Eagles lose in regional semifinals in Watkins’ sendoff
By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
It was a bittersweet game for Greg Watkins on Thursday (Feb.20) at Jacksonville State.
After 25 years as a high school basketball coach, including 20 seasons at Hokes Bluff, the coach was finally seeing his team on the big stage.
Watkins earlier announced he was retiring from basketball
The good and bad of the Dual Enrollment Bill
Expanding dual enrollment has been a goal for both Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature this year. Last week, we came one step closer to achieving that goal when the members of the State House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass a bill that will increase funding for dual enrollment by $10 million.
This is a big step in the
Early area settlers Peter Avery and son Allen
For the next few weeks, The Vagabond will discuss some of the folks who settled in the area west and north of Attalla before the Cherokee Indians were removed. This area was located from around Highways 77 and 431 all the way up to Sand Valley Road and over to Reece City.
The area once occupied the site of an Indian
Many benefits of belonging to Family Savings Credit Union
By Lesli Bishop/FSCU Marketing Director
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Family Savings Credit Union and banks?
First, let’s start with their similarities. For example, Family Savings and banks both accept deposits and withdrawals while providing loans and a variety of checking and savings accounts. But Family Savings Credit Union has one very significant and noteworthy difference.
Unlike banks, we are
FLD Landscaping & Garden:Turning a new, better leaf
By Liz Wood/Project Manager
At FLD, the one thing we hope we never get good at is leaving well enough alone.
Ever since the day this company was founded in 1986, it has been evolving to meet new challenges and new demands.
We started out as just a landscaping design firm and quickly decided we wanted to move out of the abstract and
Anderson’s Shoes and Boots remains fixture in Attalla
By Laura Ann Tipps/Staff Writer
Anderson’s Shoes and Boots, LLC, specializing in safety and work footwear, has been part of the Etowah County business community for over 42 years.
Started in 1971 by Donald and Frances Anderson, the store has been owned by their daughter, Tammy Anderson Allen, since they retired 15 years ago.
When Anderson’s first opened, it was located on 3rd
The Glass House gifts inspire
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Many customers seem to be seeking inspiration at The Glass House in Southside, located inside Southside Pharmacy on Ala. 77, and owner Brandi Winningham is happy to oblige.
The gift shop carries gifts to fit every occasion, and a great many of those gifts bear messages and images designed to inspire.
“People love anything with angels,” Winningham said.
From an
The Factory to bring the bounce to Etowah County
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Bethanne Browning-Staton is retrieving a piece of her family’s history and using it to bring one of the newest trends in family fun to Etowah County.
The Factory, set to open this spring, is a trampoline gym, but will offer much more to entertain its guests.
The facility will offer a trampoline arena, a trampoline dodge-ball court, trampoline basketball,
J&J Candles: A light in Gadsden area for 15 years
By Laura Ann Tipps/Staff Writer
Since 1999, J&J Candles has been providing candles to the Etowah County community and beyond.
The store began as a hobby for James and Joyce Gaylor, who started dabbling in candle making at home.
“She started making candles in their kitchen, after they retired the first time,” according to their son, Dennis, whose wife, Nicky, began working for