LEGAL NOTICE

The Bessemer Housing Authority (BHA) is required by The Department of Housing and Urban Development to prepare a Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan annually and a Five-Year Plan every fifth fiscal year.

The PHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to the PHA’s policies, programs, operations and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. It is through the PHA Plan that a PHA receives capital funding.

Any comments may be submitted by mail to the Bessemer Housing Authority, 1515 Fairfax Ave., South, Bessemer, AL 35020.

The Draft PHA Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 will be available for review at BHA locations:

1515 Fairfax Avenue South, Bessemer
610 35th Street North, Bessemer
1100 5th Avenue North, Bessemer
2500 Clarendon Avenue South, Bessemer

From 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the Bessemer Housing Authority’s Website www.besha.org.

PUBLICATION DATES: April 24; May 1; May 8; May 15; May 22; May 29; June 5; June 12

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MICHAEL S HEMBREE, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000261

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Upon Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 21ST day of MAY 2026 by the HONORABLE JAMERIA JOHNSON MOORE, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

DEBORAH HEMBREE
Personal Representative(s)

05/29/2026; 06/5/2026; 06/12/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

Jefferson County, Alabama Board of Equalization & Adjustments

Notice of Valuation of Property

In accordance with State of Alabama Code, Section 40-2-18, the Jefferson County, Alabama Board of Equalization has set 2026 real property values for all parcels located in Jefferson County, Alabama.

Beginning on May 26, 2026, these values are available for public inspection in the Birmingham and Bessemer Courthouse’s Board of Equalization, or you may log on to the Board of Equalization website to locate the value.

Objections must be filed in writing within 30 calendar days of the objection notice date. You may file online, hand deliver, or mail objections to us.

Instructions addressing objections to value are also available on our website at:

boe.jccal.org

Published May 29, June 5 & June 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ELLA R ANDREWS a/k/a ELLA RUTH ANDREWS, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000257

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Upon Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 21st day of May 2026 by the HONORABLE Yashiba G. Blanchard, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

CODY ANDREWS
Personal Representative(s)

05/29/2026; 06/05/2026; 06/12/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

ESTATE OF: GILBERT A. POTTER, DECEASED

CASE NO. 26BES00252

TO: HARRY A. POTTER, any and all heirs whose names, ages, conditions and addresses are unknown, and to any and all interested parties:

On the 15th day of May 2026, Tracy Gartenbaum came and filed her Petition for Probate of Will in the matter of the Estate of Gilbert A. Potter, Deceased.

And whereas the 14th day of July 2026, at 10:30 A.M., has been set as a day for hearing said petition and the testimony to be submitted in support of same.

It is therefore ordered that notice of the filing of said petition and of the day set for hearing same be given by publication once a week for three successive weeks in the WESTERN STAR, a newspaper published in this County, notifying all parties in interest to appear and contest said petition if they think proper so to do.

This the 20th day of May 2026.

_/J/ Jacqueline Knox
DEPUTY JUDGE OF PROBATE

Run dates: 05/29/2026, 06/05/2026, 06/12/2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MARIA ISABEL FARIAS, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000255

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Upon the Estate of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 20th day of May 2026 by the HONORABLE Jameria J. Moore, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

RAUL FRANCISCO FARIAS
Personal Representative(s)

05/29/2026; 06/05/2026; 06/12/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES0000212

ESTATE OF: Jerome Richardson, DECEASED

TO: Kelvin Whisenhut, any and all heirs whose names, ages, conditions and addresses are unknown, and to any and all interested parties:

On the 14th day of May 2026, Linda Roper Richardson filed her Motion to Revoke Letters of Administration and for Issuance of Letters of Administration to Surviving Spouse in the matter of the Estate of Jerome Richardson, Deceased.

And whereas the 1st day of July 2026, at 1:30 p.m., has been set as a day for hearing said petition and the testimony to be submitted in support of same.

It is therefore ordered that notice of the filing of said petition and of the day set for hearing same be given by publication once a week for three successive weeks in the Western Star, a newspaper published in this County, notifying all parties in interest to appear and contest said petition if they think proper so to do.

This the 15th day of May 2026.

Yashiba Blanchard
JUDGE OF PROBATE

5/29/26; 6/5/26; 6/12/26

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF BIBB COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of the Adoption Petition of Cody Jason Martin and Sara Elise Pettit Martin

Case No. 2026AD023

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN FATHER, whose whereabouts are unknown.

To the unknown biological father of a minor child born to Samone Dorlinda Kelley on March 22nd, 2023, in Jefferson County, Alabama.

Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption has been filed in Case No. 2026AD023 and that a hearing on said petition has been set for the 14th day of August, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. before the Probate Court of Bibb County, Alabama.

Please be advised that if you intend to contest this Petition for Adoption, you must file a written response with the attorney for the Petitioner(s) named below and with the Probate Court of Bibb County, Alabama, but no later than 30 days from the last day this notice is published. You may appear and contest the same if you choose.

Done this the 22nd day of May, 2026.

Stephanie W. Kemmer
BIBB COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE
8 Court Square W A, Centerville, AL 35042

Attorney for Petitioner(s): Arthur O. Acosta
115 Magnolia Place Dr.
Wetumpka, AL 36093

Petitioner(s):

Cody Jason Martin
Sara Elise Pettit Martin

PUBLISH IN THE BESSEMER ‘WESTERN STAR’ ONCE A WEEK FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Publish: May 29, June 5, 12, & 19, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF BIBB COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of the Adoption Petition of James Christopher Brown and Jennifer Dominic Brown

Case No. 2026AD021

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN FATHER, whose whereabouts are unknown.

To the unknown biological father of a minor child born to Lakesha Denise Loyd on July 11th, 2016, in Fulton County, Georgia.

Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption has been filed in Case No. 2026AD021 and that a hearing on said petition has been set for the 14th day of August, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. before the Probate Court of Bibb County, Alabama.

Done this the 22nd day of May, 2026.

Stephanie W. Kemmer
BIBB COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE
8 Court Square W A, Centerville, AL 35042

Attorney for Petitioner(s): Arthur O. Acosta
115 Magnolia Place Dr.
Wetumpka, AL 36093

Petitioner(s):

James Christopher Brown
Jennifer Dominic Brown

PUBLISH IN THE BESSEMER ‘WESTERN STAR’ ONCE A WEEK FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Publish: May 29, June 5, 12, & 19, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

Any comments may be submitted by mail to the Bessemer Housing Authority, 1515 Fairfax Ave., South, Bessemer, AL 35020.

The Draft PHA Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 will be available for review at BHA locations:

1515 Fairfax Avenue South, Bessemer
610 35th Street North, Bessemer
1100 5th Avenue North, Bessemer
2500 Clarendon Avenue South, Bessemer

From 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the Bessemer Housing Authority’s Website www.besha.org.

PUBLICATION DATES: April 24; May 1; May 8; May 15; May 22; May 29; June 5; June 12

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MICHAEL S HEMBREE, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000261

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

DEBORAH HEMBREE
Personal Representative(s)

05/29/2026; 06/5/2026; 06/12/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

Jefferson County, Alabama Board of Equalization & Adjustments

Notice of Valuation of Property

Objections must be filed in writing within 30 calendar days of the objection notice date. You may file online, hand deliver, or mail objections to us.

Instructions addressing objections to value are also available on our website at:

boe.jccal.org

Published May 29, June 5 & June 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ELLA R ANDREWS a/k/a ELLA RUTH ANDREWS, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000257

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

CODY ANDREWS
Personal Representative(s)

05/29/2026; 06/05/2026; 06/12/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

ESTATE OF: GILBERT A. POTTER, DECEASED

CASE NO. 26BES00252

TO: HARRY A. POTTER, any and all heirs whose names, ages, conditions and addresses are unknown, and to any and all interested parties:

On the 15th day of May 2026, Tracy Gartenbaum came and filed her Petition for Probate of Will in the matter of the Estate of Gilbert A. Potter, Deceased.

And whereas the 14th day of July 2026, at 10:30 A.M., has been set as a day for hearing said petition and the testimony to be submitted in support of same.

This the 20th day of May 2026.

_/J/ Jacqueline Knox
DEPUTY JUDGE OF PROBATE

Run dates: 05/29/2026, 06/05/2026, 06/12/2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MARIA ISABEL FARIAS, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000255

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

RAUL FRANCISCO FARIAS
Personal Representative(s)

05/29/2026; 06/05/2026; 06/12/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES0000212

ESTATE OF: Jerome Richardson, DECEASED

TO: Kelvin Whisenhut, any and all heirs whose names, ages, conditions and addresses are unknown, and to any and all interested parties:

And whereas the 1st day of July 2026, at 1:30 p.m., has been set as a day for hearing said petition and the testimony to be submitted in support of same.

This the 15th day of May 2026.

Yashiba Blanchard
JUDGE OF PROBATE

5/29/26; 6/5/26; 6/12/26

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF BIBB COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of the Adoption Petition of Cody Jason Martin and Sara Elise Pettit Martin

Case No. 2026AD023

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN FATHER, whose whereabouts are unknown.

To the unknown biological father of a minor child born to Samone Dorlinda Kelley on March 22nd, 2023, in Jefferson County, Alabama.

Done this the 22nd day of May, 2026.

Stephanie W. Kemmer
BIBB COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE
8 Court Square W A, Centerville, AL 35042

Attorney for Petitioner(s): Arthur O. Acosta
115 Magnolia Place Dr.
Wetumpka, AL 36093

Petitioner(s):

Cody Jason Martin
Sara Elise Pettit Martin

PUBLISH IN THE BESSEMER ‘WESTERN STAR’ ONCE A WEEK FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Publish: May 29, June 5, 12, & 19, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF BIBB COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of the Adoption Petition of James Christopher Brown and Jennifer Dominic Brown

Case No. 2026AD021

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO: UNKNOWN FATHER, whose whereabouts are unknown.

To the unknown biological father of a minor child born to Lakesha Denise Loyd on July 11th, 2016, in Fulton County, Georgia.

Done this the 22nd day of May, 2026.

Stephanie W. Kemmer
BIBB COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE
8 Court Square W A, Centerville, AL 35042

Attorney for Petitioner(s): Arthur O. Acosta
115 Magnolia Place Dr.
Wetumpka, AL 36093

Petitioner(s):

James Christopher Brown
Jennifer Dominic Brown

PUBLISH IN THE BESSEMER ‘WESTERN STAR’ ONCE A WEEK FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Publish: May 29, June 5, 12, & 19, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF BIBB COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of the Adoption Petition of Cody Jason Martin and Sara Elise Pettit Martin

Case No. 2026AD022

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO: FATHER, whose whereabouts are unknown.

To the presumed father, CASEY JORGE MCDUFFIE, of a minor child born to Samone Dorlinda Kelley on September 16th, 2021, in Walker County, Alabama.

Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption has been filed in Case No. 2026AD022 and that a hearing on said petition has been set for the 14th day of August, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. before the Probate Court of Bibb County, Alabama.

Done this the 22nd day of May, 2026.

