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Chick-fil-A Bowl a semi-local tradition

Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent Formerly called the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and before that simply called the Peach Bowl, the Chick-fil-A Bowl, is an annual college football bowl game played in Atlanta since December 1968. The game originally was created as a fund-raiser by the Lions Clubs of Georgia.  The game was taken over by the Chamber […]

Auburn Christmas wish comes true

 By Chris Humphries/Special to The Messenger

Many people who do not live in the South or who did not grow up in Alabama may not get the significance of the following story,

Gladden nothing short of a competitor

By Joshua Price/Sports Editor Hannah Gladden insists she is just a “normal student.” The Gadsden City High School sophomore takes “normal student” classes, has “normal student” friends and has “normal student” hobbies. Most argue that Gladden is more than just a “normal student.” Gladden is the only female student-athlete in Etowah County, and possibly in […]

Six area gridders named to all-state teams

It is no secret that football talent is in abundance in north Alabama, most notably in Etowah County. Six players from three Etowah County schools were named to the 2011 Alabama Sports Writers Association’s All-State football team, including Honorable Mention. Darrin Peterson of Class 5A Etowah High School, Toby Pee of Class 3A Sardis High […]

Southside native Mintz retires

By Joshua Price/Sports Editor Since the late 1970’s, Brian Mintz has become a household name for any football fan in Etowah County.  The Southside native is considered one of the top players to ever don the crimson colors and is statistically one of the most successful coaches in the county over the past three decades. […]

SHS volleyball coach Ayers moves to Snead State

Snead State Community College recently announced  the appointment of a new head volleyball coach. Dee Ayres accepted the part-time coaching position and officially begins in January. The Southside High School volleyball coach takes the position left vacant by Lisa Murray Bright. After serving as Snead State’s volleyball and women’s softball coach for two years, Bright […]

All-Etowah County Schools football team announced

The Sardis Lions topped the list on the All-Etowah County football squad for 2011. Lion head coach Gene Hill was named Coach of the Year and junior halfback Toby Pee was named Most Valuable Player. Eight other Lions were named to the first-team and five were given honorable mention. Sardis finished the 2011 season with […]

Choate steps down, Overstreet moves in as county commission president

The Etowah County Commission recently conducted its annual “passing of the gavel.” At its Jan. 3 meeting, the commission named District 4 Representative Jeff Overstreet commission president for 2012. The council then presented 2011 president and district 6 representative Tim Choate with a proclamation recognizing his accomplishments over the past 12 months. Overstreet noted that […]

Local bookstore closing up shop

After 17 years on Broad Street, the Gadsden Christian Bookstore will cease operations on Dec. 31. Although ‘store’ was part of the company’s name, owner Bart Watts believes that his job entailed much more that a means to move merchandise. “I wasn’t really thinking about it when I first got into the business, but it […]