🌱 Birmingham Water Works' Debt + Bham Parks & Rec Needs Lifeguards

Hello again, neighbors! I'm back with your new copy of the Birmingham Patch newsletter. Come along for everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Birmingham Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Birmingham long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 60 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. Birmingham Water Works reports that it will begin shutting off delinquent water customers' services next week. According to the utility, over 20,000 customers have not paid their bills. The outstanding debt totals $14.7 million. To avoid having your water shut off, set up a payment plan before Feb. 15. (WBRC)
2. The President of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary in Kyiv made a visit to Birmingham. Dr. Evan Rusyn spread a message of thanks for the support given by the Birmingham community at South Highland Presbyterian on Wednesday. Dr. Rusyn will continue to travel across the country before returning to Ukraine next week. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
3. Birmingham Parks and Recreation is actively searching for lifeguards to fill open positions for the upcoming swim season. The department hopes to open multiple pools this summer if they find enough lifeguards to fully staff. Last year, the department had a severe lifeguard shortage. To qualify, applicants will need to pass a swimming pre-test, certification, and a drug test. (WBRC)

Today in Birmingham:

• Department of Music Trumpet Symposium At Hulsey Recital Hall (All Day)
• Library Love Tiny Art Show At The Avondale Regional Branch Library (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Birmingham Police Department is asking for the community's assistance in locating a runaway. Danayjah Ward, 16 years old, was last seen on Feb. 3 wearing a yellow shirt and grey pants in the 4700-4800 block of Court R. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)
• Severe weather can cause widespread devastation, and some states are more prone to disaster-related property damage than others. Due mainly to tornados and hurricanes, Alabama ranks No. 8 in the U.S. for total property damage, with an average of $1,292.31 per capita. See how our state stacks up against the rest of the country in this new interactive study. (NeighborWho)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.