News

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Rachel Cole’s incredible journey at the Gadsden Public Library began in March of 2017 at the front circulation desk. Working as a library clerk, she dealt with a variety of people on a daily basis, helping patrons check books in-and-out and discover reads based upon their interests. When the teen coordinator

Pictured above, Niki and Everett Romine participate in the seventh annual pow wow at Noccalula Falls on Saturday, October 17. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Turtle Island Native American Association hosted its seventh annual pow wow at Noccalula Falls on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, welcoming the public to participate in an engaging

Pictured above, Oak Landing Assisted Living residents Ralph and E.C. enjoy the car show organized by the Rainbow City Hot Rod Club on Saturday, October 17. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Rainbow City Hot Rod Club partnered with Oak Landing Assisted Living in Attalla on Saturday, October 17 to bring joy and excitement to residents

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker named Dr. Kathy L. Murphy President of Gadsden State Community College earlier this week. Murphy, who was appointed after a months-long search by a presidential committee, will begin her appointment on January 1, 2021. “Dr. Murphy is a visionary educator with a proven

Photo: Pictured from left, Alabama Power Eastern Division Vice President Terry Smiley, United Way 211/First Call for Help Program Director Ruth Moffatt, United Way 2020 Board of Directors Vice President of Community Building Jackie Edmondson, Alabama Power Eastern Division Business Office Manager Tony Smith and Alabama Power Community Relations Manager Spencer Williams gather for a

Photo: Pictured above, Alabama Goodwill CEO David Wells (center, holding scissors) celebrates with newly elected Rainbow City Mayor Joe Taylor (right, red shirt), Goodwill board members and the Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County ambassadors at the grand opening of Goodwill in Rainbow City on Oct. 15. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Gadsden’s Goodwill celebrated its

Pictured above, Jackie Brehm Edmondson serves as the Excellence in Education Committee Chair. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County held its third annual Excellence in Education and Teacher of the Year awards ceremony on Wednesday, September 30 a little differently this year, opting to record a virtual presentation rather than

Pictured above, Gadsden Variety owner Blake New (center, holding scissors) joins friends, family, coworkers, city officials and Gadsden Variety lovers as he celebrates the reopening of Gadsden Variety & Deli at 422 Broad Street in Gadsden. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor When Mike and Sandy Self announced their retirement in the summer of 2020, downtown Gadsden

Pictured above, city officials and park employees join Christina Richardson and Jen Weathington for the recent botanical gardens ribbon cutting at Noccalula Falls Park. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Noccalula Falls Park celebrated its newly renovated botanical gardens Friday, October 2, with a ribbon cutting to commemorate the occasion. Gadsden and Etowah County officials joined Noccalula

Heritage Outdoors, LLC owner Drew Keenum (pictured above) discusses his business. Heritage Outdoors has been recognized with an article featuring Keenum published in Lawn & Landscape Magazine. Describe how your business began.  My business began when I was a junior in high school.  I began mowing residential yards and expanded to even some commercial properties.

Pictured above, local volunteers prepare to leave for Baldwin County to assist with Hurricance Sally relief on Monday, September 28. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Gadsden’s first responders headed to the Gulf Coast on Monday, September 28. Following the devastation of Hurricane Sally weeks prior, 16 volunteers packed their bags to aid and assist those affected

Pictured above, Glencoe Big Chief owners Shane (left) and Angela (right) Stephens stand in their new downtown Gadsden restaurant location. The Downtown Chief will occupy the former Rail Public House building, located at 210 Locust Street in Gadsden. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor An iconic Glencoe restaurant is expanding to downtown Gadsden. As The Rail Public

Don W. McGinnis, 79, died September 24, 2020 at home in North Gadsden with his family by his side. He was born at home on June 1, 1941 in North Gadsden. He became a Christian at an early age and graduated high school in Gadsden. In June 1960, he married his sweetheart, Judy, at James

Pictured above, David (left) and Tina (right) Pendley display unique creations to visitors with their business,  Sweet Tea Pottery,  at Art on the Rocks.  By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Gadsden’s annual Art on the Rocks festival returned to Noccalula Falls on September 19 and 20, giving Etowah County residents a beautiful weekend to explore the talented vendors

Describe how your business began. I have been receiving massage for 20 plus years. I was an accountant for about 34 years and a single mother of two for most of that time. Unfortunately, I lived with an enormous amount of stress in my life, as most of us do these days. I was performing

