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Merle Norman thrives in Gadsden

By Laura Ann Tipps/Staff Writer

Last year, Merle Norman Cosmetics returned to Etowah County, setting up shop on Rainbow Drive near Pruett’s Bar-B-Que and Zaxby’s. 

The store opened on June 1 and celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Sept. 20.

Towanna Robbins, who has had a lifelong relationship with the cosmetic brand, is the proud owner of a salon in

Super Bee Pharmacy: Serving customers is family tradition

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

When unexpected snow-fall shut down most of Etowah County in late January, Debbie Adams made her way to Super Bee Discount Pharmacy in Rainbow City by 11 a.m. on Jan. 29, to be there in case any of the pharmacy’s customers had an emergency need for medicine.

“If I hadn’t, I’d have been sitting at home worrying that

Attalla expects continued improvement in 2014

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

The City of Attalla experienced a good 2013, Mayor Larry Means said, and city officials look forward to more growth and improvement in 2014.

“We’ve had new businesses and seen the expansion of some existing businesses,” Means said. “Of course, we want more and more.”

City leaders have been especially pleased with progress in nuisance and abatement within the

Alaco is an institution in Glencoe community

For the past 31 years, the Alaco Discount Pharmacy building located at 544 West Main Street) in Glencoe has been as much a neighborhood institution as the old Big Chief Drive-In building. According to store manager/pharmacist tech Paulette Chandler, who has been with Alaco the full 31 years at the location, the regular patrons of the business are considered part

Harbison honored at Disney World for service

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

Disney World is known as a magical place, but during a recent visit there, Brian Harbison was treated to a very real honor.

Harbison was selected as Disney World’s “Veteran for the Day” on Feb. 13, and participated in a flag retirement ceremony and parade.

Harbison, chief building official for the City of Gadsden, spent Feb. 7-14 at Disney

Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell

Banana Nut Bread and Blueberry Muffins

This banana nut bread has a wonderful history.  Back in the 1960’s, Mary Sue Grissom, a home economics teacher at Gaston School, brought one of her classes to tour mother and dad’s home. 

Mother served this banana nut bread. Years later, several students reminded me of the delicious banana nut bread that they had been served

GSCC Homecoming Court selected

Gadsden State Community College Cardinals homecoming favorites were selected by popular student vote and were chosen from all campuses.  Courtney Van Nest of Alexandria was crowned the 2014 Homecoming Queen.  She is majoring in education and represented the Wallace Drive Campus. Jacob Mitchell was the favorite chosen to escort Van Nest.  Mitchell is a native of Rome, Georgia, majoring in

Study’s results may lead to vote in city

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

Findings from a study on the economic impact of ending the Sunday Blue Law – banning alcohol sales on Sunday – came in last week.

In short, there is an economic impact, and it’s significant: an estimated $12.6 million total net expenditure impact.

The results of the study seem to have had an impact on the possibility of a

Salary hike being considered for mayor, council members

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

Gadsden City Councilman Robert Avery proposed what he said was a difficult measure at the Feb. 18 council meeting  — one that would increase the mayor’s and city council member’s salaries during the next term of office.

Avery explained his reasoning: There is now one city employee making more money than the mayor and before long, there will