Stephanie W. Kemmer
BIBB COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE
8 Court Square W A, Centerville, AL 35042

Attorney for Petitioner(s): Arthur O. Acosta
115 Magnolia Place Dr.
Wetumpka, AL 36093

Petitioner(s):

Cody Jason Martin
Sara Elise Pettit Martin

PUBLISH IN THE BESSEMER ‘WESTERN STAR’ ONCE A WEEK FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Publish: May 29, June 5, 12, & 19, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DONNA MITCHELL, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000231

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Upon Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 4th day of May 2026 by the HONORABLE JAMERIA JOHNSON MOORE, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having Claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

NICHCOLAS CIRE MITCHELL
Personal Representative(s)

6/5/26; 6/12/26; 6/19/26

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JACQUELINE ELIZABETH HOUSTON, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000256

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Upon the Estate of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 20th day of May 2026 by the HONORABLE Yashiba Blanchard, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having Claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

KIMBLEY GATSON
Personal Representative(s)

06/05/2026; 06/12/2026; 06/19/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: WILLIE SMITH JR, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000190

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Upon the Estate of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 9th day of April 2026 by the HONORABLE YASHIBA GLENN BLANCHARD, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having Claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

JAY GREENE
Personal Representative(s)

06/5/26; 6/12/26 and 6/19/26

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 25BES000219

ESTATE OF: LARRY WAYNE HYCHE, DECEASED

TO: Jerry Lynn Hyche, Phillip Hyche, Timmy Hyche, Jane Hyche, Gary Hyche, Any and All Heirs, Whose Names, Ages, Conditions and Addresses are Unknown, and to any and all interested parties:

On the 18th day of September 2025, came Mavis Ann Hyche and filed her Petition to Set Aside Homestead Allowance, Exempt Property and Family Allowance, in the matter of the Estate of Larry Wayne Hyche, Deceased.

And whereas the 27th day of July 2026, at 1:15 p.m., has been set as a day for hearing said petition and the testimony to be submitted in support of same.

This the 28th day of May 2026.

Jameria Johnson Moore
JUDGE OF PROBATE

Please publish:

6/5/26; 6/12/26; 6/19/26

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: REAGAN LEIGH ROBERTS SMITH aka REAGAN LEIGH SMITH, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000271

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Upon the Estate of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 28th day of May 2026 by the HONORABLE JAMERIA JOHNSON MOORE, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having Claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

THADDEUS JERMAINE SMITH
Personal Representative(s)

06/05/2026; 06/12/2026; 06/19/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES000196

ESTATE OF: TIMOTHY KNOX, DECEASED

TO: QUINTON COSTELLO KNOX, JOZAVIA CORTEZ KNOX, KAYLA NICOLE KNOX, KAITLYN LACOLE KNOX, Any and All Heirs, Whose Names, Ages, Conditions and Addresses are Unknown, and to any and all interested parties:

On the 27th day of April 2026, came Timesha Knox and filed her Motion to Remove Administrator and Motion to Set for Hearing, in the matter of the Estate of Timothy Knox, Deceased.

And whereas the 2nd day of September 2026, at 11:00 a.m., has been set as a day for hearing said petition and the testimony to be submitted in support of same.

This the 28th day of May 2026.

Sherri C. Friday
JUDGE OF PROBATE

Please Publish: 6/5/26; 6/12/26; 6/19/26

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ELECTION

June 9, 2026

Notice of Election of Municipal Elected Officials
City of Bessemer, Alabama

Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, an election for the purpose of electing the Mayor, City Council (Districts 1-7), and School Board (Districts 1-7) for the City of Bessemer, Alabama, will be held.

All registered and qualified electors of the state who reside within the corporate limits of Bessemer, Alabama, and have resided therein 30 days or more immediately preceding the date of the election, and who are qualified to vote in the county precinct which embraces and covers that part of the corporate limits of the city in which the elector resides, will be authorized to participate in the election.

The polls will be opened at 7:00 A.M. and close at 7:00 P.M. at the following locations:

Council District and Box Polling Place

(a) District 1, Box 1
Fire Administration Building
1101 2nd Avenue
Bessemer, Alabama 35020

(b) District 2, Box 1
Macedonia Baptist Church
1401 26th Street North
Bessemer, Alabama 35020

(c) District 3, Box 1
Community Center
South Bessemer Housing Project
2501 Clarendon Avenue
Bessemer, Alabama 35020

(d) District 4, Box 1
The Station Church
6270 Park South Drive
Bessemer, Alabama 35022

(e) District 4, Box 2
Parkwood Church of God
1975 Highway 150
Bessemer, Alabama 35022

(f) District 5, Box 1
West Hills Primary School
710 Glenn Road
Bessemer, Alabama 35022

(g) District 6, Box 1
Fire Station No. 4
495 Flint Hill Road
Bessemer, Alabama 35022

(h) District 6, Box 2
Fire Station No. 5
1709 Long 12th Street North
Bessemer, Alabama 35020

(i) District 7, Box 1
Thompson Manor
1500 Exeter Avenue
Bessemer, Alabama 35020

(j) District 7, Box 2
Bessemer Recreation Center
100 14th Street South
Bessemer, Alabama 35020

The above-described places of voting have been designated pursuant to Ala. Code 1975, §11-46-24. If necessary, a run-off election will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Any qualified elector who has resided within the City of Bessemer or within the district from which he or she seeks election for a period of at least 90 days may qualify to run for office by filing the appropriate forms and paying any appropriate fees, as otherwise provided by law.

These forms may be obtained from and filed with the Office of the City Clerk, Bessemer City Hall, 1700 3rd Avenue North, Bessemer, Alabama 35020, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pursuant to Ala. Code 1975, §11-46-25, the qualifying period for the municipal election shall be from the date of this notice (June 9, 2026) until the fourth Tuesday in June (June 23, 2026) at 5:00 P.M.

Wanda D. Taylor
City Clerk
City of Bessemer, Alabama

Publication Date: June 5 & 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LILA LEE GOLDEN SMITH, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000275

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Upon Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 1ST day of JUNE 2026 by the HONORABLE SHERRI C FRIDAY, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having Claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

PATSY SMITH MARTIN
Personal Representative(s)

06/05/2026; 06/12/2026; 06/19/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: QUINTIN KELLY BARNES SR, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000282

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Upon the Estate of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 2nd day of June 2026 by the HONORABLE SHERRI C FRIDAY, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having Claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

JAY GREENE
Personal Representative(s)

06/05/2026; 06/12/2026; 06/19/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JOSEPH HAROLD HUMPHREY aka JOSEPH H HUMPHREY, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000281

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Upon the Estate of said decedent, having been granted to the Undersigned on the 2ND day of June 2026 by the HONORABLE JAMERIA JOHNSON MOORE, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having Claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

JAY GREENE
Personal Representative(s)

06/05/2026; 06/12/2026; 06/19/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION ON FINAL SETTLEMENT

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 22BES000686

ESTATE OF: JOSEPH D. LAWSON, a protected person, now deceased

To: Kensley Lawson, Jackie Lawson, Ralph Lawson, and any and all other parties interested in said estate, take notice:

On the 11th day of May 2026, came C. Burton Dunn, Esq., conservator for the Estate of Joseph D. Lawson, a protected person, now deceased, and filed his accounts, vouchers, evidence and statement for a Final Settlement of same.

It is therefore ordered that the 28th day of September 2026, at 2:00 p.m., be appointed a day for making such settlement, at which time all parties in interest can appear and contest the same if they think proper.

Done this the 2nd day of June 2026.

Jameria Johnson Moore
JUDGE OF PROBATE

PLEASE PUB:

6/5/26; 6/12/26; 6/19/26

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: KIMBERLY J BARNES, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER: 26BES000280

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

JAY GREENE
Personal Representative(s)

06/05/2026; 06/12/2026; 06/19/2026

Attorney of Record

LEGAL NOTICE

ORDINANCE NO. 3700

AN ORDINANCE SETTING LAST DAY TO QUALIFY FOR ELECTION AND AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE OF THE 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF BESSEMER, ALABAMA

WHEREAS, Code of Ala. § 11-46-22 (1975), as amended, states the Mayor is to give notice of all municipal elections by publishing notice thereof in a newspaper published in the City of Bessemer, Alabama on the second Tuesday in June preceding the election or the first business day thereafter; and

WHEREAS, Code of Ala. § 11-46-2 (1975), states that the governing body of all municipal corporations of this state may, by ordinance, establish and fix a qualification fee of not less than $10.00 nor more than $50.00 to be imposed upon all candidates seeking election in municipal elections; and

WHEREAS, prior to the 2010 election, the City Council of the City of Bessemer, Alabama in Ordinance No. 3442, designated a qualifying fee of $50.00; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 municipal election in the City of Bessemer, Alabama for Mayor, City Council and School Board is set by law for the 4th Tuesday in August 2026 (August 25, 2026) with the runoff election, should one be necessary, on the 4th Tuesday following the regular election (September 22, 2026); and

WHEREAS, the City of Bessemer desires to publish a list of the polling places for the 2026 Municipal election;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BESSEMER, ALABAMA, as follows:

That the last day for candidates to qualify for the 2026 Municipal election in the City of Bessemer, Alabama for Mayor, City Council and School Board is set by law. Pursuant to Ala. Code 1975, §11-46-25, the qualifying period for the Municipal election shall be from the date of this notice (June 9, 2026) until the fourth Tuesday in June (June 23, 2026) at 5:00 P.M.

That the qualifying fee is set at fifty dollars ($50.00).

That the Mayor shall publish notice of the Municipal elections of the City of Bessemer, Alabama in a newspaper published in the City of Bessemer, Alabama as required by Code of Ala. § 11-46-22 (1975).

That this Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

ADOPTED and APPROVED this the 2nd day of June 2026.

Wanda D. Taylor
City Clerk
City of Bessemer, Alabama

Publication Date: June 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

ORDINANCE NO. 3701

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2026 FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF BESSEMER, ALABAMA; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bessemer, Alabama, finds that it is necessary to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations in order to minimize threats to life and property due to flooding; and

WHEREAS, participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) requires the adoption and enforcement of floodplain management regulations meeting or exceeding the minimum standards established by federal law and regulations; and

WHEREAS, the attached 2026 Floodplain Development Ordinance has been prepared to meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and applicable Alabama law, and to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Bessemer, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed ordinance and finds that its adoption is in the best interests of the City of Bessemer.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Bessemer, Alabama, as follows:

SECTION 1. ADOPTION

The document attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, entitled “2026 Floodplain Development Ordinance,” consisting of fifty-three (53) pages, is hereby adopted in its entirety as the official Floodplain Development Ordinance of the City of Bessemer, Alabama.

SECTION 2. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The attached 2026 Floodplain Development Ordinance shall be maintained on file in the office of the City Clerk and shall have the same force and effect as though fully set forth herein.

SECTION 3. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, including any prior flood damage prevention or floodplain management ordinances previously adopted by the City of Bessemer, Alabama.

SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY

Should any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 5. COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

This Ordinance is adopted for the purpose of maintaining eligibility for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and shall be construed and administered in a manner consistent with all applicable FEMA regulations, including 44 C.F.R. Part 60.

This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

ADOPTED and APPROVED this the 2nd day of June 2026.

