Anytown Alabama: teen leadership experience open
Anytown Alabama Teen Leadership Summit Who: Your teen — 9th–12th grade students, including May 2026 graduating seniors What: An impactful, life-changing one-week leadership camp When: June 7th–13th Where: Hosted on the campus of University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) How to Apply: Applications due March 15 Apply at: www.ACEalabama.org/AnytownAlabama Scholarships available From Former Campers “Anytown... Read More
History Forgotten: World War II Heroes from Wilcox Co., Bessemer
During the winter of 1944–1945, within Belgium’s Ardennes Forest—better known as the launching pad of the Battle of the Bulge—two war crimes were committed. The better known atrocity, the Malmedy massacre, resulted in the deaths of at least 85 defenseless GIs who had surrendered. They were herded into a snow-covered field near Baugnez and machine-gunned... Read More
Rep. Sewell Secures $9.5 Million in Direct Funding for Local Projects Through Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Process
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that she secured $9,571,000 in direct funding for 14 local projects in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. Funding for these projects was passed by Congress and signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. “I’m so proud to have secured $9.5 million for 14 community-driven projects... Read More
A Marvel City Mardi Gras enjoyed by Silver Boomers, others
“This makes us feel at home and knowing that we as a people can get together and have a good time. We didn’t have to drive all the way to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras. We’re enjoying it right here in Bessemer!” — Ms. Sheila Williams, at the 1st Annual Silver Boomers Mardi Gras... Read More
A chat with Gaile Randall, Councilwoman Dist. 2, Hueytown City Council
Gaile Randall has served on the Hueytown City Council since November 2025. A resident of Hueytown since she was a teenager, Gaile is chairman of Hueytown’s Parks and Public Works Committee. Gaile is a confident and optimistic woman who wants only the best for her district and city. This pleasant, caring councilwoman retired in 2021... Read More
Letter to the editor: School district line policies need to be examined, reader says
Dear Matthew Bryant, I grew up in McCalla Alabama and was forced to attend a school nearly thirty minutes away, despite living only five to ten minutes away from another school. The decision for this wasn’t based on convenience, safety, or what is best for the students. It was simply district lines between Jefferson and... Read More
Letter to the editor: Civil Air Patrol has benefits for community members of all ages
I want to introduce you to the Civil Air Patrol, established on December 1, 1941. Today, CAP continues to serve the nation with over 60,000 volunteers performing missions that include search and rescue, disaster relief, counterdrug operations, and youth development. We are the largest private fleet of airplanes in the world which is overseen by... Read More
Valentine’s Day weekend fills Plantation Manor with smiles, joy and love
It was a wonderful celebration of love and joy at Plantation Manor Retirement Community in McCalla last weekend. The residents and their families and friends had a good time together celebrating Valentine’s Day and simply enjoying the delightful fellowship. They all turned out for the occasion. The highlight of the celebration of love was the... Read More
Bessemer enters into agreement with National Recreation and Park Association
The City of Bessemer Parks and Recreation Department is committed to ensuring that the staff and volunteers working with youth possess the necessary skills and confidence to support youth development. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), with support from ESPN, Inc., has offered the city of Bessemer training through the Positive Coaching Alliance and... Read More
Police ask for info on the murder of 19-year-old at Bessemer Amazon
Bessemer Police and Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s help to identify the person or persons who shot and killed a 19-year-old Amazon employee during his break last month. Tyler Alexander was killed on January 18th at the city’s Amazon warehouse. Police have received tips in the case but haven’t made any arrests. Bob... Read More