Hokes Bluff’s country star Drake White to return to hometown for inaugural music festival
By Caylie Moore, Features Editor On Saturday, Oct. 17, Hokes Bluff native and country-soul singer-songwriter Drake White will return to his hometown and bring a gift that he hopes will keep on giving to the local community: Loblolly Fest, a music festival named after the pine trees of Northeast Alabama and infused with the “come-as-you-are” […]
Hokes Bluff CityFest brings community together for day of food, music and fun
The Hokes Bluff community came together Saturday for the 12th annual CityFest, a daylong celebration featuring classic cars, food, vendors, children’s activities, live music and fireworks. The free event was held at Hokes Bluff City Park and began early Saturday morning with the annual cruise-in and a breakfast hosted by the Hokes Bluff Lions Club. […]
Navigating breast health: Why a personalized screening plan matters
With varying recommendations about breast cancer screening, many women may wonder when they should begin regular mammograms. Gadsden Regional Medical Center is encouraging women to discuss their individual breast cancer risk with their physicians and develop a screening plan based on their age, family history and other risk factors. “Breast health is not one-size-fits-all,” said […]
Rainbow Middle students take part in NASA research
Forty seventh-grade students at Rainbow Middle School are taking part in a NASA-supported research program that gives them the opportunity to contribute real data to scientists studying how plants can be grown in space. The students, from Ben Simmons’ science class, began this week working with Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama through Growing Beyond […]
Gadsden State receives $200,000 Home Depot grant for Valley Street Campus
Gadsden State Community College has received a $200,000 Campus Improvement Grant through The Home Depot’s Retool Your School program for improvements at the Valley Street Campus. Gadsden State was one of 10 institutions selected to receive a 2026 Campus Improvement Grant. The funding will be used to expand and modernize facilities supporting the Dental Assisting […]
$400,000 in scholarships available for automotive manufacturing students
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) are offering $400,000 in scholarships to Alabama residents pursuing careers in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. Applications are now open to students enrolled in eligible programs at Alabama community colleges. Scholarships are capped at $4,000 and can be used to cover tuition, […]
Arts Corner: Southside Public Library hosts assortment of local authors for its Author and Book Festival
By Caylie Moore, Features Editor On Saturday, Sept. 19, Southside Public Library hosted its first Author and Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate Alabaman authors and their endeavors in writing and publication. Featuring over 20 authors specialized in a wide range of genres — including, but not limited to, romance novels, […]
Arts Corner Gallery: Theatre of Gadsden presents Sweeney Todd
In Sept. 2026, the Theatre of Gadsden presented Sweeney Todd.
More alike than unalike
By Tabitha Bozeman During National Hispanic Heritage Month 2026, which takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, I have questions flooding my mind. Most importantly: Who are we? As humans, I mean? As members of this community? I have read so much literature through the years and so many times have thought about how […]