News

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor As students and faculty return to Gadsden State Community College’s campuses for the spring semester, they will find themselves becoming acquainted with a soon-to-be familiar face – Gadsden State’s new president, Dr. Kathy Murphy. Following former president Dr. Martha Lavender’s retirement in August, Murphy went to work in January with excitement,

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Counties statewide reside in limbo following the news that COVID-19 expenditures may not be reimbursed. While Etowah County commissioners and local officials await further response from the state, they continue to strive and advocate for a solution. The news resulted from the decision of Alabama Department of Finance Director Kelly

Pictured from left on back row, PTK members Xun Chen, Gerardo Perez-Rodriguez, Justin Bradley, Alexandra Booker, Maria Petersen, Isaiah Gallardo, Rocio Aragon-Vasquez smile for a photo with their advisors, Rob Dunaway (seated front, left) and Melissa Davis (seated front, right). By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Inspiration and activism flourish in one local student-led project, born on

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Dollar recaps the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget performance report. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Etowah County’s 2019-2020 fiscal year reached record highs, finishing its budget in the black. Chief Financial Officer Kevin Dollar discussed the budget performance report with county commissioners during a recent meeting, noting how the year stood apart from

Where were you born and raised? Born in Gadsden, at Gadsden Regional Hospital. I was raised in Southside. What is your occupation? I am an insurance producer. What made you decide to work in your field? I was in the car business. When me and my wife found out we were pregnant with our son,

This article was featured in The Messenger’s Fall 2020 Etowah Living Magazine.  By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Downtown Gadsden is shining brighter than usual. If you drove past the corner of First and Broad Streets in the past month, there’s a chance you turned your head. You might have eased on the breaks, coasting by

Bennett Farms owners Lexi (left) and Jim (right) Bennett enjoy their favorite spot on the farm, the swing out front. This article was featured in The Messenger’s Fall 2020 Etowah Living Magazine.  By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Nestled in the heart of Heflin, Alabama, only an hour’s drive from Gadsden, rests Bennett Farms. Surrounded by an

This article was featured in The Messenger’s Fall 2020 Etowah Living Magazine. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Jonathan and Becca Gardner aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty. With four green thumbs and a passion for helping others, the Gardners create the perfect recipe for bettering their community, planting the foundation for healthy and sustainable

Pictured above, Be the Bridge founder Latasha Morrison, sits in front with fellow BTB members. Pictured from left on the back row: Teresa Crowder, Brandie Johnson, Deborah Beverly, Sue Johnson, Jeigh Carstarphen, Mandy Lindsey, Jennifer Strawn and Diann Cylar. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor In the midst of nationwide division, one group commits itself to unity.

From left to right, Modern Woodmen representative Morgan Lavender, GPL Teen Coordinator Allie Gunter, volunteer Lela Miller, GPL Teen Department Manager Rachel Cole, Modern Woodmen activity coordinator Kristi Kent and GPL Director Craig Scott hang scarves, gloves and toboggans for homeless men and women throughout the community. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor A collection of

Where were you born and raised? Gadsden. I graduated from Southside. I’ve lived there my whole life. What school or schools have you attended? I attended Southside Elementary, Rainbow Middle, Southside High School and Gadsden State Community College. What is your occupation? My plan is to get licensed at Ford Insurance Agency. What made you

  City of Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton recently issued a statement on the potential Pilgrim’s Pride rendering plant project. “I publicly want to thank our state and federal officials, as well as Pilgrim’s Pride, for considering Gadsden as the location for a $75 million-dollar industrial facility. The proposed project is the largest new capital expenditure

District 3 Commissioner Jamie Grant discusses his vision for Etowah County prior to becoming commission chair in January. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor While January marks the beginning of a new year, it also signifies the introduction of a new Etowah County Commission Chair. Before acting chair District 5 Commissioner Jeffery Washington passes the gavel to

Feed the Need volunteers join Back Forty Beer Company Owner Jason Wilson (bottom right) at the event on December 23. From left to right on the top row: Will Mackey, Eric Wright, Lee and Rachael Wilson. From left to right on the center row: Alexis and Kate Wilson. From left to right on the bottom

Rendering plant opposers hold up signs as State Senator Andrew Jones (left) addresses the crowd and local attorney Christie Knowles (center) and Westbrook Christian School Administrator Cindy Greer (right) applaud at the press conference on Thursday, Dec. 17. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor A December 17 press conference introduced another element to the discussion surrounding the