Wanda D. Taylor
City Clerk
City of Bessemer, Alabama

Publication Date: June 12, 2026

City of Bessemer Floodplain Development Ordinance

Adopted June 2, 2026

Prepared by:

Aaron Killings – City Attorney
Ronald R. Gilbert – City Engineer
Tom Harmon – Chief Building Official
Scott Gurley – Stormwater Specialist

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE 1 – STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT, PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

Section A: Statutory Authorization
Section B: Findings of Fact
Section C: Statement of Purpose
Section D: Objectives

ARTICLE 2 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section A: Lands to Which This Ordinance Applies
Section B: Basis for Special Flood Hazard Areas
Section C: Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit
Section D: Compliance
Section E: Abrogation and Greater Restrictions
Section F: Interpretation
Section G: Warning and Disclaimer of Liability
Section H: Penalties for Violation
Section I: Savings Clause
Section J: Repealer

ARTICLE 3 – ADMINISTRATION

Section A: Designation of Floodplain Administrator
Section B: Permit Procedures
Section C: Duties and Responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator

ARTICLE 4 – PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION

Section A: General Standards
Section B: Specific Technical Standards
Section C: Floodways
Section D: Building Standards for Streams Without Established Base Flood Elevations
Section E: Standards for Areas of Shallow Flooding
Section F: Standards for Subdivisions and Other Development

ARTICLE 5 – VARIANCE PROCEDURES

Section A: Designation of Variance and Appeals Board
Section B: Duties of Board
Section C: Conditions for Variances
Section D: Variance Procedures
Section E: Variances for Historic Structures
Section F: Variance Notification and Records

ARTICLE 6 – DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 7 – LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS

Section A: Severability
Section B: Enforceability of Ordinance and Future Revisions
Section C: Effective Date
Section D: Adoption Signatures and Certification

FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
City of Bessemer
Ordinance No. XXXX

ARTICLE 1

Statutory Authorization, Findings of Fact, Purpose, And Objectives

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Communities are not required to participate in the program by any law or regulation, but instead participate voluntarily in order to obtain access to NFIP flood insurance. Communities that choose to participate in the NFIP are required to adopt and enforce a floodplain development ordinance with land use and control measures that include effective enforcement provisions to regulate development in the floodplain resulting in reduced future flood losses.

FEMA has set forth in federal regulations the minimum standards required for participation in the NFIP; however, these standards have the force of law only because they are adopted and enforced by a state or local government, referred to as an NFIP community. Legal enforcement of the floodplain management standards is the responsibility of the participating NFIP community, which can elect to adopt higher standards as a means of mitigating flood risk.

The City of Bessemer agrees to adopt and enforce this Ordinance, which meets or exceeds the minimum standards of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 44 §60.3 in order to participate in the NFIP and have access to federal flood insurance and other federal assistance.

SECTION A – STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION

The Legislature of the State of Alabama has in Title 11, Chapter 19, Sections 1-24; Chapter 45, Sections 1-11; Chapter 52, Sections 1-84; and Title 41, Chapter 9, Section 166 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, authorized local government units to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry.

Therefore, the City Council of the City of Bessemer, Alabama, does ordain as follows:

SECTION B – FINDINGS OF FACT

The flood hazard areas of The City of Bessemer, Alabama (the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s [FEMA] designated Special Flood Hazard Areas [SFHAs] or other areas designated by The City of Bessemer as flood-prone areas) are subject to periodic inundation which may result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood relief and protection, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect public health, safety, and general welfare.

These flood losses are caused most often by development, as defined in this Ordinance, in areas designated as FEMA SFHAs or other areas designated by The City of Bessemer as vulnerable to flooding, including structures which are inadequately elevated or floodproofed (only non-residential structures) or are otherwise unprotected from flood damages; or by the cumulative effect of development in areas subject to flooding that cause increases in flood heights and velocities.

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

It is the purpose of this Ordinance to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:

Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction.
Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which increase flood heights, velocities, or erosion.
Control development (including filling, grading, paving, dredging, and all other development as defined in this Ordinance).
Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters, or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers which may influence the flow of water.

SECTION D – OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this Ordinance are to:

Protect human life and health.
Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in floodplains.
Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize flood blight areas.
Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects.
Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public.
Minimize prolonged business interruptions.
When asked for assistance regarding flood risk, ensure that potential home buyers are aware that a property is in an area subject to flooding.

ARTICLE 2

General Provisions

SECTION A – LANDS TO WHICH THIS ORDINANCE APPLIES

This Ordinance shall apply to all FEMA SFHAs and any additional areas designated by The City of Bessemer as floodplains or areas subject to flooding within the jurisdiction of The City of Bessemer, Alabama.

SECTION B – BASIS FOR SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS

The SFHAs identified by FEMA in Jefferson County’s Flood Insurance Study (FIS), dated September 24, 2021, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and other supporting data and any revision thereto, are adopted by reference and declared a part of this Ordinance.

For those lands acquired by a municipality through annexation, the current effective FIS and data for Jefferson County are hereby adopted by reference. Community Flood Hazard Areas may also be regulated as SFHAs.

FEMA encourages communities to adopt areas prone to flooding to be added to the FIRMs. They may include those areas known to have flooded historically or that have been defined through standard engineering analysis by a professional engineer, licensed to practice in the State of Alabama; or by governmental agencies or private organizations that are not yet incorporated into the FIS or otherwise designated by the community.

The following areas are designated as Community Flood Hazard Areas and will be regulated and permitted in like manner as the Special Flood Hazard Areas:

When Preliminary Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps have been provided by FEMA to the City of Bessemer:

Prior to the issuance of a Letter of Final Determination by FEMA, the use of the preliminary flood hazard data shall only be required where no BFEs and/or floodway areas exist or where the preliminary BFEs or floodway area exceed the BFEs and/or floodway widths in the effective flood hazard data provided by FEMA.
Such preliminary data may be subject to revision through valid appeals.
Upon the issuance of a Letter of Final Determination (LFD) by FEMA, the revised flood hazard data shall be used and replace all previously effective flood hazard data provided by FEMA for the purposes of administrating these regulations.
Where adopted regulatory standards conflict, the more stringent BFE shall prevail.
Preliminary FIS data may be subject to change by a valid appeal.

SECTION C – ESTABLISHMENT OF A FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

A Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this Ordinance PRIOR to the commencement of any development, as defined in this Ordinance, in identified SFHAs and any additional identified Community Flood Hazard Areas within the community.

SECTION D – COMPLIANCE

No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this Ordinance and other applicable regulations.

SECTION E – ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS

This Ordinance is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing ordinance, easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this Ordinance and another conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.

SECTION F – INTERPRETATION

In the interpretation and application of this Ordinance all provisions shall be:

Considered as minimum requirements;
Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.

SECTION G – WARNING AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

The degree of flood protection required by this Ordinance is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur; flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes.

This Ordinance does not imply that land outside the SFHAs or other identified areas subject to flooding or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages.

This Ordinance shall not create liability on the part of The City of Bessemer or by any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.

SECTION H – PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION

Violation of the provisions of this Ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements, including violation of conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants of variance or special exceptions, shall constitute a misdemeanor.

The Code of Alabama (1975), Title 11, Chapters 19 and 45 grant local governments in Alabama the authority to administer the enforcement provisions stated within this section of the Ordinance.

Stop Work Order

The community may issue a stop work order, which shall be served on the applicant or other responsible person.

Upon notice from the Administrator, work on any building, structure, or premises that is being performed contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance shall immediately cease.

Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to his or her agent, or to the person doing the work, and shall state the conditions under which work may be resumed.

The stop work order shall remain in effect until the applicant or other responsible person has taken the remedial measures set forth in the notice of violation or has otherwise cured the violation or violations described therein.

The stop work order must include a provision that it may be withdrawn or modified to enable the applicant or other responsible person to take the necessary remedial measures to cure such violation or violations.

Notice of Violation

If the community determines that an applicant or other responsible party for the development has failed to comply with the terms and conditions of a permit, or otherwise not in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, it shall issue a written Notice of Violation, by certified return receipt mail, to such applicant or other responsible person.

Where the person is engaged in activity covered by this Ordinance without having first secured a permit, the notice shall be served on the owner or the party in charge of the activity being conducted on the site.

Therefore, any work undertaken prior to submission and approval of an official permit by the City of Bessemer or otherwise not in accordance with this Ordinance shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance and be at the permit holder’s risk.

The notice of violation shall contain:

The name and address of the owner or the applicant or the responsible party;
The address or other description of the site upon which the violation is occurring;
A statement specifying the nature of the violation (including failure to obtain a permit);
A description of the remedial measures necessary to bring the action or inaction into compliance with the permit or this Ordinance and the date for the completion of such remedial action;
A statement of the penalty or penalties that may be assessed against the person to whom the notice of violation is directed; and
A statement in the Notice of Violation shall be included that the determination of violation may be appealed to the community by filing a written Notice of Appeal within ten (10) working days after the Notice of Violation.

Exceptions for the deadline for this Notice include:

In the event the violation constitutes a danger to public health or public safety, then a 24-hour notice shall be given.
If there is an imminent or immediate threat to life or property, then immediate action is required.

Civil Penalties

Any person who violates this Ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned for not more than 180 days, or both, and in addition, shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case.

Each day such violation continues following receipt of the Notice of Violation shall be considered a separate offense.

Nothing contained herein shall prevent the City of Bessemer from taking such other lawful actions as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

Additional Enforcement Actions

If the remedial measures described in the Notice of Violation have not been completed by the date set forth in the Notice of Violation, any one or more of the following enforcement actions may be enacted against the person to whom the Notice of Violation was directed.

Before taking any of the following enforcement actions or imposing any of the following penalties, the City of Bessemer shall first notify the applicant or other responsible person in writing of its intended action.

The City of Bessemer shall provide reasonable opportunity, of not less than ten days (except, in the event the violation constitutes a danger to public health or public safety, then a 24-hour notice shall be sufficient; if there is an imminent or immediate threat to the public health or public safety then immediate action is required) to cure such violation.

In the event the applicant or other responsible party fails to cure such violation after such notice and cure period, the City of Bessemer may take or impose any one or more of the enforcement actions or penalties listed below.

Termination of Water Service and/or Withhold or Revoke Certificate of Occupancy

The community may terminate utility services to the property and/or refuse to issue and/or revoke a certificate of occupancy for the building or other improvements/repairs conducted on the site.

The order shall remain in place until the applicant or other responsible party has taken the remedial measures set forth in the Notice of Violation or has otherwise cured the violation or violations described therein.

Suspension, Revocation, or Modification of Permit

The community may suspend, revoke, or modify the permit that authorizes the development project.

A suspended, revoked, or modified permit may be reinstated after the applicant or other responsible party has taken the remedial measures set forth in the Notice of Violation or has otherwise cured the violations described therein, provided such permit may be reinstated (upon such conditions as the community may deem necessary).

That would enable the applicant or other responsible party to take the necessary remedial measures to cure such violations.

i. The Administrator may revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Ordinance in case there has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to the material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or approval was based.

ii. The Administrator may revoke a permit upon determination that the construction, erection, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, installation, or replacement of the structure for which the permit was issued is in violation of, or not in conformity with, the provisions of this Ordinance.

Section 1316 Declaration

A Section 1316 declaration shall be used only when all other legal means included in this Ordinance to remedy a violation have been exhausted and the structure remains non-compliant.

Once invoked, the property’s flood insurance coverage will be terminated and no new or renewal policy can be issued, no NFIP insurance claim can be paid on any policy on the property, and federal disaster assistance will be denied for the property.

The declaration must be in writing (letter or citation), from the community to the property owner and to the FEMA Regional Office, and must contain the following items:

The name(s) of the property owner(s) and address or legal description of the property sufficient to confirm its identity and location;
A clear and unequivocal declaration that the property is in violation of a cited State or local law, regulation, or ordinance;
A clear statement that the public body making the declaration has authority to do so and a citation of that authority;
Evidence that the community has taken and exhausted all legal means to remedy the violation, including all Community enforcement actions, as specified in this Ordinance; and
Notice of violation, and a statement regarding the prospective denial of insurance.

The structure will be considered a violation until such time the violation has been remedied.

If a structure that has received a Section 1316 declaration is made compliant with all the applicable provisions of this Ordinance, then the Section 1316 declaration can be rescinded by the community and flood insurance eligibility restored.

