🌱Shelby Educator Is Teacher Of The Year + 'Targeted' Fatal Shooting

Hey, everybody! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Hoover Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 89 Low: 67.
• Sunday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 91 Low: 67.

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Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. On Wednesday, May 10, the state of Alabama gathered its top educators together in Montgomery to honor their achievements throughout this school year. The recognition of Teacher of the Year was awarded to Jeffery Norris, a Shelby County local and teacher at Oak Mountain Middle School. He'll spend the following year as Alabama's official ambassador to public education and represent the state in a national competition. (WBRC)
2. Down the street in Birmingham, a man was killed in what officials are describing as a targeted shooting on Thursday night. According to Birmingham police, 37-year-old Erskin Irvin Jr.'s body was found inside of a car around 9:50 p.m. after suffering from a gunshot wound. The incident happened in the 1400 Block of 33rd Street North; as of Friday, a suspect has not been identified. (ABC3340.com)
3. In an effort to improve Alabama's teacher shortage, Representative Susan DuBose proposed a new bill to her fellow lawmakers that will revolutionize the state's alternative teacher certification programs. The legislation was passed with a House vote of 83-20 and will focus on creating different avenues for those with college degrees to repurpose their education toward a certification. While the bill goes to the Senate, the Alabama State Department of Education is still advising prospective teachers to start their education at a college or university. (Spot On Alabama)

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Today in and around Hoover:

Saturday, May 13

• M.A.D. Presents "School of Rock" at Birmingham Children's Theatre, Hoover (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Beginning this summer, the Hoover Therapeutics Department will offer one-on-one adapted swimming lessons for individuals aged 15 or older with mental or physical disabilities. Spots are limited, so registration is on a first come first serve basis. (Hoover, Alabama - Parks and Recreation)
• Looking for fun activities to do throughout the summer? The Hoover Public Library's event calendar is filled with programs, summer reading, and more. If you're interested in learning more, pick up a library calendar today or visit here for additional information. (Hoover Public Library)
• This weekend, the Hoover Fire Department will be recognizing 144 of their fallen firefighters in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. They will be flying flags at half-staff on Sunday, May 14 to pay tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives while fighting to save others. To see the 2023 Roll of Honor and learn more about each fallen firefighter, visit here. (Hoover Fire Department)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll catch up with you soon with a new 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.