Williams brings community roots to District 6 council seat
A former member of the Bessemer Coalition for many years under the leadership of the late Mayor Quitman Mitchell Jr., Valerie Williams believes the city of Bessemer deserves leadership that listens, works hard and fights for opportunities for the city’s children and seniors. Her background taught her that perseverance, hard work and staying true to... Read More
Porter declared elected to council’s District 2 seat
At a recent meeting of the Bessemer City Council, with a quorum present, incumbent Councilman Chester W. Porter was declared duly elected to the office of City Council, District 2. Porter was the only person who filed a statement of candidacy for the District 2 seat before the deadline. Mayor Kenneth Gulley was directed to... Read More
SOUTHERN STYLES: Devoted couple celebrate 50th anniversary at Grace Life Baptist Church
The Rev. Sam and Dr. Wanda Manning of Bessemer recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The renewal of vows and a reception were held at their home church, Grace Life Baptist Church at Shadow Lake in McCalla. The church’s senior pastor, Brother Joel Frederick, officiated at the ceremony. Their grandson Cole Adams walked his grandmother... Read More
A chat with Louise Tommie, past president, West Jefferson County Historical Society
For years, Louise Ayer Tommie of Bessemer has been an ardent historic preservationist. A native of Greenville, this engaging lady is a past president of the West Jefferson County Historical Society. Louise is unwavering in her support of the society and loves serving as chairman of the historical society’s McAdory House on Eastern Valley Road.... Read More
Chapman elected to school board’s District 5 seat
Omar Chapman, executive director of the Bessemer Public Library, was elected the District 5 member of the Bessemer Board of Education in the runoff election Tuesday, Sept. 22. A resident of Bessemer for more than 30 years, Chapman defeated incumbent Margie Varner 306 votes to 246. “I want to thank the citizens of Bessemer, specifically... Read More
Greater 14th Street Baptist Church continues to feed the needy
Doing the Lord’s work, Greater 14th Street Baptist Church in Bessemer has remained faithful in serving the community. On Saturday, Sept. 26, members of the church arrived early to prepare for another food box giveaway at the church, 418 14th Street South. They gave away 175 boxes that day. Tobithean Alexander is chairman of the... Read More
U.S. Steel breaks ground on $475 million Fairfield expansion
U.S. Steel broke ground Monday, Sept. 21, on a $475 million quench and tempering facility at its Fairfield Tubular Operations, the company announced. The heat-treating line is meant to improve the strength and durability of the oil country tubular goods made at Fairfield, the pipe used by energy exploration and production customers. The company expects... Read More
Alexander unseats Gulley; Williams, King, Chapman and Aikerson win in runoff
Louise Alexander defeated Mayor Kenneth Gulley in the Sept. 22 runoff, ending his 16 years in office, and voters settled two City Council seats and two Board of Education seats the same night. Unofficial returns posted at City Hall Tuesday night, with 11 of the city’s 12 precincts reported, gave Alexander 2,376 votes, or 54.5... Read More
Francis Marion names 2026- 27 homecoming court; coronation and parade Fri.
Francis Marion School has named Wesley Kynard and Hayden Wright its homecoming king and queen for 2026-27, and Charlissa Godwin Miss FMS, ahead of Friday’s coronation, parade and homecoming game. The court will be crowned at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in the Woodie J. Jackson Sports Arena, with the parade at 4 p.m. and... Read More
Library’s October display features superheroes and costume books
Jeremy Moore looks over the Marion-Perry County Library’s October book display, which features superheroes and books on making an original Halloween costume. The books, along with a large selection of new titles, are available for checkout at the library, the library said. Moore’s favorite superheroes include the Flash, Batman and Superwoman.