Administrative Appeal; Judicial Review

Any person receiving a Notice of Violation may appeal the determination of the community, including but not limited to:

The issuance of a stop work order;
The assessment of an administratively-imposed monetary penalty;
The suspension, revocation, modification, or grant with condition of a permit by the community upon finding that the holder is in violation of permit conditions;
A finding that the holder is in violation of any applicable ordinance or any of the community’s rules and regulations; or
The issuance of a notice of bond forfeiture.

The Notice of Appeal must be in writing to the Floodplain Administrator and must be received within ten (10) days from the date of the Notice of Violation.

A hearing on the appeal shall take place within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the Notice of Appeal.

All appeals shall be heard and decided by the community’s designated appeals board, which shall be The City of Bessemer Zoning Board of Adjustment, or their designees.

The appeals board shall have the power to affirm, modify, or reject the original penalty, including the right to increase or decrease the amount of any monetary penalty and the right to add or delete remedial actions required for correction of the violation and compliance with the community’s floodplain development ordinance, and any other applicable local, state, or federal requirements.

Appeals cannot be in opposition to the provisions of this Ordinance.

The decision of the appeal board shall be final.

A judicial review can be requested by any person aggrieved by a decision or order of the community, after exhausting his/her administrative remedies.

They shall have the right to appeal de novo to the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, Bessemer Division, as provided in Section 11-52-80, et seq., Code of Alabama (2022).

SECTION I – SAVINGS CLAUSE

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be noncompliant with 44 Code of Federal Regulation 59-78, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

SECTION J – REPEALER

Ordinance No. 3600 of the City of Bessemer, Alabama is hereby repealed.

This Repealer shall not, however, affect, terminate, or preclude any rights, duties, requirements, or terms which arose or existed while said Ordinance was in effect, all of which are specifically preserved.

ARTICLE 3

Administration

SECTION A – DESIGNATION OF FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR

The Building Inspection Officer is hereby appointed to administer and implement the provisions of this Ordinance.

The Building Inspection Officer shall hereafter be referred to as the Floodplain Administrator in this Ordinance.

SECTION B – PERMIT PROCEDURES

Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be made to the Floodplain Administrator on forms furnished by the community PRIOR to any development (any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials) in the SFHAs of the community.

The application may include, but not be limited to, plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the elevations of the area of development and the nature, location, and dimensions of existing or proposed development.

Specifically, the following procedures and information are required for all projects in the SFHA or other designated floodplains within the jurisdiction of The City of Bessemer.

Application Stage

Plot plans are to include:

The BFEs where provided as set forth in Article 4, Section B and C;
Boundary of the Special Flood Hazard Area and floodway(s) as delineated on the FIRM or other flood map as determined in Article 2, Section B;
Flood zone designation of the proposed development area as determined on the FIRM or other flood map as set forth in Article 2, Section B;
Elevation in relation to mean sea level (or highest adjacent grade) of the regulatory lowest floor elevation, including basement, of all proposed structures;
Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any non-residential structure will be flood-proofed;
Design certification from a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Alabama, or a licensed architect registered to practice in the State of Alabama, that any proposed non-residential floodproofed structure will meet the floodproofing criteria of Article 4, Sections B(2), and E(2);
A Foundation Plan, drawn to scale, including details of the proposed foundation system to ensure all provisions of this Ordinance are met;
Usage details of any enclosed areas below the lowest floor;
Plans and/or details for the protection of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems;
Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of a proposed development;
Certification of the plot plan by a professional engineer or surveyor licensed to practice in the State of Alabama; and
Requirements relating to LOMR-F areas and freeboard elevations as stated in the Ordinance.

Construction Stage

For all new construction and substantial improvements, the permit holder shall provide to the Floodplain Administrator an as-built certification of the regulatory floor elevation or flood-proofing level using appropriate FEMA elevation or floodproofing certificate immediately after the lowest floor or flood-proofing is completed.

In addition, when flood-proofing is utilized for non-residential structures, said certification shall be prepared by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Alabama, or an architect registered to practice in the State of Alabama.

Any work undertaken prior to submission of these certifications shall be at the permit holder’s risk.

The Floodplain Administrator shall review the submitted certification data. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected immediately and prior to further work being allowed.

Failure to submit certification, or failure to make the required corrections, shall be cause to issue a Notice of Violation and/or Stop-Work Order for the project.

Finished Construction

Upon completion of construction, a FEMA Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31 or equivalent), which depicts all finished construction elevations, must be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

If the project includes a floodproofing measure, a FEMA Floodproofing Certificate shall also be submitted as required by this Ordinance.

The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain all records pertaining to the provisions of this Ordinance and shall make such records available for public inspection as required by law.

SECTION C – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR

Duties of the Floodplain Administrator shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Review all floodplain development permit applications to determine that the requirements of this Ordinance have been satisfied.
Review proposed development to determine whether all necessary permits have been obtained from those federal, state, or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required.
Review all permit applications to determine whether the proposed development site will be reasonably safe from flooding.
Determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding and whether adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
Ensure that all necessary documentation has been submitted before permit approval.

Review of Building Permits

The Floodplain Administrator shall review all applications for development permits to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

The review shall include, but not be limited to:

Verification that all required permit information has been provided.
Confirmation that development activities are located in compliance with floodplain requirements.
Determination that structures are designed and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
Verification that construction materials and methods minimize flood damage.
Confirmation that utility systems are designed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.

Use of Other Base Flood Data

When base flood elevation data has not been provided by FEMA, the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any available base flood elevation and floodway data from federal, state, or other sources.

Such data shall be used for administering floodplain management regulations and ensuring compliance with this Ordinance.

Information to be Obtained and Maintained

The Floodplain Administrator shall obtain and maintain records of:

Elevation certificates for all new construction and substantial improvements.
Floodproofing certificates for non-residential structures.
Engineering certifications and analyses required by this Ordinance.
Records of variances and appeals.
Records of enforcement actions and compliance documentation.

These records shall be maintained permanently and made available upon request where required by law.

Alteration of Watercourses

Prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, the Floodplain Administrator shall:

Notify adjacent communities and the Alabama Office of Water Resources.
Submit evidence of such notification to FEMA.
Require that maintenance be provided within the altered or relocated portion of the watercourse so that its flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.

The Floodplain Administrator shall ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements regarding watercourse alterations.

Interpretation of FIRM Boundaries

The Floodplain Administrator shall make interpretations where needed regarding the exact location of boundaries of Special Flood Hazard Areas shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

Where there appears to be a conflict between mapped boundaries and actual field conditions, the Floodplain Administrator shall make the necessary determination based on available technical data.

Persons contesting such determinations may appeal in accordance with the procedures established by this Ordinance.

Notification Requirements

The Floodplain Administrator shall notify FEMA and other appropriate agencies whenever required by federal or state law regarding floodplain management activities.

Such notifications may include:

Changes in community boundaries.
Annexations.
Watercourse alterations.
Amendments to floodplain regulations.
Other matters affecting participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Record Keeping

All records pertaining to floodplain management, permits, elevation certificates, floodproofing certificates, variances, appeals, enforcement actions, inspections, and correspondence shall be maintained in an organized and accessible manner.

These records shall be retained in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Inspections

The Floodplain Administrator shall conduct inspections as necessary to determine compliance with this Ordinance.

Inspections may occur:

Prior to permit issuance.
During construction.
Upon completion of construction.
Following reports of violations.
As part of routine floodplain management activities.

Property owners and permit holders shall provide reasonable access for inspections conducted pursuant to this Ordinance.

Compliance Monitoring

The Floodplain Administrator shall monitor development activities occurring within Special Flood Hazard Areas and Community Flood Hazard Areas to ensure compliance with all applicable provisions of this Ordinance.

Where violations are discovered, enforcement actions shall be initiated in accordance with Article 2, Section H.

Coordination with Other Agencies

The Floodplain Administrator shall coordinate with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies as necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of this Ordinance.

Such coordination may include consultation regarding:

Flood hazard determinations.
Engineering analyses.
Permit reviews.
Regulatory compliance.
Hazard mitigation activities.
Floodplain mapping updates.

Technical Assistance

The Floodplain Administrator may provide information and technical assistance to property owners, developers, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and the public regarding floodplain management requirements and flood risk information.

Provision of such assistance shall not relieve any person from responsibility for complying with all requirements of this Ordinance.

General Authority

The Floodplain Administrator is authorized to take all actions reasonably necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this Ordinance, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Such authority includes reviewing permits, conducting inspections, maintaining records, interpreting floodplain maps, issuing notices of violation, and coordinating enforcement actions as authorized by this Ordinance.

Provided that:

The repairs do not expand, enlarge, or increase the footprint of the agricultural structure;
The repairs restore the structure only to its pre-damage condition and do not constitute a substantial improvement beyond what existed before the damage;
The structure remains used exclusively for agricultural purposes as defined in this Ordinance;
All hazardous materials, chemicals, fuels, pesticides, fertilizers, and similar substances are stored in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and are protected from floodwaters;
The repair work complies with all other applicable permit requirements and floodplain management standards of the City of Bessemer;
The Floodplain Administrator documents the damage assessment and repair activities and maintains records in perpetuity.

SECTION C. FLOODWAYS

Located within the SFHAs established in Article 2, Section B, are areas designated as floodways.

Floodways are extremely hazardous areas due to the velocity of flood waters that carry debris, potential projectiles, and erosion potential.

The following provisions shall apply:

Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development shall be prohibited unless certification by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Alabama demonstrates through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge.
If Article 4, Section C(1) is satisfied, all new construction and substantial improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of this Ordinance.
Under the provisions of 44 CFR §65.12, a community may permit encroachments within the adopted regulatory floodway that would result in an increase in BFEs, provided that the community first applies for and receives FEMA approval through the Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) process.

SECTION D. BUILDING STANDARDS FOR STREAMS WITHOUT ESTABLISHED BASE FLOOD ELEVATIONS

Along rivers and streams where BFEs have not been established and where no floodway has been designated, the following standards shall apply:

No encroachments, including fill material or structures, shall be located within the area of special flood hazard unless hydrologic and hydraulic analyses demonstrate that the proposed development will not increase flood levels more than one foot at any point within the community.
New construction and substantial improvements shall be elevated or floodproofed in accordance with standards established by this Ordinance using the best available flood data.
The Floodplain Administrator shall obtain and reasonably utilize any flood elevation and floodway data available from Federal, State, or other sources.

SECTION E. STANDARDS FOR AREAS OF SHALLOW FLOODING (AH ZONES)

Located within the SFHAs are areas designated as AH Zones.

These areas have base flood depths of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist.

The following provisions apply:

All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM plus two feet of freeboard.
Non-residential structures may either:
- Meet the elevation requirements above; or
- Be floodproofed to the required flood protection elevation.
Adequate drainage paths shall be provided around structures to guide floodwaters away from buildings.

SECTION F. STANDARDS FOR SUBDIVISIONS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT

All subdivision proposals and other proposed developments, including manufactured home parks and subdivisions, shall:

Minimize flood damage;
Have public utilities and facilities located and constructed to minimize flood damage;
Provide adequate drainage to reduce exposure to flood hazards;
Include base flood elevation data for proposals containing fifty lots or five acres, whichever is less, when BFEs are not otherwise available.

ARTICLE 5

VARIANCE PROCEDURES

SECTION A. DESIGNATION OF VARIANCE AND APPEALS BOARD

The City of Bessemer Zoning Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide requests for variances from the requirements of this Ordinance.

SECTION B. DUTIES OF BOARD

The Board shall:

Hear and decide appeals where there is an alleged error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Floodplain Administrator;
Hear requests for variances from the strict application of this Ordinance;
Interpret floodplain boundaries where disputes arise.

