City of Gadsden earns Tree City USA designation
Alabama has a new Tree City USA following the City of Gadsden’s official recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation. “Natural resources like Noccalula Falls and the Coosa River are some of our greatest assets here in Gadsden, and this designation is another way to focus on appreciating nature,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “Planting new […]
Gadsden Regional’s Jars of Love collects more than 1,000 jars of peanut butter
To help address hunger in the community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Gadsden Regional Medical Center has donated more than 1,000 jars of peanut butter to the Etowah Community Food Bank. All of that peanut butter was donated by Gadsden Regional’s employees, medical staff members, board members, […]
April recognized as safe digging month
As the spring season arrives, Alabamians are reminded to contact 811 at least two days before beginning outdoor digging projects. The Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) recognizes April as “811 Safe Digging Month” and recommends using the free service to avoid damaging important underground utility lines, which could cause injury and service disruptions. “To prevent […]
GSCC police set to host Advanced Women’s Self-Defense Class
The Gadsden State Community College Police Department will host a free Advanced Women’s Self-Defense Class on Saturday, April 19, at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus. This empowering and educational course is open to the public for women ages 13 and up and will run from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and […]
Damon Johnson set to rock Pitman Theatre
Rock guitarist and vocalist Damon Johnson will take the stage at the historic Pitman Theatre on April 17. Johnson has been rocking stages for a few decades. In the 1990s he co-founded Brother Cane, and later joined Alice Cooper’s band as lead guitarist. He became a member of Thin Lizzy in 2011 and was also […]
House passes SB252, protects local pharmacies
The Alabama House of Representatives has passed SB252, which aims to protect community pharmacies by ensuring they are fairly compensated for the cost to fill prescriptions. “This legislation will undoubtedly help community pharmacies keep their doors open and continue serving patients, which is a big win for the state of Alabama,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “Members […]
Local craftsman builds sign for Airport Industrial Park
There are similarities between building a sign and recruiting business and industry to an area: you make small improvement after improvement, brick by brick, until eventually, you have something big to show for it. The latest addition in Gadsden is a new, handcrafted sign that marks the entrance to the Gadsden Airport Industrial Park, which […]
Gadsden-area golfers swinging for the next level
By Sam Johnson, Special to The Messenger Three local high school golfers have recently been highlighted and given opportunities to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level. Southside High School’s Justin Lovoy and Westbrook Christian School’s Cove McHugh and JD Berndt (pictured below) have garnered the attention of a few college golf programs. Justin […]
Locals mourn the loss of sports photographer
Anyone who participated in sports in Etowah County knew of the gentle soul that was Gary Wells. Wells was a staple at local high school sporting events, usually on the sidelines, armed with a camera and a smile. The coach turned photographer died at the age of 84 on April 6, 2025. Wells coached numerous […]