🌱 Holloway Suspect Could Be Extradited + County Commission Election

Good morning, Mountain Brook! I'm Sean Peek 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, your local weather:

• Thursday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 78 Low: 62.
• Friday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 79 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories today in Mountain Brook:

1. A public defender has been assigned to represent the prime suspect in the case of Natalie Holloway, a Mountain Brook High School graduate who disappeared in 2005 while on a school trip in Aruba. The suspect is currently serving time in a Peruvian prison on another murder charge and is set to be extradited to Northern Alabama to face extortion charges. It is alleged Joran Van Der Sloot agreed to lead Holloway's mother to her remains in exchange for money but never did so. (Fox News)
2. Jefferson County Commissioners Jimmy Stephens and Joe Knight spoke at a meeting of the Mid-Alabama Republican Club about the upcoming change in leadership for the Jefferson County Commission. The Birmingham Business Alliance has chosen County Commissioner Steve Ammons as its new CEO, leading to an opening spot in the commission. A special election is scheduled for this summer to fill the position, and Urologist Dr. Brian Christine has announced his candidacy. The commissioners have expressed concern about maintaining Republican leadership and a cohesive team dynamic within the commission. (Alabama Today)
3. Central Alabama experienced heavy rain and flash flooding on Monday, with some areas receiving over three inches of rain in less than an hour. Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook were particularly affected, with a flooded parking deck causing issues for the police department and city hall. The possibility of more rain and flash flooding remains for tomorrow, with scattered showers expected. Cleanup efforts are underway in Mountain Brook. (WVTM 13)

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Today and tomorrow in Mountain Brook:

Thursday, May 18

• Munchkin Music At Mason Music Mountain Brook (1:00 PM)

Friday, May 19

• Margarita Night And Happy Hour At CharBar No. 7 (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Local architect Chris Reebals has been named the 2023 Southeast Architect of the Year! Reebals helped design a Crestline home which lead him to this career achievement. (Mountain Brook Magazine via Instagram)
• On May 23, you can swing by the O'Neil Library lawn and learn more about summer reading activities. There will also be snacks and a librarian to answer all of your questions. (The O'Neal Library via Facebook)
• Did you know it is Police Week? The Mountain Brook Police Department sent Corporal Smith to represent them in Washington D.C. this week. (Mountain Brook Police Department via Facebook)
• Ousler Sandwiches is finally open! Their new location is on Lane Parke right next door to Swoop. (Village Living via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 23)
• REFLECTIONS FROM MOZART TO GOSPEL - Huntsville Choral Festival Concert (June 3)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! See you soon for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.