Bessemer retains 'most dangerous' ranking

New rankings are out for the most dangerous cities in America and Bessemer maintained its No. 9 ranking.

Nothing has changed in the past year, says a spokesman for www.neighborhoodscout.com.

Well, a few things have. BPD has added a few officers and 24 vehicles to its line up.

But as they say, the more things change the more they stay the same.

—Tribune staff report

Not everyone happy with size of Alexander's bill

After thinking about it for a couple of days, the jury is still out on whether or not the Bessemer City Council will authorize payment of Councilwoman Louise Alexander's whopping legal bill.

Apparently some of the council members who will be voting on it next Tuesday have been told by other attorneys that $100,000 or less would be an adequate figure.

Five years ago when former councilwoman Betty Woods faced similar charges and a jury found her not guilty the total bill was $60,000 -- or only one-sixth of what former federal judge U.W. Clemon is charging.

At Tuesday's council meeting Alexander, who is now running for mayor, threatened to sue the city if the council didn't quickly approve the bill from Clemon.

Everyone might be back in court soon.

—Tribune staff report

Teen's pistol falls to floor in class at McAdory

You've heard of bringing an apple to school for your teacher, right?

Well, a 16-year-old McAdory High sophomore did one better.

He brought a loaded 9 mm handgun with him, only it fell out of his pants on onto the floor during class.

The young man, who was not identified because of his age, will have some time to think about things.

Jefferson County Sheriff spokesman Randy Christian said he was already on probation for second-degree burglary.

No one was injured or threatened.

—Tribune staff report

McCalla hub to get money today

The deal to bring an intermodal hub to McCalla is being sealed today when it will be announced that stimulus money is going to help.

Federal Railroad Administration officials will make the announcement.

The deal was made last month, but is only being released today to gain more publicity for President Obama's stimulus plan.

—Tribune staff report

Busy agenda for council

It will be a busy agenda for members of the Bessemer City Council next Tuesday.

They will start the day with a 9 a.m. tour of a potential dump site in the Muscoda area.

Then at 6 p.m. there is a scheduled public hearing on the city's five-year plan for spending federal money at the Flint Hill Baptist Church.

This is followed by a 7 p.m. special meeting to consider, among other things, Louise Alexander's whopping $367,593.91 legal bill and the 2010 budget.

—Tribune staff report

Lu-Lu's stunning legal bill

It will cost Bessemer taxpayers the stunning amount of $367,593.91 for her legal team in her recent state felony trial.

This is significantly higher than earlier estimates.

Former federal judge U.W. Clemon led a three-lawyer defense team in defending Alexander, who threatened to sue the city today if the bill is not paid.

Councilman Jesse Matthews moved to pay the bill, but other councilors wanted to hold off until next Tuesday.

—Tribune staff report

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Lu-Lu wants to be mayor ... Sticky problem with city's trash ... Bubba knows what's going on inside City Haul and he reports ...

Council to pay Airport Authority

Bessemer's City Council is expected to agree to pay $50,000 to the Airport Authority at its meeting tomorrow morning because the operator has failed to pay its rent.

The authority needs the money to pay on debt obligations.

Also, the council is expected to pay$15,000 to bingo attorney Kim Davidson and take yet another look at the council's lawyer, Greg Harris, who has been a shaky ground for the past three months or so.

—Tribune staff report

Most offices, schools to open at 10 a.m.

Most offices and schools will open today at 10 a.m. after last night's brief snow storm and cold temperatures left icy conditions on roadways in the area.

The good news is that since it is President's Day, roads will have less traffic since all government agencies, banks and the post office are closed.

—Tribune staff report