November 2024 | Volume 15 | Issue 8
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OFF THE FIELD AND
INTO THE FIRE Softball player hired as Mountain Brook’s first female firefighter in more than 10 years By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT “I’m just gonna go for it” is an unlikely phrase to come to mind when confronted with the danger of fighting fires. However, 22-year-old Brooke Burback’s words encapsulate the intelligence, fearlessness and strength needed to become the first female firefighter in Mountain Brook in over 10 years. Born and raised in Chelsea, young Burback was enamored by her father’s childhood wish to become a firefighter. “We used to be so nosy,” Burback laughed, remembering how she and her father drove behind fire engines to watch them work. “I spent my whole life playing sports, always outside, always working hard,” Burback said. After attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham on a full scholarship to play softball, she transferred to the University of North Alabama and finished her sports career and marketing degree.
See BURBACK | page A16
Brooke Burback completes a search-and-rescue exercise at the Over the Mountain Regional Training Center in Mountain Brook on Oct. 1. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
City works to address cut-through traffic along Halbrook, Arundel By SARAH OWENS Mountain Brook’s Halbrook Lane and Arundel Drive have been a topic of conversation at many City Council meetings in the past two years, and the streets have seen several changes in 2024, with the potential for more to come. The cause of all this chatter? Cut-through traffic. Residents along the streets have voiced concerns over the high volume of cars using the roads.
Mountain Brook’s council first took up the issue in late 2022 after residents reached out, and officials continue to look for a solution. The council chamber was full on Sept. 26 as council members and city residents gathered for a work session to discuss the topic. “Now the council needs to decide, what are we going to do that’s permanent in nature?” Council President Virginia Smith said. The meeting was held specifically for the council to review its recent efforts. The
INSIDE
Sponsors.......................... A4 City.................................... A6
council passed a no-through-traffic ordinance and installed corresponding signs in May, placed speed humps on streets on July 18-19 and added chicanes on July 23. Despite these efforts, residents have requested that the city vacate streets, making them private to stop motorists from cutting through.
Ann Shreve stands with daughter Bennett and son Will in front of the No Thru Traffic sign in front of their home on Halbrook Lane. The constant flow of traffic through the neighborhood caused Shreve to be concerned for her kids’ safety. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
See THRU TRAFFIC | page A18 Schoolhouse.................... A8 Business.......................... A12
Real Estate...................... B4 Events............................... B6
Sports..............................B10 Community..................... B13 facebook.com/villageliving
Holiday Open House
Mini Dorian
The annual tradition returns to Crestline Village, marking the beginning of holiday shopping season.
3-year-old Mae Schofield joins the Mountain Brook Dorians.
See page B9
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See page B13
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