Rumors of Ebola outbreak at GRMC proven false
Saturday morning, a social media post falsely claimed that Gadsden Regional Medical Center was on lockdown due to an Ebola “outbreak.” As rumors swirled, the Messenger contacted the director of the newly formed Etowah County Emergency Management Agency, Jim Slick. Despite being out of state for training, he had been in contact with his team […]
From classroom to bookshelves; local teacher to release debut novel
By Lindsey Frazier, Features Editor Katie Ortiz, a local teacher and author, revealed the cover for her debut novel, The Southern Sorority of Superstitious Witches, set for release Oct. 6. Ortiz, who teaches at Ivalee Elementary School, has always had a passion for reading, writing and all things creative. She said she can still vividly remember […]
Councilwoman Minatra Announces Bid for Re-election of District 6
Dixie Minatra has officially announced her candidacy for re-election to the Gadsden City Council District 6 seat. “It has been my honor to serve the people of District 6 these last few years, and with your vote on August 25, I look forward to continuing to serve our community,” Minatra said. “My commitment has always […]
County Sports Hall of Fame honoring inductees
The Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2026 on June 13 at The Venue at Coosa Landing. Garry Edward Elkins In Memoriam Garry Edward Elkins, a Gadsden native, embodied endurance, discipline, and determination—earning recognition as Etowah County’s own “Marathon Man.” Over a remarkable running career, Garry completed 60 marathons, including […]
Jax State Announces 3+3 Partnership with Cumberland School of Law, Creating Accelerated Pathway to Law Degree
Jacksonville State University has signed a new 3+3 partnership agreement with Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, creating an accelerated pathway for qualified students to earn both their undergraduate and law degrees in just six years. The agreement creates a clear pathway from Jax State to Cumberland, allowing students to begin law school early while […]
Gadsden’s cattle aroused civic ire
By Danny Crownover Even when it was a tiny village, Gadsden had a few citizens who protested against the idea of allowing stock, particularly hogs and cows, to roam the streets at will, but they became vociferous enough to attract the attention of the authorities. As far back as anybody can remember, there was no […]
Greeting from Hungary and Serbia
By Tabitha Bozeman This week, I marked Memorial Day weekend in Hungary and Serbia. On Monday, I texted with my family in the morning as they were getting ready to celebrate with family, and I was getting ready to have dinner across the Atlantic. It was sunny and hot where I was, and stormy and […]
You were built for fire
By Shawn Blackmon Some people know how to look alive spiritually while dying internally. They know the language of church. They know when to clap. They know when to shout. But eventually, fire reveals what is real. You cannot fake fire. When fire touches something, it changes it. Fire purifies. Fire spreads. Fire transforms. That […]
Gadsden State announces Spring 2026 graduates
Gadsden State Community College honored graduates from the Spring Semester during commencement on May 14, at Gadsden State Cherokee. The college recognized 440 students who successfully completed the requirements for associate degrees, certificates, and short-term certificates, earning a total of 732 credentials. There were 132 students honored for their academic achievement with traditional cords signaling […]