SECTION C. CONDITIONS FOR VARIANCES

The provisions of this Ordinance are minimum standards for flood loss reduction; therefore, any deviation from the standards must be weighed carefully. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

A variance may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot one-half acre or less in size, contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level, in conformance with the procedures of Sections C(3), C(4), F(1), and F(2) of this Article.

In the instance of a Historic Structure, a determination is required that the variance be the minimum necessary so as not to destroy the historic character and design of the building.

A variance shall be issued ONLY when there is:

A finding of good and sufficient cause;
A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship (cannot be personal physical or financial hardship); and
A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisance, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.

A variance shall only be issued upon the determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

Variances shall not be issued “after the fact.”

SECTION D. VARIANCE PROCEDURES

In reviewing requests for variance, the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall consider all technical evaluations, relevant factors, and standards specified in other sections of this Ordinance, and:

Certain facilities and structures must be located on or adjacent to water in order to perform their intended purpose, which may result in practical and operational difficulties due to the physical characteristics of the property.
Variances may be issued for development necessary for conducting a functionally dependent use, provided:
- The criteria of this Article are met;
- No reasonable alternative exists;
- The development is protected by methods that minimize flood damage during the base flood; and
- It creates no additional threats to public safety.
Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if ANY increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
Variances may be issued for the construction or substantial improvement of accessory structures provided it has been determined that the proposed structure:
- Represents minimal investment and has low damage potential (amount of physical damage, contents damage, and loss of function);
- Is larger than the size limits specified in Article 4, Section B(7)(i); and
- Complies with the wet floodproofing construction requirements of Article 4, Section B(3).
Variances may be issued for the construction or substantial improvement of agricultural structures provided it has been determined that the proposed structure:
- Is used exclusively in connection with the production, harvesting, storage, raising, or drying of agricultural commodities and livestock, or storage of tools or equipment used in connection with these purposes or uses, and will be restricted to such exclusive uses;
- Has low damage potential (amount of physical damage, contents damage, and loss of function);
- Does not increase risks and pose a danger to public health, safety, and welfare if flooded and contents are released; and
- Is an aquaculture structure dependent on proximity to water if located in a coastal high-hazard area (Zones V, VE, V1-30, and VO).
- Complies with the wet floodproofing construction requirements of Article 4, Section B(3).

The evaluation must be based on characteristics unique to that property and not shared by adjacent parcels. The characteristics must pertain to the land itself, not to the structure, its inhabitants, or its owners.

Variances should never be granted for multiple lots, phases of subdivisions, or entire subdivisions.

Careful consideration and evaluation should be given to the following factors:

The danger of life and property due to flooding or erosion damage, including materials that may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others.
The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner and the community.
The safety of access to the property during flood conditions for daily traffic and emergency vehicles.
The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community.
The necessity of the facility to be at a waterfront location, where applicable.
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development based on the community’s comprehensive plan for that area.
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of floodwaters and the effects of wave action expected at the site.
The costs associated with providing governmental services to the development during and after flood conditions, including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities.

Upon consideration of the factors listed above and the purpose of this Ordinance, the Zoning Board of Adjustment may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this Ordinance.

SECTION E. VARIANCES FOR HISTORIC STRUCTURES

Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of Historic Structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a Historic Structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.

SECTION F. VARIANCE NOTIFICATION AND RECORDS

Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice over the signature of a community official that specifies the difference between the BFE and the elevation of the proposed lowest floor and states that the issuance of such a variance could:

Result in flood insurance rate increases in the hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars annually depending on structure and site-specific conditions; and
Increase the risk to life and property resulting from construction below the base flood level.

The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain a record of all variance actions and appeal actions, including justification for their issuance. Report any variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 4 and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs/Office of Water Resources upon request.

A copy of the notice shall be recorded by the Floodplain Administrator in the Office of the City Clerk and shall be recorded in a manner so that it appears in the chain of title (i.e., deed) of the affected parcel of land.

ARTICLE 6

DEFINITIONS

Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Ordinance shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this Ordinance its most reasonable application.

A Zone means the special flood hazard areas on a FIRM without base flood elevations determined.

Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Accessory Structure (also referred to as Appurtenant Structures) means a structure which is located on the same parcel of property as a principal structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure. Detached garages and small sheds used for limited storage are considered accessory structures. Other examples of accessory structures include gazebos, picnic pavilions, boathouses, small pole barns, storage sheds, and similar buildings. An accessory structure specifically excludes structures used for human habitation.

Addition (to an Existing Building) means any improvement that increases the square footage of a structure. These include lateral additions added to the front, side, or rear of a structure, vertical additions added on top of a structure, and enclosures added underneath a structure. NFIP regulations for new construction apply to any addition that is considered a substantial improvement to a structure.

AE Zone means the special flood hazard areas on a FIRM with base flood elevations determined.

Agricultural Structure means a walled and roofed structure used exclusively for agricultural purposes or uses in connection with the production, harvesting, storage, raising, or drying of agricultural commodities and livestock, including aquatic organisms. Aquaculture structures are included within this definition. Structures that house tools or equipment used in connection with these purposes or uses are also considered to have agricultural purposes or uses.

AH Zone means an area of special flood hazards on a FIRM having shallow water depths and/or unpredictable flow paths between one (1) and three (3) feet, and with water surface elevations determined.

AO Zone means an area of special flood hazards on a FIRM having shallow water depths and/or unpredictable flow paths between one (1) and three (3) feet.

Appeal means a request for a review of the Floodplain Administrator’s interpretation of any provision of this Ordinance.

Appurtenant Structure (see definition for Accessory Structure).

AR/AE, AR/AH, AR/AO, and AR/A Zones means an area of special flood hazard on a FIRM that results from the decertification of a previously accredited flood protection system that is determined to be in the process of being restored to provide base flood protection.

A99 Zone means an area of special flood hazard on a FIRM where enough progress has been made on a protective system, such as dikes, dams, and levees, to consider it complete for insurance rating purposes.

Area of Future-Conditions Flood Hazard means the land area that would be inundated by the 1-percent-annual-chance (100-year) flood based on future-conditions hydrology.

Area of Shallow Flooding means a designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH, or VO Zone on a community’s FIRM with a 1 percent or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one (1) to three (3) feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.

Area of Special Flood Hazard (see definition for Special Flood Hazard Area).

Base Flood means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also referred to as the “one percent chance flood”).

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) means the elevation of surface water resulting from a flood that has a 1% chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year. The BFE is shown on the FIRM for Zones AE, AH, A1–A30, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, AR/AO, V1–V30, and VE. It is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or floodproofing of structures. The relationship between the BFE and a structure’s elevation determines the flood insurance premium.

Basement means any portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.

Building (also see Structure) means a structure with two or more outside rigid walls and a fully secured roof that is affixed to a permanent site; a manufactured home or a mobile home without wheels, built on a chassis and affixed to a permanent foundation, that is regulated under the community’s floodplain management and building ordinances or laws. “Building” does not mean a gas or liquid storage tank, recreational vehicle, park trailer, or other similar vehicle.

Community means any State or area or political subdivision thereof, or any Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or authorized native organization, which has authority to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations for the areas within its jurisdiction.

Community Rating System (CRS) means a voluntary program developed by the Federal Insurance Administration to provide incentives for communities in the Regular Program that have gone beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements to develop additional measures for flood protection.

Condominium Building means a type of building ownership in which each unit owner has an undivided interest in the common elements of the building.

Critical Facility (also known as Critical Action) means facilities or activities for which even a slight chance of flooding is too great a threat. Typical critical facilities include hospitals, fire stations, police stations, storage of critical records, and similar facilities. These facilities should be given special consideration when formulating regulatory alternatives and floodplain management plans. A critical facility should not be located in a floodplain if at all possible.

Critical Feature means an integral and readily identifiable part of a flood protection system, without which the flood protection provided by the entire system would be compromised.

Cumulative Substantial Improvement/Damage means any combination of reconstruction, alteration, or improvement to a building, taking place during a ten-year period, in which the cumulative percentage of improvement equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the current market value of the structure before the start of construction of the initial improvement. Any subsequent improvement project costs shall be added to the initial costs for the initial improvement project. At the end of a ten-year period from the initial improvement project, an updated valuation for the structure can be used for the next time period. Damages can be from any source.

D Zone means an area in which the flood hazard is undetermined.

Dam means an artificial barrier that has the ability to impound water, wastewater, or any liquid-borne material for the purpose of storage or control of water.

Design Flood Elevation (DFE) means the locally adopted regulatory flood elevation. It is the minimum elevation to which a structure must be elevated or floodproofed. DFE is the sum of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and freeboard, based on a building’s structural category. In areas designated as Zone AO on a community’s flood map, the DFE is the elevation of the highest existing grade of a building’s perimeter plus the depth number specified on the flood hazard map. In areas designated as Zone AO where a depth is not specified on the map, the depth shall be two (2) feet. In all cases, the DFE must be at least as high as the Base Flood Elevation.

Developed Area means an area of a community that:

Is a primarily urbanized, built-up area that has a minimum of twenty (20) contiguous acres, basic urban infrastructure including roads, utilities, communications, and public facilities, and is capable of sustaining industrial, residential, and commercial activities; and
Within which:
- Seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the parcels, tracts, or lots contain commercial, industrial, or residential structures or uses; or
- A single parcel, tract, or lot contains seventy-five percent (75%) or more commercial or industrial structures or uses; or
- A subdivision is developed at a density of at least two residential structures per acre, with seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the lots containing existing residential structures at the time the designation is adopted.
Includes undeveloped parcels, tracts, or lots, the combination of which is less than twenty (20) acres and contiguous on at least three sides to areas meeting the criteria above.
Includes a subdivision of at least twenty (20) contiguous acres that has obtained all necessary governmental approvals, provided that:
- Construction has begun on at least ten percent (10%) of the lots or allowable building coverage; and
- Construction of structures is underway.
- Residential subdivisions must meet the density criteria stated above.

Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.

Elevated Building means, for insurance purposes, a non-basement building whose lowest elevated floor is raised above ground level by foundation walls, shear walls, pilings, posts, columns, piers, or similar structural supports.

Elevation Certificate means a FEMA form used as an administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide building elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, determine proper insurance premiums, and support requests for LOMA, CLOMA, LOMR-F, or CLOMR-F determinations.

Encroachment means activities or construction within the floodway, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development.

Existing Construction means:

For insurance rating purposes, structures for which the start of construction commenced before the effective date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), or before January 1, 1975, for FIRMs effective before that date.
For floodplain management purposes, structures for which the start of construction commenced before the effective date of the first floodplain management regulation adopted by the City of Bessemer on June 1, 1981.

Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which manufactured homes are to be affixed, including utilities, streets, final site grading, and concrete pads, was completed before the effective date of the original floodplain management regulations adopted by the City of Bessemer on June 1, 1981.

Expansion to an Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means the preparation of additional sites by constructing facilities for servicing manufactured home lots, including installation of utilities, construction of streets, final site grading, and concrete pads.

Fair Market Value means the price that a willing seller will accept and a willing buyer will pay in an open-market, arm’s-length transaction.

Flood or Flooding means:

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas resulting from:

The overflow of inland or tidal waters;
The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
Mudslides caused by flooding and characterized by flowing mud deposited by water currents; or
The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water due to erosion, wave action, unusually high water levels, severe storms, flash floods, abnormal tidal surges, or other unforeseeable events that result in flooding.

Flood Damage-Resistant Material means any building product capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage. Prolonged contact means at least seventy-two (72) hours. Significant damage is damage requiring more than low-cost cosmetic repair.

