.” Strike three and the batter stands at the plate waiting for another ball.

Calera Booster club hosts clean up day

The Calera Eagles Booster Club held a parent work day Aug. 17 as a way of helping improve Ricky Cairns Stadium.

Sheriff’s Office looking for missing man in Calera

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a 63-year-old man from Calera.

Former Calera Eagle basketball star returns to coach

Calera High 2005 graduate George Drake is returning to his alma mater as P.E. Instructor for Calera Middle School and to assume responsibility as Calera High Head Basketball Coach for the 2013-14 school season.

Shelby County 22 road closing changed to Aug. 13-14

Road repairs for the railroad crossing on Shelby County 22 near the U.S. 31 intersection in Calera are being moved up a day due to train schedules. The road will now be closed Aug. 13-14 rather than the originally-announced dates of Aug. 14-15,

Calera approves school safety agreement with Commission, BOE

The Calera City Council approved a plan at its Aug. 5 meeting to accept and match a funding plan with the Shelby County Commission and the Shelby County Board of Education to help increase police presence in schools.

Firefighters Museum Executive Director presents vision to Calera City Council

Lindsey Schluntz, the new executive director of the Alabama Firefighters Museum and Education Center, was introduced at Calera’s City Council meeting Aug. 5 and presented her vision for the new fire museum.

Calera Goes Pink! 2013

Benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (*BCRFA)

Get Involved! You Can Make a Difference!

During the month of October please wear your "Calera Goes PInk" T-shirt to support the BCRFA... Read on...

All aboard the North Pole Express

“All Aboooard!” the conductor calls and the magical journey begins. The North Pole Express thunders through the nighttime wilderness of Calera, whisking passengers away to the enchanted beauty of the North Pole.

Shelby County mayors to be roasted

How many mayors does it take to hold a charity roast in Shelby County to benefit abused and neglected children? The answer is 13. That is how many mayors are in Shelby County and they will all be roasted on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Pelham Civic Complex.

Calera’s Pritchett making waves early

In football, rarely do offensive linemen get the credit they deserve. In fact, sometimes only negative recognition comes to linemen, via a missed block or a penalty.

Calera to receive $8 million from ATRIP to expand U.S. 31 bridge

Governor Robert Bentley visited Calera July 24 and announced the City of Calera would receive $8 million from the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program to fund the expansion of the U.S. 31 bridge over I-65 at exit 231 in Calera

Boozer Farms is growing healthy communities

I approached the Boozer Farms tent at Calera Farmers Market and asked the woman setting out baskets of colorful vegetables and tree-ripened peaches to tell me about the farms.

Senior center to host senior prom

Calera Senior Center Coordinator Tina Simons has always dreamed of hosting a senior prom, and last year she finally got the opportunity. This year, she wants to make it bigger and better than ever before.

Calera City Council moves forward with sports complex

The Calera City Council approved an equipment and labor bid to make improvements to the drainage system for the city’s new sports complex during its July 15 meeting.

Vizzini Farms to host wine and music night

For wine, food, music, dancing and more, join the Vizzini Farms Winery in Calera this Saturday, July 20, for their monthly wine and music night, which will begin at 6 p.m. and last until about 10 p.m.

Alabama Firefighters Museum gets executive director

The Alabama Firefighters Museum and Education Center, which will be located in Calera, has named its inaugural executive director.

Group holds rally to support Voting Rights Act, announces plans to form Shelby County branch of NAAC

On the heels of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan’s stop in Columbiana in support of the Voting Rights Act, a group interested in forming a Shelby County NAACP held a rally at the Shelby Spring Association District church in Calera on June 22.

Calera rescinds proposed streetlight for Highway 304

During its June 17 meeting, the City Council rescinded a proposed streetlight for Highway 304. Public Works Director David Jones previously recommended the streetlight with the oversight of an existing streetlight across the road.

Calera 8U takes second at tourney

The Calera 8U All-Star Softball team took second place in the Thorsby Tournament June 13-15.

Calera Chamber of Commerce’s executive assistant dies at 62

The Calera community is saddened over the unexpected death of Calera Chamber of Commerce Executive Assistant Myra Moore on June 9.

Executive Director Gail Blankenship said Moore was a wonderful asset to the chamber.

Calera First lends a helping hand

One year ago, Calera First United Methodist Church began distributing food to those in need. Pantry coordinator Stephanie Latta said the ministry, Feed My Sheep, has grown significantly since its beginning.

ALDOT plans lane closures, preparing to re-open exit 228

The Alabama Department of Transportation is planning lane closures on several sections of highway in Shelby County over the next week, and is making preparations to open the northbound onramp at Calera’s exit 228.

