🌱 No Sales Tax Increase + Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Arrested

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Mountain Brook Patch newsletter. Let's get this weekend started off right with a quick guide to the most important things happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 89 Low: 70.
• Sunday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 85 Low: 68.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Mountain Brook:

1. The Mountain Brook City Council decided not to increase its sales tax on groceries, missing the opportunity to do so before Governor Kay Ivey locks the current rate. The state legislature reduced the state sales tax on groceries but included a provision limiting cities to their current tax rate. While other cities in Jefferson County tax groceries at 10 percent, Mountain Brook taxes them at 9 percent and chose not to change its tax rate despite discussing potential capital projects and the need for a new fire station in the future. (Village Living)
2. A Jefferson County sheriff's deputy has been suspended from duty after being arrested for exploiting his position for personal gain. Caleb Jefferson, 22, surrendered to the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer after warrants were issued against him. The specific nature of his misconduct has not been disclosed, but Jefferson has been released on bond following his arrest. (WVTM 13 News)
3. The passing of Anne Lamkin Durward, a respected civic leader, attorney, jurist, and President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation, was mourned at a church in Mountain Brook. Durward, who was 54 years old, tragically succumbed to a sudden illness. Her loss is deeply felt by the community she served. (AL.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Mountain Brook:

Saturday, June 10

• Family Swim Time At J's Outdoor Pool (10:00 AM)
• Community Plant Swap At O'Neal Library (2:00 PM)

Sunday, June 11

• 2023 Pride Festival At Linn Park (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Planning a road trip this summer - Did you know that Alabama has strange, oddly named towns? Add towns like Bacon Level, Blue Eye, and Burnt Corn to your itinerary! (Alabama Heritage via Instagram)
• Does a hot dog by the pool this weekend interest you? Visit the Mountain Brook YMCA for a yummy treat from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Brook YMCA via Facebook)
• Need to practice your reading skills this summer? Visit the O'Neal Library this Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to practice with a teen buddy. (The O'Neal Library via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with 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.