Flood Elevation Determination means a determination by the Federal Insurance Administrator of the water-surface elevations of the base flood.

Flood Elevation Study means an examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards and corresponding water-surface elevations, or flood-related erosion and mudslide hazards.

Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) means an official map issued by the Federal Insurance Administration where the boundaries of Special Flood Hazard Areas are designated as Zones A, M, and/or E.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) means an official map of a community on which the Federal Insurance Administrator has delineated Special Flood Hazard Areas and applicable risk premium zones. A digital version is known as a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM).

Flood Insurance Study (see Flood Elevation Study).

Floodplain (or Flood-Prone Area) means any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source.

Floodplain Management Regulations means this Ordinance and other zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special-purpose ordinances (such as those for floodplain management, stormwater management, watershed management, grading/earthwork, and erosion control), and other applications of police power. This term describes state or local regulations, in any combination, that provide standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.

Floodproofing means any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures that reduce or eliminate the risk of flood damage to real estate, improved real property, water and sanitation facilities, structures, and their contents.

Flood Protection System means physical structural works for which funds have been authorized, appropriated, expended, and constructed specifically to modify flooding in order to reduce the extent of Special Flood Hazard Areas and associated flood depths within a community. Such systems typically include hurricane tidal barriers, dams, reservoirs, levees, or dikes and must be constructed in accordance with sound engineering standards.

Flood-Related Erosion means the collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water resulting from undermining caused by waves, currents, unusually high-water levels, severe storms, flash floods, abnormal tidal surges, or similar unforeseeable events that result in flooding.

Flood-Related Erosion Area or Flood-Related Erosion Prone Area means a land area adjoining the shore of a lake or other body of water that, because of shoreline composition, high-water levels, or wind-driven currents, is likely to suffer flood-related erosion damage.

Flood-Related Erosion Area Management means the operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood-related erosion damage, including emergency preparedness plans, erosion control works, and floodplain management regulations.

Floodway (see definition for Regulatory Floodway).

Floodway Fringe (or Flood Fringe) means the portion of the Special Flood Hazard Area outside of the floodway that experiences shallower and lower-velocity floodwaters. It serves as temporary floodwater storage during flood events.

Floodway Encroachment Lines means the lines marking the limits of floodways on Federal, State, and local floodplain maps.

Freeboard means a factor of safety, usually expressed in feet above a flood level, used for floodplain management purposes. Freeboard compensates for unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated for a selected flood event, including wave action, bridge openings, and the hydrological effects of urbanization.

Functionally Dependent Use means a use that cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities necessary for loading and unloading cargo or passengers, and shipbuilding and ship repair facilities. It does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.

Future-Conditions Flood Hazard Area or Future-Conditions Floodplain (see Area of Future-Conditions Flood Hazard).

Future-Conditions Hydrology means flood discharges associated with projected land-use conditions based on a community’s zoning maps and/or comprehensive land-use plans, without consideration of future construction of detention structures or hydraulic modifications such as bridges, culverts, fill, or excavation.

Hazardous Substance (or Material) means any substance or material that, when released in sufficient quantities during an accident, poses a risk to human health, safety, or property. These include explosives, radioactive materials, flammable liquids or solids, combustible liquids or solids, poisons, oxidizers, toxins, and corrosive materials. The term also includes any substance defined as hazardous pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §9601(14) or listed as hazardous waste under applicable state law.

Highest Adjacent Grade means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to construction, immediately next to the proposed walls of a structure.

Historic Structure means any structure that is:

Individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior to meet the requirements for such listing;
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the significance of a registered historic district;
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places and determined eligible by an approved state historic preservation program; or
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places and determined eligible by communities with certified historic preservation programs, either:
- Through an approved state program recognized by the Secretary of the Interior; or
- Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.

Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) means a claim available under a standard NFIP flood insurance policy that provides up to $30,000 to assist policyholders in bringing a flood-damaged building into compliance with current floodplain management regulations. Eligible mitigation measures include elevation, floodproofing, relocation, demolition, or a combination thereof.

Letter of Map Change (LOMC) means an official FEMA determination issued by letter to amend or revise effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps, and Flood Insurance Studies.

LOMC categories include:

Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)

An amendment based on technical data demonstrating that a property was incorrectly included within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), was not elevated by fill, and will not be inundated by the one-percent annual chance flood. A LOMA amends the effective FIRM and establishes that the property is not located within an SFHA.

Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)

A revision based on technical data demonstrating changes to flood zones, flood elevations, floodplain boundaries, floodway delineations, or map features, generally due to man-made modifications.

A common type of LOMR is a LOMR-F, which determines whether a structure or parcel has been elevated by fill above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and is therefore removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) means a formal review and comment by FEMA regarding whether a proposed project complies with the minimum NFIP floodplain management criteria. A CLOMR does not revise effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps, or Flood Insurance Studies.

Lowest Adjacent Grade means the lowest elevation of the natural or regraded ground surface, structural fill, concrete slab, or pavement at the location of a structure.

Lowest Floor means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, including a basement. An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure used solely for vehicle parking, building access, or storage, in an area other than a basement, is not considered the building’s lowest floor, provided such enclosure is not constructed in violation of other provisions of this Ordinance. This definition applies even when the floor below ground level is not enclosed by full-height walls.

Manufactured Home means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, built on a permanent chassis and designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term does not include a recreational vehicle.

Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means a parcel, or contiguous parcels, of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

Market Value (see definition for Fair Market Value).

Mean Sea Level means, for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other datum to which Base Flood Elevations shown on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.

Mixed Use Building means a building that contains both residential and non-residential uses.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) means a federal program established by the United States Congress in 1968 to identify flood-prone areas nationwide and make flood insurance available for properties located in participating communities. Communities must adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that meet or exceed FEMA requirements in order to participate. The program requires flood insurance for properties located in designated floodplains that have federally backed mortgages, federally regulated loans, or federal housing subsidies.

National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 means a national standard reference datum for elevations, formerly referred to as Mean Sea Level (MSL) of 1929. NGVD 1929 may be used as the reference datum on some Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

New Construction means:

For insurance rating purposes, structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, including any subsequent improvements.
For floodplain management purposes, structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after June 1, 1981, the effective date of the original floodplain management regulations adopted by the City of Bessemer, including any subsequent improvements.

An existing building is considered new construction if it is substantially improved or repaired after sustaining substantial damage.

New Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities necessary to service manufactured home lots, including utilities, streets, final site grading, and concrete pads, was completed on or after June 1, 1981.

Non-Residential Building means a commercial or mixed-use building where the primary use is commercial or otherwise non-habitable.

Non-Residential Property means a non-residential building, the contents within a non-residential building, or both.

North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 means the vertical control datum established for surveying elevations in the United States based upon the General Adjustment of the North American Datum of 1988. It replaced NGVD 1929 and is used in many FEMA Flood Insurance Studies for measuring flood, ground, and structural elevations.

Post-FIRM means:

For floodplain management purposes, a building whose construction began after the effective date of a community’s NFIP-compliant floodplain management ordinance.
For flood insurance rating purposes, a building whose construction began on or after the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate Map or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, including subsequent improvements.

Pre-FIRM means:

For floodplain management purposes, a building whose construction began before the effective date of a community’s NFIP-compliant floodplain management ordinance.
For flood insurance rating purposes, a building whose construction began before the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate Map or on or before December 31, 1974, whichever is later.

Recreational Vehicle means a vehicle that:

Is built on a single chassis;
Contains 400 square feet or less when measured at its largest horizontal projection;
Is designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and
Is designed primarily as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use rather than as a permanent dwelling.

Regular Program means the NFIP program under which risk premium rates are required for the first layer of available coverage for all new construction and substantial improvements begun on or after the effective date of the FIRM, or after December 31, 1974, where applicable. Risk premium rates are always required for second-layer coverage.

Regulatory Floodway means the channel of a river or other watercourse and adjacent land areas that must be reserved to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing water-surface elevations by more than the designated amount.

Remedy a Violation means bringing a structure or development into full or partial compliance with applicable State or local regulations, or otherwise reducing the impacts of non-compliance through flood protection, enforcement actions, deterrence of future violations, or reduction of Federal financial exposure.

Repetitive Loss Agricultural Structure means an agricultural structure insured under the NFIP that has sustained flood-related damage on two separate occasions where the average repair cost equaled or exceeded twenty-five percent (25%) of the structure’s value at the time of each flood event.

Repetitive Loss Property means any NFIP-insured single-family or multi-family residential building for which two or more flood insurance claims exceeding $1,000 have been paid within any rolling ten-year period since 1978.

Residential Building means a non-commercial building designed for habitation by one or more families, or a mixed-use building qualifying as a single-family, two-to-four-family, or other residential building.

Residential Property means a residential building, its contents, or both.

Riverine means relating to, formed by, or resembling a river, stream, brook, or similar watercourse. Riverine floodplains have readily identifiable channels.

Section 1316 means Section 1316 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended, which authorizes FEMA to deny flood insurance coverage for properties declared by a State or local authority to be in violation of floodplain management regulations.

Section 1316 serves primarily as a supplement to local enforcement actions and may only be implemented when a State or community specifically submits a declaration for that purpose.

Severe Repetitive Loss Structure means a single-family property (one to four residences) insured under the NFIP that has either:

Sustained four or more separate flood insurance claims exceeding $5,000 each, with cumulative payments exceeding $20,000; or
Sustained at least two separate flood insurance claims where the cumulative amount paid exceeds the reported value of the property.

Sheet Flow Area (see definition for Area of Shallow Flooding).

Single-Family Dwelling means:

A residential single-family building in which less than fifty percent (50%) of the total floor area is devoted to non-residential uses; or
A single-family residential unit located within a larger building where commercial uses occupy less than fifty percent (50%) of the unit’s floor area.

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) means land within the floodplain subject to a one percent (1%) or greater annual chance of flooding, as shown on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) as Zones A, AE, AH, AO, AR, AR/AE, AR/AO, AR/AH, AR/A, A99, or VE. The SFHA is the area where NFIP floodplain management regulations apply and where flood insurance purchase requirements are enforced.

Start of Construction (for other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (Pub. L. 97-348)) means the date the development or building permit was issued, including permits for substantial improvements, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, or improvement occurs within one hundred eighty (180) days of the permit date.

The actual start of construction means the first placement of permanent construction of a structure (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as:

Pouring of slabs or footings;
Installation of piles;
Construction of columns; or
Any work beyond the stage of excavation.

The term also includes the placement of a manufactured home on a permanent foundation.

Permanent construction does not include:

Initial land preparation such as clearing, grading, or filling;
Installation of streets or walkways;
Excavation for basements, footings, piers, or foundations;
Erection of temporary forms; or
Installation of accessory buildings such as garages or storage sheds that are not occupied as dwelling units or part of the principal structure.

For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

Structure means, for floodplain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a liquid or gas storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. Within the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the terms structure and building are generally interchangeable.

For insurance purposes, a structure means:

A building with two or more outside rigid walls and a fully secured roof that is affixed to a permanent site;
A manufactured home, also known as a mobile home, that is built on a permanent chassis, transported to its site in one or more sections, and affixed to a permanent foundation; or
A travel trailer without wheels, built on a chassis and affixed to a permanent foundation, that is regulated under the community’s floodplain management and building ordinances or laws.

For insurance purposes, the term does not include a recreational vehicle, park trailer, other similar vehicle, or a gas or liquid storage tank except as specifically provided above.

Substantial Damage means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its pre-damage condition would equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

Substantial Improvement means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement.