Calera I-65 northbound exit scheduled to reopen on June 17

The Alabama Department of Transportation has set a tentative date to reopen exit 228 northbound to I-65 in Calera for June 17. The exit has been closed since April 22 to add an acceleration lane to the exit and build a new bridge just north of the exit.

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance opens Calera distribution center

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, a leading supplier of maintenance, repair and operations products to owners and managers of multi-family, hospitality, educational and commercial properties, healthcare providers and municipal and government facilities...

Calera High students prepare for life beyond high school

Calera High School began participation in the A+ College Ready's Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program during the 2011-12 school term.

SCBOE honors First Year Teachers of the Year

The Shelby County Board of Education recognized the First Year Teachers of the Year during its June 6 meeting at the Central Office in Columbiana.

Railroad safety event held in Calera

June is Railroad Safety Awareness Month and hundreds turned out for Railroad Safety Day at Calera’s Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum on Thursday.

ALDOT holds second meeting for Calera interchange improvements

Approximately 100 residents attended the Alabama Department of Transportation public involvement meeting June 6 at Calera First United Methodist Church.

SCBOE approves funding plan for law enforcement officers in schools

The Shelby County Board of Education approved its portion of a joint funding plan that could fund law enforcement officials in county schools during its June 6 meeting in Columbiana.

Calera man pleads not guilty to Pelham bank robbery

A Calera man charged with robbing Pelham’s Union State Bank in January pleaded not guilty to the crime “by reason of mental disease or defect” this week, according to Shelby County Court documents.

Hot dog restaurant opening in Calera

Calera residents will soon have a new restaurant to visit when 3D-Dogs opens June 10 in the former Donna’s Café building.

Calera one percent sales tax increase now in effect

In the June 3 Calera City Council meeting, Mayor Jon Graham asked council members, city personnel and attendees to check receipts obtained from city businesses to ensure they reflect the city’s one percent tax increase which became effective June 1.

Sheriff’s office won’t participate in school security funding plan

Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry emphatically rejected a request for funding as part of a school security plan put forth by the Shelby County Board of Education and the Shelby County Commission.

Dig into summer reading with Roy Downs Calera Public Library

It’s only been a week since the kids got out of school, and they’re already on your last nerve. Before you do anything crazy, dig this.

Civitan Club seeking service-oriented people

“Civitan” is a coined word that comes from the Latin word “civitas,” which means citizenship. It’s the name taken by a group of Birmingham business men who met weekly at lunch in 1917 to discuss ways they could contribute...

DAR awards Good Citizenship, honors students

Since 1934, the Daughters of the American Revolution have awarded deserving students the Good Citizenship Award, which recognizes students who possess outstanding qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.

County commission agrees to help fund officers in schools

The Shelby County Commission agreed to a funding plan that could fund 19 law enforcement officers in county schools during its May 28 meeting.

Computer whiz ready for the job market

Matthew Templin was only 14 years old when he built his first computer. The senior at the Shelby County School of Technology and Calera High School remembers it well.

Alek Kauffman living out boyhood dream

Men and women join the military for different reasons. Some join for the education benefit, some for pay plus free room and board, some to travel and some to learn new skills. For U.S. Army Specialist Alek Kauffman, it’s continuing a family legacy.

Calera City Council approves stop signs for Camden Cove

The Calera City Council voted to add stop signs at an intersection in the Camden Cove subdivision during its May 20 meeting.

A salute to Old Glory and the heroes who defend her

A flag flying outside a county courthouse inspired Johnny Cash to write the song “Ragged Old Flag.” I thought of the song when Calera High School custodian Robert Moore told me the school’s flag was damaged in a storm that passed through in April.

Calera High engineering program creates tandem bikes for special needs students

The smile on P.J. Manzy’s, face was as big as all outdoors as he wheeled into the parking lot at Calera High School on Thursday morning. It was a moment he had looked forward to for a long time.

Calera family responds to nationwide honey bee shortage

There’s never a moment of rest for bees, and that’s a good thing.

“We need honey bees,” Kelley Frederick says, “Or we wouldn’t be standing here having a conversation.”

Shelby County showing support for Calera interstate bridge project

Shelby County government leaders are backing Calera's plans to seek state funding to improve the congested Highway 31 crossing over Interstate 65.

CMS honor students visit senior center

The National Junior Honor Society is more than just an honor roll. Members of the club must demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship.

Calera takes measures to improve transportation and buildings

In its May 6 meeting, the Calera City Council and Mayor Jon Graham addressed issues concerning the I-65 exit 231 interstate bridge and CSX railroad crossings.

Birds of a feather do flock together

There’s no question in my mind that spring has arrived. Daytime temperatures are reaching the 80s, wasps are swarming, weeds have covered my barren lawn and my gray SUV has been yellow for a month.

