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The state of our state

If you watched Gov. Robert Bentley’s State of the State Address last week or read about the budgets he has proposed, then, like me, you are probably both encouraged and disappointed.

I was very encouraged to see the governor so strongly support our state’s pre-k program and vocational and workforce development training. These are things that Democrats have supported for years,

Mack Commins, part two of two

The Vagabond recently received a call from State of Alabama Historic Commission archeologist Stacye Hathorn, who was going to be at the old Sixth Street Cemetery in Gadsden and asked if I would accompany her. Stacye was checking on the status of the cemetery where a cleanup had been done.

Also called the Southern Hills Cemetery, the area was a black

4th graders win a party with Steam Plant video

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

Alabama Power Company embarked on an educational project in the fall of 2013, as part of its celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gadsden Steam Plant that will culminate this year with celebrations at schools that submitted winning presentations for a contest.

The first party was hosted at Oscar Adams Elementary School in East Gadsden, not far

Democrats outline their 2014 agenda

On Tuesday (Jan. 21), Democrats in the Alabama House of Representatives announced their legislative agenda for the 2014 legislative session. The agenda focuses on job creation and education, as well as addressing the recent wave of elected officials resigning their offices before their term expires.

“It’s about schools and it’s about jobs,” said House Minority leader Craig Ford (D-Gadsden). “Today, Democrats

Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell

 The Best Breakfast Casserole, Hot Fruit Casserole

You know I love the tradition of Southern Cooking and entertaining. 

My mother taught me the importance of presentation, as well as, delicious tasty food. 

I thought with these cold mornings and weekends, I would share with you a couple of our Christmas morning family recipes.

The Best Breakfast Casserole

Tear 4 slices of white bread and place

Mayor’s Ball raises money to provide for youth services

The Mayor’s Ball, held Jan. 17 and sponsored by the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, raised a net of $27,349 with sales of $42,375 less expenses of $15,026.

“This was the best yet, and I hope that you will do it again next year,” said attendee Nanda Patel. “Seeing everyone in their ball gowns having fun and dancing was great. 

“That it supported

YMCA hosts Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance

 By Donna Thornton/News Editor

The YMCA invites fathers and daughters of all ages to embrace a sweet opportunity to spend time together at the 6th Annual Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance from 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Convention Hall.

YMCA of the Coosa Valley Director Leroy Falcon said in the past, the greatest percentage of daughters in attendance have been in

Time to ‘chili’-out in Gadsden

Weather conditions have conspired to inspire people to cook things like a big hearty pot of chili, just in time for a chance to compete at doing just that –  in Gadsden’s 7th Annual Chili Cook-off.

Pots will be bubbling on Feb. 1, as competitive chili cooks line up in front of the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts.

The deadline

Time is running out for health care enrollment: QOLHS can help

Time is running out to enroll in the Marketplace insurance plans available at healthcare.gov. 

As a result, Quality of Life Health Services, Inc. continues to try to reach as many people as possible. The health care service provider could find no better way to do that than to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Fair at Gadsden State on