News

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Downtown Gadsden just got a lot sweeter. On September 4, husband and wife team Kossi and Tanita Amegble opened Scoop Du Jour Creamery & Desserts at 512 A Broad Street, a specialty shop filled with mouth-watering treats that sprinkle a bit of happiness into every bite. From the moment the Amegbles

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Since its initial opening on Monday, November 9, cars have flocked to Burger 101. Backed bumper to bumper, eager families, friends and burger lovers awaited the latest venture gracing East Broad Street – a new restaurant dedicated to serve. “Everybody seems excited that we would want to do this here in

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Kinley Lipscomb is not your average 10-year-old. A self-proclaimed outgoing personality and a fun, free spirit, Kinley attends fourth grade at Westbrook Christian School, enjoying subjects like math and participating in sports such as basketball and volleyball. An avid painter, Kinley loves creating artwork and reading Betty G. Birney’s Humphrey the

Pictured above, Amedisys employees raise awareness for hospice. Pictured, from left, front row: Christie Shields, Jamie Anthony, Lola Stracener, Shelby Bush. Pictured from left, back row: Melissa Price, Megan Rome, Valerie Nunn,  Connie Gunn, Cauleen Greene, Elizabeth Hyatt, Jenilyn Howard, Meghan Kerr, Luke Small. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor November represents National Hospice and Palliative Care

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Back Country Horsemen of America McClellan Chapter is taking its mission to television screens across the country. With a collection of tranquil horse trails in the heart of Anniston, the chapter is celebrating its efforts with a grand event to showcase the magic of Camp McClellan. The “Best of America

Pictured above, LaShunda Williams holds Perfect Peace by Daniel Black, her favorite book from a few years back. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Gadsden Public Library is servicing its community in a new manner this year, following the extraordinary efforts of one of its most devoted staff members. After months of preparation, East Gadsden Library

After graduating from college with her social work degree and preparing to embark on a career, Donna Wright trusted that God would place her where she belonged. Fortunately, for countless nursing home residents that place has been McGuffey Healthcare for 43 years. At the end of October, Wright retired and left behind a career of

Pictured above, Lagatha’s House of Axe owner Clinton Melendez stands in front of a target board and welcomes guests to experience axe-throwing at 221 3rd Street South in Gadsden. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Locals searching for an outlet to unleash their inner Viking need look no further. Lagatha’s House of Axe hurls a new recreational

Pictured above, Wacked out Weiner owner Kris Roberts (left) joins in girlfriend Kaci Mayo (right) as the couple welcome customers to the restaurant. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Hot dog lovers are in for a treat. Just four months ago, the specialty hot dog franchise Wacked Out Weiner settled in 227 Broad Street in downtown Gadsden,

Pictured above, Hokes Bluff Anchor Club member Quincy Reaves holds the proclamation with Gadsden Pilot Sherre McGinnis at the Gadsden City Council meeting on October 20, 2020. The Gadsden City Council and Mayor Sherman Guyton recognized the Gadsden Pilot Club for its achievements and contributions to the community on Tuesday with a proclamation that deemed

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