Calera Elks welcome Sixth Annual Brotherhood Ride

Who doesn't love a parade? Calera has at least two each year. Parade watchers throng storefront sidewalks on main street to see beauty queens, catch candy thrown from floats and wave to Santa.

Strawberry Festival set for April 27 in Calera

The third annual Strawberry Festival is coming up this weekend in Calera!
The Strawberry Festival will be held at the Calera Farmers Market on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Oliver Park.

Calera's Angela Nance avoids 'getting hung,' sets women's state bowling series record

Angela Nance was thinking about not getting hung as she bowled Sunday night with the Sanders Jewelry Mega league.

Calera approves part-time firefighters, reallocates bond money

The Calera City Council approved Fire Chief Sean Kendrick’s request to hire part-time firefighters during its April 15 meeting. Kendrick said the fire department is comprised of 30 percent part-time personnel.

Thomas the Train pulls into Calera

Thomas the Train came to town over the weekend and thousands of kids showed up to greet him.

Calera Elementary holds multicultural fair

Calera Elementary students proudly waved international flags in the opening ceremony of the school’s first multicultural fair held April 5.

Calera city leaders expedite I-65 bridge improvement

As promised on April 1 when the Calera City Council unanimously approved a 1 percent sales tax increase, city leaders are aggressively working to advance the construction schedule of widening the bridge at I-65 exit 231.

Calera leaders set to meet with Bentley to talk clogged interstate crossing

On April 9th Senator Cam Ward, Councilmember David Bradshaw, Fire Chief Sean Kendrick, City Engineer Chris Pappas and I met with Governor Robert Bentley and Highway Director John Cooper to discuss the widening of the bridge... Read on...

Shelby County preparing to start road resurfacing, repair project

Shelby County government is preparing to conduct its annual road resurfacing and repair project that will cover 49 various routes and sites throughout its jurisdiction.

Prom 2013: Calera High School students dance up a 'night to remember'

Calera High School students danced well into the night of their senior prom on Saturday, April 6 at the American Village Ballroom.

Calera leaders set to meet with Bentley to talk clogged interstate crossing

Calera Mayor Jon Graham and other city officials are planning on meeting with Gov. Robert Bentley on Tuesday to get state support behind plans to improve the Interstate 65 overpass at Exit 231 near Walmart.

National Weather Service Doppler radar upgraded

Does uncontrollable excitement come over you when erratic changes in weather behavior appear on the forecast? You've watched Twister for oh… say a gazillion times. Or, maybe, you have lilapsophobia, fear of tornadoes and hurricanes.

Calera merchants will collect sales tax increase beginning June 1

New Sales Tax Information

Calera's Virgil Trucks was a great father and a great baseball player, says his namesake son

Monday was a busy day for Virgil Trucks Jr. as he received condolences from friends and fans of his father, the Leeds native and former major league baseball pitcher for whom he was named.

Few turn out for special Calera meeting on proposed city sales tax

A special Calera City Council meeting on March 25 to discuss a proposed one-cent sales tax increase met with low citizen turnout.

Bachus surprises Calera High marching band

Calera High School band members received a surprise visit from U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Alabama, when they returned to school from spring break on March 25.

Residents question Calera Council’s proposed sales tax increase

Calera residents questioned the Calera City Council during a public hearing regarding a proposed one-cent sales tax increase.

Young writers get visit from author

Calera High students in The Write Club and Dr. Mary Rees’ English Class explored their writing careers with novelist, screenwriter and playright Robert Inman. Inman, a native of Elba, began his writing career in seventh grade with his hometown paper.

Free GED classes offered in Calera

‘Tis the season for college applications and scholarship searches. High school seniors have spent much of the past two years taking the ACT test, touring college campuses and applying for scholarships in preparation of graduation and continuing...

Calera wreck sends 12 to hospital

Twelve people were transported to the hospital after a March 9 one-vehicle wreck on Interstate 65 in Calera, according to Calera Fire Chief Sean Kendrick.

Calera Eagle band changes plans due to weather

The Calera Eagle Marching Band send-off celebration has undergone a change of plans due to inclement, snowy weather today.

Green Care for Troops Program

I recently attended the Alabama Turf grass Associations Sports Turf Field Day where we were given a presentation by Project Evergreen on a program called Green Care for Troops. Green Care for Troops is a nationwide outreach... Read on...

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Website Personalization Now Available!

By clicking “Log In” on the MyDashboard bar at the top of the screen, users may create a login for the site or use their Facebook profile to access MyDashboard. Once logged in, visitors can choose the modules, features and... Read on...

Friends of the Calera Public Library gearing up for Fairy Tale Ball

Roy Downs Memorial Library in Calera is proud of their Annual Fairy Tale Ball, with good reason. Saturday, March 1 will mark the library’s sixth year of hosting the event, which will feature two Fairy Tale Balls and a Princess Tea.