Nine Hale County students on UA summer honor lists
Six local students were named to The University of Alabama’s dean’s and president’s lists for the summer 2026 semester, and three high school students in UA Early College made its director’s list. Deidre Paige-Carter of Greensboro and Ivy Seales and Karleigh Wyres of Moundville made the president’s list, which requires a 4.0 grade point average... Read More
Gulley Rec Center marks 10 years with a block party
Bessemer’s city leaders and workers celebrated 10 years of serving residents at the Kenneth E. Gulley Rec Center last week. Held in the evening with a block party theme, the celebration featured radio personality Drika Ray as mistress of ceremonies and music by DJ Bad Boy Butch. The Bessemer City High School drumline opened the... Read More
Thigpen wins fifth term in District 4
Bessemer City Councilwoman Donna Thigpen won re-election in District 4 in the Aug. 25 municipal election, defeating challenger Rhonda Brantley 283 votes to 153 at the end of what Howton describes as a demanding and controversial campaign. “I want to thank the people of District 4 for their support, encouragement and, most importantly, for continuing... Read More
Stephens seeks re-election to county commission Nov. 3
Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens of Bessemer is seeking re-election to the District 3 seat in the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3. First elected in 2010, Stephens has served as president of the Jefferson County Commission since 2014. A native of Bessemer, Stephens says he is honored to serve the people of District 3 and... Read More
Lawson State hosts Recovery Is Here event Sept. 28
Lawson State Community College will host Recovery Is Here 2026: The Truth About Recovery at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the Academic Success Center Auditorium on its Birmingham campus, 3060 Wilson Road SW. The event is one of a statewide series held by Alabama’s colleges and recovery organizations during National Recovery Month to challenge... Read More
SOUTHERN STYLES: Judson College alumnae attend annual J-Day and Rose Sunday celebration
Once a prestigious school, Judson College in Marion was a private women’s college affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention. The college was founded in 1838 and closed its doors in July 2021. Deep in the heart of the Southland, Judson College was named for Ann Hasseltine Judson, a Baptist missionary. The weekend of Sept. 12... Read More
A chat with Michael Preston Rice, P.E., civil engineer, EEFS Company
Michael Preston Rice has always had an interest in building. A native of Corner, he graduated from Auburn University in May 2009 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. The next year he went to work for the Alabama Department of Transportation in Birmingham, where he worked on some of the busiest sections... Read More
Bessemer orders two Pierce pumper trucks for fire department
The Bessemer City Council has approved the purchase of two Pierce Enforcer pumper trucks for the Bessemer Fire Department, finding the purchase in the city’s best interest. The council said the trucks will improve the readiness, reliability and effectiveness of the fire department and promote the public health, safety and welfare of the city’s citizens.... Read More
Remembering George ‘Kilroy’ Franklin, a gospel voice from Bessemer
George “Kilroy” Franklin was a fixture in the gospel sound that made a joyful noise throughout Bessemer and beyond, and Bessemer residents recently mourned and celebrated his life. The service was held at Hopewell Baptist Church, 4817 Jefferson Ave., Birmingham, under the pastorship of Dr. Edward E. Rodgers, with the Rev. Amos Williams delivering the... Read More
Judge dismisses Bethel’s residency suit against Gulley
A Jefferson County circuit judge dismissed Darral Bethel’s suit challenging Mayor Kenneth Gulley’s residency on Sept. 16, six days before the mayoral runoff, ruling that Bethel’s complaint did not allege facts that could show Gulley had moved his legal residence out of Bessemer. Judge David Hobdy of the court’s Bessemer Division granted Gulley’s motion to... Read More