February 2026 | Volume 16 | Issue 9
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HOMEWOOD’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE THEHOMEWOODSTAR.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM
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HOMEWOOD PIGGLY WIGGLY TEMPORARILY SHUTS DOWN FOR REMODEL
A bigger, better Pig Homewood’s middle and high school show choirs are kicking off the 2026 competition season with packed schedules, big national goals and plenty of high-energy performances.
See page 8
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
A
ustin Virciglio admitted that there were mixed feelings when the Homewood Piggly Wiggly closed on Jan. 3.
This wasn’t like other times the store closed during the past half century. This time, the treasured employees won’t be greeting shoppers as they have. This time, they’ll be gone for a while. But the store and its employees will
return. And, based on comments from customers, those patrons will be back as well.
See PIGGLY WIGGLY | page 22
Medical Guide
Discover local health and wellness services that can help you look and feel your best.
See page 14
INSIDE Sponsors............. 4 City....................... 5 Schoolhouse....... 8 Business.............. 11
Events................. 17 Sports................. 19 Community.......20
An unusual sight of no customers at the Piggly Wiggly in Homewood. The store is closed for expansion and renovations. Photo by Ted Perry. Scan the QR code to follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter!
Homewood couple builds a love story in art and marriage with Gallery Annette By KELLI S. HEWETT
In a personal love story intertwined with art, Duncan and Anna Chancellor of Edgewood have acquired the former Art Alley gallery and renamed it Gallery Annette, in honor of her late aunt. Photo by Kelli S. Hewett.
It started with a summer job and a sharp pair of eyes. Anna Little was a college student in Auburn when she picked up a job at Jos. A. Bank. She never expected the cute assistant manager — Duncan Chancellor — to become her future husband, let alone her business partner in a
Homewood art gallery inspired by family legacy and creative passion. “He was my boss — once,” Anna joked, thinking back to their first meeting. But despite their meet-cute, romance took its time.
See ANNETTE | page 23
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