Hokes Bluff ace highlights All-Messenger softball team
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor For someone who considered herself a basketball-first student-athlete, Kileigh Blackwell left quite a mark on the softball program during high school. The Hokes Bluff senior pitched and batted her way to Player of the Year honors for the 2022 All-Messenger softball team. As the Lady Eagles’ ace on the mound, Blackwell […]
Casting on the Coosa – It ain’t no luck, I learned to duck
By Marty Dixon/Staff Correspondent I hope everyone had a happy 4th of July. Judging by the number of boaters on the Coosa River, many of you did. With extra boat traffic, it is important that we are even more aware while out on the water. The river from the Minnesota Bend north is narrow, so […]
Legals for 7/8/2022 – 7/14/2022
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Raymond A. Culli a/k/a Raymond Culli, unmarried, to Regions Bank, on December 12, 2011, said mortgage being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Etowah County, Alabama, on January 3, 2012, […]
The Vagabond – 4th of July fire of 1883
By Danny Crownover The first special edition ever issued by a local Gadsden newspaper rolled off the presses on the morning of July 4, 1883, almost 140 years ago. It was a four-page, five-column edition printed for a Fourth of July celebration planned for that day. A program outlined all of the day’s activities. Advertisers […]
From God’s word – Choosing our perspective
By Toni Ford There is a story of a little boy who was overheard talking to himself as he strode through his backyard, baseball cap in place and toting ball and bat. “I’m the greatest baseball player in the world,” he said proudly. The boy then tossed the ball in the air, swung and missed. […]
Birdsongs and well-known dogs
By Vicki Scott This week, I’d like to share a letter I wrote to the new owner of our house in Glencoe. Dear new owner, To my knowledge we’ve never met, but I wanted to welcome you to your new home. My prayers are that you will be as blessed as we were during our […]
Andy’s Favorite Cheese Ball, Enchiladas and Lemon Dump Cake: Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell
By Andy Bedwell Anyone who entertains knows that the purpose of serving appetizers is to have your family and guests linger by the food, chatting and sharing. When my sister Mary has us over for Christmas, she always has a table fixed with the most fabulous cheese ball covered with pepper jelly. Every family gathering […]
Local veteran celebrates 99th birthday
Photo: Local U.S. military veteran Martin McGarvey recently celebrated his 99th birthday. Pictured with his children. (Katie Bohannon/Messenger) By Emma Kirkemier, News Editor A local World War II veteran recently celebrated his 99th birthday. Gadsden VFW Post 2760 gathered friends, family and fellow veterans recently for a special party in his honor. Martin McGarvey, who […]
Casting on the Coosa – Fairy wands, frog jigs and turkey calls
By Marty Dixon/Staff correspondent I managed a few days out on the water this past week and got to fish for a few hours with my longtime friend Tony Stonicher and his son Benson. It was midday and hot, but we had a great time. Tony is retired teacher and current coach, having just taken […]