🌱 City Walk BHAM Earns Award + New Trash Bin Delivery In Progress

Good morning, Birmingham! I'm Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, today's weather:

Humid; a p.m. t-storm. High: 82 Low: 68.

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Here are the top four stories in Birmingham today:

1. The City Walk BHAM park in Birmingham has received the Grand Award for engineering excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama. Construction of the 32-acre park was completed last summer and includes a skate park, dog park, playground, food truck area, and sports fields. The award noted City Walk's incorporation of local civil rights history throughout the park. (WBRC)
2. In nearby Homewood, a chef is asking for assistance after his food trailer was stolen. Drew Reece, the owner of the Battle Axe Feast food trailer, explained that the business he runs, which is from inside the trailer, is how he supports his family. Homewood police are investigating the theft and asking anyone with information to please call the police department at (205) 879-2101. (WVTM 13)
3. Some animal shelters in Birmingham are experiencing an increase in owner surrenders and are having to reconsider their "no-kill" shelter status. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society has seen a 15 percent increase in intakes compared to last year and is experiencing overcrowding. To see the pets currently available for adoption with the Humane Society, click here. (CBS 42)
4. Birmingham Public Works is almost halfway through its delivery of 100,000 new trash bins to homes in the city. Public Works Director Josh Yates said there has been some recent confusion with trash pick up, especially with households that were newly added to the pick-up schedule. Yates advised residents to call 311 if their trash was not picked up or if they have not received a new bin but see that neighbors on the street have. For more information on the new bins, click here. (WBRC)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Hostess Cupcake Day At North Birmingham Regional Branch Library (All Day)
• Half Off Happy Hour At Chuck's Fish Birmingham (5:00 PM)
• Soundtrack Karaoke: Beach Movie Edition At The Sidewalk Cinema Lobby (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Birmingham City Schools celebrated the opening of a new learning space at Bush Hills STEAM Academy. The "STEAM Engine" lab includes a video and audio lab, an e-gaming room, a podcasting station, 3D printers, and a robotics lab to equip students with skills to succeed. (Birmingham City Schools via Facebook)
• The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department made history with the appointment of the department's first woman to serve as chief fire inspector. Lakesia Marshall was promoted from the role of senior fire inspector, a position she had held since 2012. Congratulations to Chief Fire Inspector Marshall! (Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department via Facebook)
• In the latest episode of #99Voices, the City of Birmingham featured TAKE Resource Center in Brown Springs. For over 10 years, this organization has worked to support and empower transgender community members with a space to gather, job support, and personal care items. (City of Birmingham Government via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.