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Gadsden City School System’s students are heading back to the physical classroom on September 28, returning to face-to-face instruction after starting the school year remotely. When students arrive at their respective schools in late September, they will do so through an alphabetically staggered process. Each student will only attend school in

Gadsden Public Library Children’s Department Director Jill Reeves (left) and GPL employee Paulette Makary demonstrate how to donate items for the coat drive. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor As the weather turns crisp and summer fades, one local organization recognizes the needs that arise with the new season. The Children’s Policy Council of Etowah County is

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Bayleigh Phillips never meets a stranger. A natural social butterfly with a jovial sense of humor, Phillips is a dedicated student – even if socializing with friends was her favorite subject. She enjoys cooking, grilling and golfing, and always finds herself enthusiastic for adventures and road trips. But while all these

Pictured above, The Greenes smile for a family photo. From left to right: Andrew, Autumn, Ben, Rozlyn, Lauren, Keegan and Braylen. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Rozlyn Greene is a name few people do not recognize. As the month of September represents a time to recognize the families and individuals affected by childhood cancer, Rozlyn represents

Pictured above, Modern Woodmen’s Morgan Lavender discusses the business. Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. Together with our more than 740,000 members, we’ve been touching lives and securing futures since 1883. Throughout Modern Woodmen’s history, our members have touched lives and secured futures nationwide. Today members remain connected by common

Realtors Steph Brown and Leslie Hopper created At Home to better serve individuals and families in the community looking to buy or sale their homes. Give brief background information about yourself. Where were you born and raised? Steph: I was raised in Alabama and gra-duated from Arab High School.  I have been married for 25

Photo: Pictured above, Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton (pictured at far left) stands with award recipients at the employee banquet on Friday, September 11. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor On the 19th anniversary of September 11, the Etowah County Sheriff’s office held a banquet for local first responders to honor their unwavering dedication and commitment to

Photo: Pictured above, artist Tanner Dixon (left) and his wife Kaitlyn collaborate on murals at The Venue. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor As the excitement of the Gadsden Mall’s latest entertainment venue brews, one local artist is doing his part to contribute to the venture’s success. Gadsden graffiti artist Tanner Dixon makes his mark on The

Pictured above, Joey (standing left), Ashley (standing center), Lydia (standing right) and Mollie Millican (sitting left) smile for a family photo. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor As September recognizes the families worldwide who battle childhood cancer with their children, one Etowah County family represents a victorious testimony of the importance of togetherness and the power of

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Gadsden City Council members Deverick Williams and Jason Wilson joined together for a press conference on Tuesday, September 8 to discuss a committee that has been in the works for months. Williams and Wilson announced the formation of the Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC) to facilitate equitable opportunities in all aspects

Founded in 1987, Tradebank International is an international barter exchange company headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. One of the largest barter exchanges in the world, Tradebank represents thousands of business owners and professionals with regional offices across the U.S. and Canada. How did Tradebank establish in Gadsden? Tradebank was in Gadsden, but there wasn’t a local

Pictured above, Project SEARCH interns receive Smart Work Ethics certification. Pictured from left on back row: Andrew Davis, David Hodges, Kris McCormick. Pictured from left to right on middle row: Shelieyah Moore and Lily Ann Chesnut Front: Kristionna Hunter. Photo courtesy of Project SEARCH. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor For years, the non-profit organization Etowah County

Photo: Pictured above, Reginae (left) smiles with her sister Jaliyah (center) and her mother Echo (right). By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Reginae Marbury is a name that evokes one powerful word to mind: inspiration. As September serves as a time of reflection and raising awareness for childhood cancer, Reginae’s mother remembers a life unburdened by illness,

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor After a seven-month hiatus, Gadsden’s Premiere Cinema 16 is back in the spotlight. On September 3, the movie theater hosted its grand reopening since the COVID-19 shutdown, welcoming guests to unwind with a box of popcorn and enjoy an entertaining experience one new release at a time. Gadsden Premiere Cinema 16

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor First Friday is returning to downtown Gadsden on September 4. After cancelling abruptly in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the area’s favorite monthly attraction is back to bring entertainment and enjoyment to Etowah County. First Friday began in January 2006 when the Stone Market (then located on Court Street) owner