🌱 New I-459 Interchange Plan Approved + Body Found At Lover’s Leap

Hey, friends. It's Thursday in Hoover and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 61 Low: 36.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Hoover who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. On Tuesday, Hoover City Council approved a $120 million plan for a new I-459 interchange. A preliminary agreement for the interchange — to be designated Exit 9 — was approved, which would be built south of the South Shades Crest road overpass. Next, the project will need an environmental impact study by the Federal Highway Administration. (AL.com)
2. Early Wednesday morning, a body was found off the cliff at Lover’s Leap in Hoover. Two people who were visiting the area off Shades Crest Road made the discovery at around 1:00 p.m. when they looked over the cliff, according to police Capt. Keith Czeskleba. The body was determined to be that of an adult white male; however, Czeskleba said it is too early to determine how he died. (AL.com)
3. The Hoover Police Department is offering cable-style gun locks to Hoover residents, free of charge. In an effort to promote gun safety, residents can get a lock at the Hoover Police Administration, located on the first floor of Hoover City Hall, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The offer is available while supplies last; all locks include a handy safety guide. Proof of Hoover residency is required. (Hoover (AL) Police Department via Facebook)

Today in and around Hoover:

• Online Adult ESL Classes At Hoover Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Craft Chocolate 101 At Honeycreeper Chocolate, Birmingham (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Hoover encourages our city's seniors to start the new year off right by joining the Hoover Senior Center. Click here to get a look at all the center offers and more in the January newsletter. (City of Hoover via Facebook)
• January is School Board Member Recognition Month! Hoover City Schools is celebrating its board members for their dedication and commitment to the District and its students. (Hoover City Schools via Facebook)
• Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony today (Jan. 5) at Birmingham Wellness Massage's new location! The event will take place at 4:00 p.m. (Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow 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.