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Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell

Cabbage Casserole and Strawberry Bread

I am a person who reads cookbooks the way other people read novels. My best weekends are enjoyed by going to estate sales and thrift stores looking for cookbooks and handwritten recipes. I also love to spend the day in libraries. 

When Mary Virginia was attending Jacksonville State, she would drop me off at the library while

Rainbow Manor is ready to serve any bride’s needs

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

Rainbow Manor Wedding Chapel in Rainbow City can take the work out of wedding planning for brides.

If she can’t provide it for you, owner Beth Staton said, she can recommend someone who can.

However, there’s not much Rainbow Manor cannot provide. Staton said they do catering, can direct your wedding, handle the rehearsal, take care of music and

Wedding venue open at Hokes Bluff’s Cove Acre Farms

By Laura Ann Tipps/Staff Writer

A new wedding venue opened in Hokes Bluff this spring, bringing the increasingly popular barn wedding to Etowah County. 

Cheryl and George Wright have transformed a 12,000 square foot barn on the picturesque Cove Acre Farms into a peaceful, charming space that can accommodate up to an approximately 225-person wedding. 

The venue is also available for many other

Grapes, no wrath at Maraella Winery

By Jim Lee/Vintner

I want to give you a little background information on myself and my family, with the hope that you will come to know us better, learn to like us and love our wine. 

From the age of four years I was raised with three sisters and three brothers on a 40-acre rock farm. The farm was located in Fords

A Guide for the Bride from Merle Norman

Congratulations on your engagement!

You’re about to enjoy one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of your life. Let Merle Norman help with the beautiful details.

Make an appointment with a Beauty Consultant to establish a personalized skin care and makeup plan for radiant results on your big day and beyond. Members of your bridal party are also invited for private

Alabama Gift Company is expanding

Just in time for wedding season, The Alabama Gift Company is expanding to accommodate its “High Cotton Style” Home Store.

Brides in the Gadsden area will soon have a larger selection to choose from for their bridal registry.  The new area of the store which will be called “High Cotton Style – Home Goods for High Living” will be opening soon

Off they go: SHS seniors bound for Air Force Academy

By Donna Thornton/News Editor

All graduating seniors hope to “spread their wings,” but two Southside High School graduates are looking to earn their wings at the United States Air Force Academy.

Alyssa Garmon and Haden Ryals have both been accepted at the academy, via different paths.

Ryals, winner of the Class 5A state wrestling title in the 152-pound weight division, was competing at

Etowah County 4-H baking winners recognized

Every year, the Etowah County 4-H Program holds a county-level Junior Baked Foods Contest & Healthy Living for Life Contest during the month of February. This year’s event was held at the Rainbow City Community Center. 

The Etowah County 4-H Junior Baked Foods Contest is one of our most popular contests. To qualify for this county-level contest, Junior (ages 9-11) and

Gadsden State announces athletic camps

The Gadsden State Community College Athletic Department will host the following camps this summer for basketball and volleyball: 

June 2-3: junior varsity boys basketball team camp ($300 per team); June 4-5: varsity boys basketball team camp ($400 per team); June 7: boys big varsity camp ($400 per team); June 9-10: varsity boys basketball camp ($400 per team); June 11,