The Alabama Beacon

Empower Community School staff and students with Pet Partners therapy dog Lily. (above) Empower Community School held a pet therapy session for its fifth grade classes recently with Pet Partners therapy dog Lily. Student Jarrell Simmons said during the visit, “Pet Therapy made me feel that everything bad is in the past and I’m living...

‘Fifty Years On the Lord’s Side’

20 Oct 2026

Apostle Leonard Wood marks half-century in the ministry On a recent Sunday, Apostle Leonard Wood celebrated 50 years in the Gospel ministry. For three years now he has also served as pastor of True Worship Ministries alongside his devoted wife, First Lady Dr. Valerie T. Wood. During the Sunday celebration, the pastor and first lady...

Hands-on training in an automotive technology shop, in one of the photographs the Alabama Community College System supplied with its scholarship announcement.

Lawson State urges students to apply for automotive manufacturing scholarships

Hands-on training in an automotive technology shop, in one of the photographs the Alabama Community College System supplied with its scholarship announcement. Lawson State Community College, which has campuses in Bessemer and Birmingham, is encouraging eligible students to apply for automotive manufacturing scholarships offered through the Alabama Community College System and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers...

School board members, councilmen take the oath

Members of the Bessemer Board of Education and the Bessemer City Council were sworn in last week. The school board members who took the oath included Tasha Wynn-Scott, Lee Jones, Elaine Holifield, Omar Chapman and Remeka Little. Councilman Chester Porter, an incumbent, and Kelvin Eades, new to the council, took the oath at the same...

Hunter education course set for Oct. 24 at Tannehill

Alabama Extensio Service is inviting new hunters to a hunter education course on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Event Center, 12632 Jim Bennett Parkway, McCalla. The course runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an hour off for lunch, and those attending are asked to bring any drinks, snacks...

Bo Jackson to receive Louisville Slugger’s Living Legend Award

Bo Jackson will receive the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory’s Living Legend Award at a presentation in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, Nov. 13, the museum announced. Jackson, who grew up in Bessemer and played at McAdory High School before his Heisman Trophy season at Auburn and his years in professional baseball and football, will be...

Hall of History Classic Car Show Oct. 17

Kasper Kirksey and Woody Mathis, two of the car show’s organizers Classic car shows are held all over the country, so buckle up and drive to the Classic Car Show scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, in McCalla. The fundraising event will take place at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in the McAdory/McCalla community. The Bessemer...

Members of Malik Temple #270 with voter registration forms at the temple's registration table

Malik Temple #270 holds voter registration drives ahead of Oct. 19 deadline

Members of Malik Temple #270 with voter registration forms at the temple’s registration table The last day to register to vote in Alabama for the upcoming general election is Oct. 19, according to the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. Members of Malik Temple #270 A.E.A.O.N.M.S. (Oasis of Bessemer) Desert of Alabama were at the Kenneth...

Hueytown Witches Ride and It’s Fall Y’all Fest set Oct. 24