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Recent documentation revealing that Pilgrim’s Pride applied for a State Indirect Discharge (SID) Permit with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is generating considerable discussion throughout the community. Those in opposition to the rendering plant are investigating the permit’s details to discover its implications. The ADEM website states that an industrial

Pictured above, Etowah County Animal Shelter resident Rosie waits for the perfect family to welcome her to a new loving home. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor During a time when presents with wagging tails wriggle with excitement under trees, Etowah County Animal Shelter Director Lori Howell is sharing how the community can reciprocate the love animals

Protesters gather at Gadsden City Hall on Dec. 8 to voice their opposition to a proposed rendering plant. Photo by Dustin Watkins.Visit propflier.com for more photos. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor While opposition towards the proposed Gadsden rendering plant brews, Pilgrim’s Pride is addressing the community’s concerns. Head of corporate affairs and sustainability for Pilgrim’s Pride and

By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor and Katie Bohannon, News Editor Earlier this week, the City of Rainbow City took an official stance with regard to a hot-button local issue. During a meeting last Monday (Dec. 14), the Rainbow City Council unanimously passed a resolution stating its opposition to a proposed rendering plant to be located in Gadsden on the

Pictured above from left to right, Etowah Sheriff’s Charities Secretary and Treasurer Kelley McGinnis stands with volunteer Madison Whisenant after packaging all the Christmas gifts for deserving families throughout Etowah County. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is giving the gift of hope this holiday season. Through Operation Christmas Cheer, Etowah Sheriff’s

Pictured above, Danny Simovic (left) and Betty Walker (right) smile at their booth ToyUtopia in Walker Drugstore Antique Mall located on 328 5th Avenue Northwest in downtown Attalla. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Local pop culture enthusiasts and toy lovers need look no further than downtown Attalla. Located inside Walker Drugstore Antique Mall at 328 5th Avenue

Pictured above, rendering plant protestors hold signs conveying their opposition at Gadsden City Hall on December 8. Photo by Dustin Watkins. Visit propflier.com for more photos. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Opposition against the proposed Pilgrim’s Pride rendering plant surged last Tuesday (Dec. 8) at the Gadsden City Council meeting. As Etowah County residents voiced their

Pictured above, Etowah County Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Cosby stands in front of the board’s new Broad Street office. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Etowah County Board of Education just secured its new home.  With the partnership and assistance of the Etowah County Commission, the board will relocate from its current residence at 3200 West

Pictured above from left to right, Etowah C.A.R.E.S. members Joe Taylor, Elizabeth Haney, Matt Skelton, Kay Moore, John Moore, Tena King, Jami Grimes and Christi Robinson welcome visitors to downtown Gadsden on December 5. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Etowah C.A.R.E.S. welcomed the public to Santa’s Sidewalk Saturday on December 5, inviting residents to enjoy the

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor When the hectic nature of the holidays proves stressful, one local chef is determined to ease worry and remind families of the true meaning of the season. Local Joe’s Chef Josh (JP) Pendergrass shares how catering can transform events and serve customers, alleviating any anxiety that might accompany mealtime. Born and

Pictured above, Alabama Health Guidance’s Lacy Thomson (left) and Modern Woodmen’s Morgan Lavender (right) stand outside their new office location at 601 South Fifth Street in Gadsden. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor A new professional coworking space just graced 601 South Fifth Street in Gadsden. Designed to provide a flexible, collaborative and productive environment for its

Pictured above, local residents opposed to the rendering plant gather outside Gadsden City Hall during the Gadsden City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 1. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The possibility of a Pilgrim’s Pride rendering plant located on Gadsden Airport Authority property roused much discussion Tuesday at the Gadsden City Council meeting. Following a

Pictured above, Gaston High School students Kobe Harris, Randi Morgan, Ke’Sean Williams, Cailey White, Joseph Lockridge and Courtney Kidd participate in Etowah County School System’s Pajama Day that benefitted Sleep in Heavenly Peace on Giving Tuesday, December 1. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Knighten McGriff. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Students and educators throughout Etowah County

Photo: Pictured is a map of local communities surrounding a proposed chicken rendering plant to be located off Steele Station Road on the Gadsden/Rainbow City border. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger) By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor If the general consensus at a public meeting last Monday (Nov. 30) was any indication, the construction of a chicken rendering plant on the

Pictured above left, The Alley owner Bethanne Mashburn (center) welcomes Christie Knowles (left) and Lesa Osborn (right) for a special VIP Night at the venue inside the Gadsden Mall.  By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Bethanne Mashburn is on a roll. After months of excitement and effort, her highly-anticipated entertainment venue will welcome visitors to explore the