This term includes structures that have incurred:

Repetitive loss; or
Substantial damage;

regardless of the actual repair work performed.

The term does not include:

Any project undertaken solely to correct existing violations of State or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications identified by the local code enforcement official and determined to be the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions, provided the deficiencies were not caused by neglect or lack of maintenance by the current or previous owners; or
Any alteration of a historic structure, provided the alteration does not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a historic structure.

Variance means a grant of relief by the community from the terms of a floodplain management regulation.

Violation means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community’s floodplain management regulations.

A structure or development lacking the elevation certificate, certifications, or other evidence of compliance required by 44 CFR §60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) shall be presumed to be in violation until such documentation is provided.

Watercourse means only the channel and banks of an identifiable watercourse and does not include adjoining floodplain areas. The flood-carrying capacity of a watercourse refers specifically to the capacity of the channel itself.

Water Surface Elevation means the height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929, or other specified datum, of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies within the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.

Wet Floodproofing means a method of construction that involves modifying a building to allow floodwaters to enter in order to minimize damage. Wet floodproofing includes:

Using flood damage-resistant materials below the Design Flood Elevation (DFE) throughout the building;
Raising utilities and important contents to or above the DFE;
Installing and configuring electrical and mechanical systems to minimize disruptions and facilitate repairs;
Installing flood openings or other approved methods to equalize hydrostatic pressure exerted by floodwaters; and
Where required, installing pumps to gradually remove floodwater from basement areas after flooding.

Wet floodproofing shall not be used as a method to satisfy the requirements of this Ordinance for bringing substantially damaged or substantially improved structures into compliance. Wet floodproofing is not permitted in lieu of complying with the lowest-floor elevation requirements for new residential buildings.

X Zones (Shaded) means areas shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that are subject to inundation by the flood having a 0.2-percent annual chance of occurrence, commonly referred to as the 500-year flood.

X Zones (Unshaded) means areas shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) where the annual probability of flooding is less than 0.2 percent.

Zone of Imminent Collapse means an area subject to erosion adjacent to the shoreline of an ocean, bay, or lake and located within a distance equal to ten (10) feet plus five (5) times the average annual long-term erosion rate for the site, measured from the reference feature.

ARTICLE 7

LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS

SECTION A. SEVERABILITY

If any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

SECTION B. ENFORCEABILITY OF ORDINANCE AND FUTURE REVISIONS

The provisions of this Ordinance shall be legally enforceable, applied uniformly throughout the community to all privately and publicly owned land within regulated flood hazard areas, and shall meet the minimum standards established in 44 CFR §60.3. The community shall ensure that the provisions of this Ordinance take precedence over any less restrictive conflicting local laws, ordinances, or codes.

If the City of Bessemer repeals its floodplain management regulations, allows them to lapse, or amends them so they no longer meet the minimum requirements of 44 CFR §60.3, the City shall be suspended from participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Community eligibility shall remain suspended until adequate floodplain management regulations have been received and approved by the Federal Insurance Administrator. To avoid such occurrences, the City of Bessemer shall coordinate with the Alabama NFIP State Coordinator and FEMA Regional Office prior to any revisions of this Ordinance. Without prior approval of the Federal Insurance Administrator, the community shall not adopt or enforce revised floodplain management regulations.

From time to time, Part 60 of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations may be revised to advance flood-risk reduction measures as experience is gained under the NFIP and new information becomes available. The City of Bessemer agrees to revise its floodplain management Ordinance to comply with any such changes within six (6) months of the effective date of any new federal regulation.

SECTION C. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance was adopted and approved on the 2nd day of June, 2026.

Wanda D. Taylor
City Clerk
City of Bessemer, Alabama

Publication Date: June 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION FOR PETITION OF APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES000234

ESTATE OF CHRISTINE STARKEY,

AN ALLEGED INCAPACITATED PERSON

TO:

Gloria Weatherby, Barbara Bender, Mary Morgan, Fannie Hunter, George Starkey, Rosetta Ramsey, and any and all unknown heirs whose names, ages, conditions, and whereabouts are unknown, and to any and all interested parties:

Take notice that on the 5th day of May, 2026, Nakisha Monik Starkey filed a Petition for the Appointment of a Guardian and Conservator for Christine Starkey, an alleged incapacitated person.

Notice is hereby given to the above-named persons and all interested parties that the Petition for Appointment of Guardian/Conservator has been set for hearing on the 1st day of July, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

All interested persons shall appear before this Court on the scheduled hearing date to object to the petition, if desired, and to present any defense or response deemed appropriate.

WITNESS MY HAND, this 5th day of June, 2026.

Sherri C. Friday
Judge of Probate

PUBLICATION DATES

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 3, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MITCHEL OWEN CRAWFORD, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000228

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of June, 2026, by the Honorable Sherri C. Friday, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against the Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the Office of the Judge of Probate within six (6) months from the date above stated.

Failure to file such claim within the prescribed period shall result in the claim being barred and payment prohibited.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Cassandra Lollar Gutierrez
Personal Representative

PUBLICATION DATES

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

ATTORNEY OF RECORD

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF REX M. KELLEY, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000219

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on June 5, 2025, by the Honorable Jameria Johnson Moore, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the Office of the Judge of Probate within six (6) months from the date above stated, or such claim shall be barred and payment prohibited.

Personal Representative:
Donny R. Kelley

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ETHEL COLVIN, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000270

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on June 2, 2026, by the Honorable Sherri C. Friday, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Personal Representative:
Alfonzo Colvin

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

CHANGE OF NAME PUBLICATION FOR A MINOR

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES000289

IN THE MATTER OF THE CHANGE OF NAME OF B.D.B., A MINOR

NOTICE TO:
Carl Antonio Brock
Whereabouts Unknown

On June 4, 2026, Lafayette Tennille Holmes, mother and petitioner, filed a petition requesting a change of name for B.D.B., a minor.

A hearing on the petition has been scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.

Notice is hereby given that publication of this petition and hearing date shall occur once each week for four consecutive weeks in the Western Star newspaper. Any interested party may appear and contest the petition. An answer may be filed within thirty (30) days from the date of the final publication.

Given under my hand this 4th day of June, 2026.

Jacqueline Knox
Judge of Probate

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 3, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE WILLIAM COLLIER, JR., DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000277

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on June 3, 2026, by the Honorable Jameria Johnson Moore, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Personal Representative:
Donna Thompson Allen

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DEBRA KAY DAVIS, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000287

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Letters of Administration upon the Estate of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on June 2, 2026, by the Honorable Jameria J. Moore, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Personal Representative:
Samuel Reese

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEARL RUTH HAMM, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000284

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Letters of Administration upon the Estate of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on June 3, 2026, by the Honorable Sherri C. Friday, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Personal Representative:
James D. Terry

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NANCY ROBERTS HOGELIN, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000285

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Personal Representative:
Karen Ann Sullivan

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE REGARDING THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA C. MANNING, DECEASED

CASE NO. 26BES000283

TO THE HEIRS AND CREDITORS OF SYLVIA C. MANNING, DECEASED, AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Take notice that Sylvia C. Manning, a resident of Jefferson County, Alabama, died on March 17, 2026.

A Petition for Summary Distribution of the Estate has been filed in the Office of the Probate Judge of Jefferson County, Alabama, on June 2, 2026, pursuant to the Alabama Small Estates Act.

Any interested person may take whatever action is deemed appropriate regarding this Estate, including providing notice to the Court of any legal reason why the Estate should not be distributed pursuant to the Act, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice.

Dated this 3rd day of June, 2026.

Sherri C. Friday
Judge of Probate

Jefferson County Probate Court
Bessemer Division

Publication Date:
June 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN DABBS SYX, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000286

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on June 3, 2026, by the Honorable Sherri C. Friday, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Personal Representative:
Keith Randall Syx

Publication Dates:
June 5, 2026
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALFRED WAYNE SMITH, DECEASED

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES000263

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Letters of Administration upon the Estate of the above-named decedent having been granted to the undersigned on May 21, 2026, by the Honorable Jameria Johnson Moore, Judge of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Personal Representative:
Brenda Ann Smith

Publication Dates:
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

WHEELER WRECKER SERVICE INC.

Wheeler Wrecker Service Inc. hereby gives notice of foreclosure of lien and intent to sell the following vehicles on:

Sale Date: July 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Location: 705 22nd Street North, Bessemer, Alabama 35020

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 32-13-3, Wheeler Wrecker Service Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

