Bad news for Bessemer

OK, after a couple of good news stories about the Marvel City, some bad news.

Actually one bad news, and one odd, and sort of bad story.

The bad news is that regional planners want to remove the "Western leg" of the Northern Beltline from the plans. That would put off completion of the beltway for more than 25 years.

They think that Trussville and Gardendale are more important than Bessemer, and would end the roadway at Hwy 78 in Graysville.

I wonder what our city leaders think about that.

The project has always been referred to as the "Northern Beltline" and this is the first I have heard of it having a "leg" that could be amputated.

More planners channeling Bettye Fine Collins' misunderstanding of the importance of the Bessemer cutoff is what it is.

The other story is this "altar call" at Bessemer City High School during school time at an assembly. The assembly had a good purpose, it was the second annual Young Men's Conference, and included discussion on safe sex as well as abstinence, self respect and acceptable behavior.

But when social studies teacher Tarus Lyons asked the guys if they had done anything wrong in their lives and to come to the front things began to sound a little "revivalish".

And by the time school counselor Rick Owens led them a prayer seeking forgiveness and said JC was the only way to salvation, things had gone a little bit too far.

I am a little bit confused by principal Jerome Cook's explanation that the assembly was "required" but that attendance was "voluntary."

I think Bessemer City High officials have learned from the experience. The principal also said that part two of the conference would not feature a prayer.

But, can you say ACLU?

Here's the unofficial video to Airplanes by Local Natives.



And here is the official one. Both are good, but which do you like best?