The Alabama Beacon

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is calling on Alabamians and ALEA supporters across the state to cast their vote and help Alabama earn the title of America’s Best-Looking Cruiser in the American Association of State Troopers’ (AAST) 13th Annual National Best Looking Cruiser Contest. This year, ALEA’s submission showcases the agency’s Chevrolet Camaro and...

“A Loving Devotion” Shaws celebrate 55 years of marriage

Many of us search a lifetime for true companionship, love, and all the things we think will make us happy. Yet, when viewing inspiration that is right before us, we hardly even notice, let alone process, the lessons that can be learned from it. A perfect example of inspiration and the mutual exchange of love...

Robert “Bob” Boatrite Keith

Robert “Bob” Boatrite Keith, of Harlingen, Texas, went home to Jesus on April 8, 2026, at the age of 79. He was surrounded by incredible love from the Holy Spirit, his daughter, and his close friend Terry. Bob was a father of two, a brother to six, an uncle to eleven, a friend to many,...

Gov. Ivey awards more than $6.3 million for weatherization assistance

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $6.3 million to help low-income Alabama residents reduce their home energy bills through the Weatherization Assistance Program. The 13 grants to community action agencies and local partners will be used to improve the energy efficiency and safety of homes, with a particular focus on households that include the...

A chat with Uncle Sam, Symbol of America, Happy 250th Anniversary

God bless America. Uncle Sam is an endearing symbol of American culture and our patriotic fervor. None more so than today, as we celebrate America’s 250th year of independence. A patriotic American, Uncle Sam became a symbol of America in the early 19th century. During the War of 1812, Uncle Sam’s character was first introduced...

SOUTHERN STYLES: Hueytown Arts Council hosts scholarship reception at Hueytown Rec. Center

For four years, the Hueytown Arts Council has awarded scholarships to outstanding students in the Hueytown area who will pursue an arts program in college. The Scholarship Reception was held recently at the Hueytown Recreation Center. Michelle McClinton is president of the Hueytown Arts Council. The Council is also committed to supporting arts education in...

“Job Well Done”: Pastor Jerome Bonner retires from New St. Paul M.B. Church

Pastor and First Lady Bonner pose with supporting pastors (above) We learn that we’re forgotten within a second by people we just have conversed with; the great Maya Angelou once stated, “People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” Yet, as we live longer, we learn that God will...

Greater 14th Street Baptist Senior Grocery Program benefits community

Jackie Crear, Jaquesia Slater, Tobithean Alexander, Lelita Bonner and Clarence Alexander The members of Greater 14th Street Baptist Church are committed to serving the Bessemer community. Part of their church outreach ministry, the historic church has sponsored a senior grocery program since 2020. The Rev. Jiles Burgines, III, is the minister of Greater 14th Street...

Bessemer Cutoff ADA William R. “Bill” North dies in boating accident