VEHICLES TO BE SOLD

VIN	YEAR	MAKE	MODEL
5J8YD4H50JL016618	2018	ACURA	MDX
WBA3B3C5XEJ981436	2014	BMW	3-SERIES
5GAERBKWXLJ142137	2020	BUICK	ENCLAVE ESSENCE
1G4GA5G32FF203353	2015	BUICK	LACROSSE BASE
1G1JF52F537247360	2003	CHEVROLET	CAVALIER
1G1AS58H397256894	2009	CHEVROLET	COBALT LS
1G1BE5SM5H7222567	2017	CHEVROLET	CRUZE LT
2GNAXJEV8J6145247	2018	CHEVROLET	EQUINOX
3GNDA13D78S555221	2008	CHEVROLET	HHR
3GNDA23D27S512278	2007	CHEVROLET	HHR LT
2G1WT57N691313161	2009	CHEVROLET	IMPALA
2G1WT58K279268559	2007	CHEVROLET	IMPALA LT
1G1125S34EU110819	2014	CHEVROLET	IMPALA 2LT
1G11E5SL4EF126854	2014	CHEVROLET	MALIBU
1G1ZG57B38F157286	2008	CHEVROLET	MALIBU
1GCEC14C67Z529143	2007	CHEVROLET	SILVERADO
2GCEC13V361332683	2006	CHEVROLET	SILVERADO
1GCPWBEH0MZ409141	2021	CHEVROLET	SILVERADO
1GCPYBEK8MZ249886	2021	CHEVROLET	SILVERADO
1G1JC5SH9E4171334	2014	CHEVROLET	SONIC LT
1GCCS195118164811	2001	CHEVROLET	S10
1GNSCCE05BR125902	2011	CHEVROLET	TAHOE
1GNEC13R7XJ472219	1999	CHEVROLET	TAHOE LS
KL79MMSL4RB143980	2024	CHEVROLET	TRAILBLAZER LS
KL79MPSL0MB057608	2021	CHEVROLET	TRAILBLAZER LT
1GNES16S866102822	2006	CHEVROLET	TRAILBLAZER LT EXT
2C3CCABG9FH908850	2015	CHRYSLER	300
2C3CCAAG0GH212459	2016	CHRYSLER	300 LIMITED
2C3KA53GX6H467365	2006	CHRYSLER	300 S
2C3CDXBG6PH638977	2023	DODGE	CHALLENGER SXT
2B3CL3CG9BH576152	2011	DODGE	CHARGER SE
2C3CDYAGXDH548928	2013	DODGE	CHARGER SXT
3C4PDCAB0HT644164	2017	DODGE	JOURNEY SE
1D7HU18D85S229919	2005	DODGE	RAM 1500
1FMCU0E72AKC94039	2010	FORD	ESCAPE
2FMGK5DC2CBD07422	2012	FORD	FLEX LIMITED
1FTRF12W15NB90124	2005	FORD	F-150 XL
1FTEW1EP4PKE64830	2023	FORD	F-150 XL
3FA6P0G7XFR213612	2015	FORD	FUSION S
3FAFP07166R108481	2006	FORD	FUSION SE
3FAHP0HA8AR143605	2010	FORD	FUSION SE
1FA6P8TH8S5107914	2025	FORD	MUSTANG ECOBOOST
KMHGN4JE3JU266538	2018	GENESIS	G80
1GKCS13W5Y2271704	2000	GMC	JIMMY
1GKS1BKC2JR292180	2018	GMC	YUKON
1GKFK66U53J239533	2003	GMC	YUKON XL
1HGCY2F80PA051177	2023	HONDA	ACCORD
1HGCM82644A008055	2004	HONDA	ACCORD
1HGCM56327A103796	2007	HONDA	ACCORD
1HGCR2F86GA034624	2016	HONDA	ACCORD
1HGCP26808A043679	2008	HONDA	ACCORD EX
2HGFG12807H505641	2007	HONDA	CIVIC EX
1HGCR2F82DA272482	2013	HONDA	ACCORD EX-L
JHLRD78832C019953	2002	HONDA	CR-V
5J6RE3H76BL028456	2011	HONDA	CR-V
5FNYF5H55HB031305	2017	HONDA	PILOT EX-L
JHMBB217XSC003417	1995	HONDA	PRELUDE
2HJYK16226H571128	2006	HONDA	RIDGELINE RT
5NPDH4AE7FH635644	2015	HYUNDAI	ELANTRA
5NPD84LF6JH295143	2018	HYUNDAI	ELANTRA
5NPDH4AEXDH161508	2013	HYUNDAI	ELANTRA GLS
5NPD74LF5HH102400	2017	HYUNDAI	ELANTRA SE
KMHLM4DG0RU670441	2024	HYUNDAI	ELANTRA SEL
5FNYF5H55HB031305	2017	HONDA	PILOT EX-L
5NPEB4ACXCH456613	2012	HYUNDAI	SONATA GLS
5NPEB4AC2BH262463	2011	HYUNDAI	SONATA
KM8JE3AEXPU178076	2023	HYUNDAI	TUCSON LIMITED
JN1CV6EL7BM261614	2011	INFINITI	G37
JN1EV7AP8KM513670	2019	INFINITI	Q50
3PCAJ5M1XKF122774	2019	INFINITI	QX50 ESSENTIAL
1C4PJLCB4FW631110	2015	JEEP	CHEROKEE
1J8GP28K09W503767	2009	JEEP	LIBERTY SPORT
1J4GK58K83W581402	2003	JEEP	LIBERTY LIMITED
1C4BJWEGXDL673090	2013	JEEP	WRANGLER SAHARA
1C4HJXDG0JW120525	2018	JEEP	WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT S
1J4BA3H17BL625088	2011	JEEP	WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT
3KPF24AD1PE575576	2023	KIA	FORTE LX
KNDEU2AA8P7466872	2023	KIA	SELTOS
KNAFE161875002106	2007	KIA	SPECTRA5
JTHBE1D21E5008709	2014	LEXUS	IS350
SALSF2D46CA717798	2012	LAND ROVER	RANGE ROVER SPORT
WDD3G4EB4KW022941	2019	MERCEDES-BENZ	A220
WDDWF4JB5HR240285	2017	MERCEDES-BENZ	C300
WDDGF5EB1BR151938	2011	MERCEDES-BENZ	C300 SPORT
WDC0G4JB8JV112806	2018	MERCEDES-BENZ	GLC300
JA4AS2AW8CU004530	2012	MITSUBISHI	OUTLANDER ES
1N4AL2AP4CN520136	2012	NISSAN	ALTIMA
1N4AL3AP0FN405950	2015	NISSAN	ALTIMA
1N4BL4CV3LC125677	2020	NISSAN	ALTIMA
1N4AL3AP5HN329953	2017	NISSAN	ALTIMA 2.5 S
1N4BL4CV8PN330437	2023	NISSAN	ALTIMA SR
5N1BA08D99N605398	2009	NISSAN	ARMADA LE
JN8AZ1MU5AW013326	2010	NISSAN	MURANO SL
5N1DR2MM6HC909978	2017	NISSAN	PATHFINDER
5N1BV28U48N119726	2008	NISSAN	QUEST
JN8AS5MT9CW271127	2012	NISSAN	ROGUE
JN8AT2MV9KW382739	2019	NISSAN	ROGUE SV
5N1BT3BA4PC813045	2023	NISSAN	ROGUE SV
5N1AT2MT2GC868761	2016	NISSAN	ROGUE
5GZER13D89J189115	2009	SATURN	OUTLOOK
4T1B11HKXJU650798	2018	TOYOTA	CAMRY LE
4T1BK3DB9BU434683	2011	TOYOTA	AVALON
5TDJKRFH1GS333380	2016	TOYOTA	HIGHLANDER
4T1BF3EK4AU103673	2010	TOYOTA	CAMRY
4T1BE46K69U361440	2009	TOYOTA	CAMRY
4T1B11HK1JU670521	2018	TOYOTA	CAMRY
4T1BF3EK4AU076961	2010	TOYOTA	CAMRY BASE
4T1BF30K05U085637	2005	TOYOTA	CAMRY LE
4T4BF1FKXER414507	2014	TOYOTA	CAMRY SE
4T1BG22K9WU298916	1998	TOYOTA	CAMRY XLE
4T1BF30K65U595569	2005	TOYOTA	CAMRY XLE
5TBBT4812YS051201	2000	TOYOTA	TUNDRA
5TBET34176S549498	2006	TOYOTA	TUNDRA
5TFRW5F12HX220391	2017	TOYOTA	TUNDRA
JTDBT923481284671	2008	TOYOTA	YARIS
3VWCA7AU8FM501855	2015	VOLKSWAGEN	GOLF SPORTWAGEN S
3VWSE69M25M021212	2005	VOLKSWAGEN	JETTA GLS
3VWBZ7AJ4BM369486	2011	VOLKSWAGEN	JETTA 2.5 SE

PUBLICATION DATES

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION ON ADOPTION (UNKNOWN OR UNDISCLOSED PARENT)

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF C.R.R., A MINOR

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 26BES00288

NOTICE TO THE UNKNOWN OR UNDISCLOSED PARENT OF C.R.R.

Address Unknown or Undisclosed

You are hereby notified that a Petition for Adoption of C.R.R., a minor child born to Toya Monique Robinson, Natural Mother, was filed on June 3, 2026.

The petition alleges that the whereabouts of the natural parent have not been disclosed to the Court or are unknown, and that the relationship of the unknown or undisclosed parent to the child is that of the father.

Minor Child’s Date of Birth: May 22, 2024

Any person intending to contest this adoption must file a written response within thirty (30) days from the date of the last publication of this notice with:

Willie Florence, Sr., Esq.
300 Princeton Parkway SW
Birmingham, Alabama 35211

and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, Bessemer, Alabama 35020.

Dated this 8th day of June, 2026.

Jacqueline Knox
Judge of Probate

Publication Dates

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 3, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE REGARDING THE ESTATE OF WILLIE CRISS, DECEASED

CASE NO. 26BES00292

TO THE HEIRS AND CREDITORS OF WILLIE CRISS, DECEASED, AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Take notice that Willie Criss, a resident of Jefferson County, Alabama, died on March 16, 2026.

A Petition for Summary Distribution of the Estate has been filed in the Office of the Probate Judge of Jefferson County, Alabama, on June 5, 2026, pursuant to the Alabama Small Estates Act.

Any interested person may take such action as deemed appropriate regarding this Estate, including notifying the Court of any legal cause why the Estate should not be distributed pursuant to the Act, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication.

Dated this 5th day of June, 2026.

Jacqueline Knox
Deputy Judge of Probate

Jefferson County Probate Court
Bessemer Division

Publication Date

June 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION ON FINAL SETTLEMENT

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 25BES000127

ESTATE OF JOYCE ELIZABETH WALKER, DECEASED

TO:

Robin Alma Walker, Wendy Walker Jackson, Aqua Finance, Inc., America’s First Federal Credit Union, Discover Bank c/o DCM Services, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., and all other interested parties.

Notice is hereby given that on December 29, 2025, Gerald Karl Walker, Personal Representative of the Estate of Joyce Elizabeth Walker, deceased, filed accounts, vouchers, evidence, and statements for Final Settlement of the Estate.

It is therefore ordered that August 10, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. be set as the date and time for hearing the Final Settlement, at which all interested parties may appear and contest the settlement if they deem proper.

Dated this 8th day of June, 2026.

Jameria Johnson Moore
Judge of Probate

Publication Dates

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

CHANGE OF NAME PUBLICATION FOR A MINOR

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES00296

IN THE MATTER OF THE CHANGE OF NAME OF C.T.A., A MINOR

NOTICE TO:
Known or Unknown Father
Address Unknown

On June 8, 2026, TE’Keya Waddell, mother and petitioner, filed a petition requesting a change of name for C.T.A., a minor.

A hearing has been scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 12:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that publication of the petition and hearing date shall occur once each week for four consecutive weeks in the Western Star newspaper. Any interested party may appear and contest the petition. An answer may be filed within thirty (30) days from the date of the final publication notice.

Given under my hand this 8th day of June, 2026.

Jacqueline Knox
Deputy Judge of Probate

Publication Dates

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 3, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

ESTATE OF BONNIE LOUISE BAILEY, DECEASED

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES00262

TO:

Jerry Bailey, any and all heirs whose names, ages, conditions, and addresses are unknown, and all interested parties.

On May 21, 2026, Joy Mason filed a Petition for Probate of Will in the Estate of Bonnie Louise Bailey, deceased.

A hearing on the petition has been scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 1:30 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that publication of the petition and hearing date shall occur once each week for three consecutive weeks in the Western Star newspaper. All interested parties may appear and contest the petition if they deem proper.

Dated this 9th day of June, 2026.

Jacqueline Knox
Deputy Judge of Probate

Publication Dates

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICATION

STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY PROBATE COURT

CASE NO. 26BES00274

ESTATE OF MARVIN SEWELL SMITH, DECEASED

TO:

Marvinn Dale Smith, Betty Joyce Ogletree, any and all heirs whose names, ages, conditions, and addresses are unknown, and all interested parties.

On May 28, 2026, Betty Smith filed a Petition for Probate of Will in the matter of the Estate of Marvin Sewell Smith, deceased.

A hearing on the petition has been scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 1:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that publication of the petition and hearing date shall occur once each week for three consecutive weeks in the Western Star, a newspaper published in Jefferson County, Alabama. All interested parties may appear and contest the petition if they deem proper.

Dated this 9th day of June, 2026.

Jacqueline Knox
Deputy Judge of Probate

Publication Dates

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

CLASSIC TOWING & RECOVERY LLC

Classic Towing & Recovery LLC hereby gives notice of foreclosure of lien and intent to sell the following vehicles at:

Location:
1185 Love Street
Hueytown, Alabama 35023

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 32-13-3, Classic Towing & Recovery LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

VEHICLES TO BE SOLD

Vehicle	VIN	Sale Date
2015 Chevrolet Impala	2G1125S32F9156440	July 26, 2026
2014 Dodge Charger	2C3CDXBG4EH215828	July 26, 2026
2009 Dodge Caliber	1B3HB48A79D142192	July 26, 2026
2003 Acura TL	19UUA56893A026492	July 28, 2026
2011 Acura MDX	2HNYD2H64BH510100	July 28, 2026
2000 GMC Sonoma	1GTCS14W3YK265023	July 28, 2026
2019 Toyota RAV4	JTMW1RFV2KD019949	July 31, 2026
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK	WDBLJ70G8XF061974	August 1, 2026

CONTACT INFORMATION

Classic Towing & Recovery LLC
1185 Love Street
Hueytown, Alabama 35023

Phone: (205) 491-5628

Publication Dates

June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026