“Goals Beyond the Rim”: Bessemer native speaks of future and basketball triumphs
During the recent season of March Madness of college basketball, courts get filled with exciting plays, heartbreaks, and moments of confusion centered around handshakes. This year FAMU (Florida A&M University) completed their season as the number two seed within the SWAC Tournament. During a momentum filled season, Bessemer native Jordan Chatman helped the male Rattlers... Read More
Carver Park is site of Special Olympics event April 17
At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Bessemer City Council, duly assembled with a quorum present, it was agreed to authorize a request from the Bessemer Board of Education. The Board of Education had requested the use of park grounds at Carver Park to host a Special Olympics track and field competition on Friday, April... Read More
Jefferson County arts organizations receive more than $500,000 in state council grants
Ten Jefferson County arts organizations will share more than $500,000 in grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts through the Creative Places Arts Facilities program, which funds construction, renovation, and equipment upgrades at facilities where the public participates in arts programming. The grants, totaling $2.77 million statewide to 60 organizations, were awarded in... Read More
AlaTrust4U Foundation awards scholarship to Elizabeth Harris of Bessemer
The AlaTrust4U Foundation is proud to announce that Elizabeth Harris of Bessemer has been selected as a 2026 scholarship recipient. Eight scholarships were awarded across Alabama to students continuing their education. Harris is currently attending Columbus State University, where she is furthering her academic journey. The AlaTrust4U Foundation’s goal is to increase its financial literacy... Read More
USA250-The Chronicle of America
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Old Autauga Historical Society is sponsoring an excellent exhibit of America’s history. Known as USA250 – The Chronicle of America, it opens on April 9–11, 2026, in Prattville, Alabama. The exhibit will be held at the Doster Center, 424 South Northington Street. The event is free, and the... Read More
A chat with Dr. Lamanda Thomas, owner, The Christian Bookstore & More
Dr. Lamanda Thomas of Adamsville opened The Christian Bookstore & More, a religious bookstore, in 2016. Located at 618 19th Street, North in downtown Bessemer, the store sells Bibles, books, communion sets, lap scarves, prayer shawls, fragrance oils, jewelry, and much more. A native of Daleville, Alabama, Dr. Thomas earned a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology... Read More
Pleasant Grove prison employee arrested on drug charges
An Alabama state prison officer has been arrested on drug and contraband charges. Markia Sherie Smith, 27, of Pleasant Grove, is charged with possession of marijuana and first-degree promoting prison contraband. Smith worked at William Donaldson Correctional Facility in western Jefferson County. According to Alabama Department of Corrections officials, prison narcotics agents pursued an investigation... Read More
Therefore, Let Us Be Joyful and Sing to God Alleluia
The greatest and most historic event was when Jesus Christ died on the cross. We celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection. “Welcome happy morning! Age to age shall say.” Easter Day was glorious and memorable. May we abide in His presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory. May we also... Read More
Hueytown High School Alumni Picnic set for April 11
A high school alumni picnic always makes for a fun weekend. It is a wonderful occasion to see former classmates and visit with favorite schoolteachers. The annual Hueytown High School Alumni Picnic will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Hueytown City Park on Forest Road will be the... Read More
Primary election set for May 19; voter registration deadline is May 4
Jefferson County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, to cast ballots in the Alabama statewide primary election. Key local races include sheriff, all five county commission seats, tax assessor, tax collector, and the Board of Education, appearing alongside state and federal contests. Registration Deadlines The deadline to register to vote in... Read More