August 2025 | Volume 16 | Issue 3
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2025 VOTER GUIDE
Shaping the future
BALLOT MAYOR Jennifer Andress Robin Litaker
Homewood heads to the polls in historic election
CITY COUNCIL, WARD 1 Tiffany McIntyre Paul Simmons II
By SARAH OWENS
CITY COUNCIL, WARD 2 Nick Sims JJ Thomas
C
hange is coming to Homewood — and on Aug. 26, voters will decide who leads that change and what it will look like. In September 2024, Homewood residents approved a transition to a city manager–council form of government, making this year’s municipal election a historic milestone. Under the new structure, the city will move from a fiveward system with 11 councilors to a four-ward system with four council members and a mayor who will serve as
On the Ballot: Meet the candidates running to serve as the next mayor or city council member. See page 24
council president. This will create a five-member voting body responsible for making decisions on city matters. As Homewood enters this new era, the council and mayor’s office will see a wave of new leadership. All but two current council members are stepping down. Only Jennifer Andress and Nick Sims are seeking re-election — though Andress is running for mayor, and Sims will be representing a newly drawn ward.
CITY COUNCIL, WARD 3 Greg Cobb Chris Lane John Manzelli Keith Young
See VOTE | page 20
Ask the Candidates: Candidates for mayor and council share their views on key issues facing the city. See page 28
CITY COUNCIL, WARD 4 Winslow Armstead Kristin Williams
Follow us for more: Stay up to date with election news by connecting with us online.
Back to school: New programs, policies, faces await Homewood students this year By EMILY REED
Homewood High School is launching a new cybersecurity course this year. Staff photo.
Homewood students will log in to more than just reading and math this fall — they’ll be among the first in the nation to tackle a brand-new cybersecurity program. As Homewood City Schools prepares to welcome students back Aug. 7, a slate of new programs, policies and faces awaits — all part of the district’s ongoing effort to stay ahead of the curve in education. With campuses ready to open, here are
INSIDE
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a few new things at Homewood and John Carroll Catholic High School for the 202526 school year:
NEW CYBERSECURITY COURSE
Homewood High was one of 500 schools in the country selected to participate in the pilot program for a new cybersecurity course. Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Cristy York said the overall goal for the course is to provide students a unique
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opportunity to earn both career credentials and/or college credit in the field of cybersecurity. “Not only will this course provide an additional and new opportunity for career exploration, but it will prepare students for a job field that is currently growing and has widely available job opportunities,” she said.
Real Estate........................10 Events.................................12
See BACK TO SCHOOL | page 30 Sports.................................14 Community........................18
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All Set to Play
Under the Lights
Homewood Parks and Rec preps for fall fun ... and keeps summer running safely behind the scenes.
Patriots and Cavs are set up for a big season.
See page 6
See page 14-16