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🌱 Can your information help solve this unsolved Bessemer Family Dollar killing?

Bessemer, Alabama Patch AM: a 4 min read

Hey there, Bessemer! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Can your information help solve this unsolved Bessemer Family Dollar killing?
  • Will Bessemer’s new mayor actually stop the controversial data center?
  • Bessemer police chief sidelined—what this leadership shakeup means for you

Also on today's calendar: Your Weight Matters Birmingham and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What has hands but isn’t able to clap? 🤔 (Answer below!)

☑️ Important voting information: The Nov. 3 general election is coming up. Official Alabama election resources: Find your polling place | Register to vote | Check your registration | Absentee, mail and early voting.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Thursday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 79, low: 49.
  • Friday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 79 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ‘Do what God would do': Family seeks answers in murder of father of 4 (wbrc.com) — Bessemer police are still seeking tips nearly a year after 36-year-old visitor Nicholas Ratliff was shot while sitting in a car at the Family Dollar, with his burned vehicle found days later. His grieving family and Crime Stoppers are urging anyone with information or surveillance video to come forward, with a $5,000 reward offered for anonymous tips that help solve the case.
   

2. Bessemer sends letter to halt data center construction as homeowners approached to sell (abc3340.com) — Bessemer’s new mayor says the city has sent a cease letter to pause work on the massive QTS data center, even as nearby Rock Mountain Lake homeowners report pressure to sell and ongoing construction noise. City leaders are demanding developers go through Bessemer’s permitting process, while Jefferson County officials explore buffers and safeguards, leaving affected residents weighing whether to stay or accept buyout offers.
   

3. Bessemer police chief placed on paid leave over insubordination allegations (wvtm13.com) — Bessemer’s police chief Gary Carmichael has been placed on 10 days of paid administrative leave over alleged insubordination, with a formal hearing to follow under Jefferson County Personnel Board rules. Mayor Louise Alexander has appointed Kenneth Reese as interim chief while declining further comment, meaning residents may see leadership changes at the department as the investigation proceeds.
   

4. Baldwin County Has The 4 Oldest Population Cities In The State (gulfshoresnews.com) — Bessemer ranks among Alabama’s older cities, with a median age of 43.3, placing it in the top tier of aging communities statewide. A detailed look at Baldwin County’s even older coastal cities shows how healthcare, jobs, and schools are evolving to serve seniors while attracting younger families—trends Bessemer residents may watch as their own population ages.
   

📸 Around Bessemer

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Bessemer

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📣 Bessemer Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • ISO a good plumber, I’ve got a clogged sink.
    I’d appreciate a recommendation if you’ve had a good experience, thanks so much in advance. I’m off of Morgan road in the Bessemer area. (Nextdoor Virginia Trace)
  • Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Bessemer. Apply here.
  • Babki posted a job opening for Part-Time Game Tester in Bessemer. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bessemer here.

Ok Bessemer! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has hands but isn’t able to clap?" — A clock! (Thank you Lois R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Bessemer

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Bessemer

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.