News

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

Earlier this week, Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Gregg Bennett as Interim President of Gadsden State Community College. Bennett (pictured above) will serve in the role until a president is named at the completion of a presidential search. Bennett’s tenure at Gadsden State began on Tuesday, September 1.

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor September serves as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the children worldwide whose lives are altered each day. Local resident Shana Hill understands the affect childhood cancer has on young lives, and the parents that endure the disease with their sons and daughters. Through her own daughter Elyse,

Is it time to talk about wisdom tooth removal? Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the “Age of Wisdom.” When a tooth doesn’t fully grow in, it’s “impacted” and unable to break through the gum because there isn’t enough room. 90% of

Voters flocked to the polls on Tuesday, August 25 to elect change throughout Etowah County. Three municipalities welcomed new mayors to represent their cities, while two elections produced runoffs. Rainbow City elected Joe Taylor as its mayor over previous mayor Terry John Calhoun, with Taylor earning 1,277 votes to Calhoun’s 497. A single vote made

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor St. James Catholic School in Gadsden welcomed an old friend as its new principal in 2020. Former St. James Principal John Parker returned to the school to begin his second term as administrator at 700 Albert Rains Boulevard. Parker’s relationship with St. James dates back several years. Born and raised in

Photo: Christi Robinson (center, black top, holding ribbon) and her husband Chris Robinson (holding scissors) welcome members of The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County and elected officials to Blackstone Pizza Kitchen’s official ribbon cutting on August 26, 2020 at 1321D Noccalula Road in Gadsden. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor A downtown Gadsden treasure recently expanded

Photo: Doug Baulos’ show The Contemplation of Success is on display in the main gallery at the Gadsden Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the Gadsden Museum of Art.  By Katie Bohannon, News Editor The Gadsden Museum of Art is staying open late Friday, August 28 for its first ever Social Distanced Date Night. From 6

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor As children return to school throughout Etowah County, students at John S. Jones Elementary School in Rainbow City received an Oscar-worthy welcome. The star-studded staff at John Jones escorted children down the red carpet during their first days of class, cheering them on as if they were the leading roles in a

Photo: Pictured above, Rainbow City Auction owner and Rainbow Fly Fishing founder Frank Roden receives an award commemorating his service to his community. By Katie Bohannon, News Editor After years of dedicating himself to the betterment of his community, Rainbow City Auction owner and Rainbow Fly Fishing Club founder Frank Roden received recognition for his endless

Jeff Prince is currently running for Rainbow City Council Place 3. Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you born and raised? Where did you attend school? I was born and raised in Gadsden.  I graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1983 and from Auburn University in 1987 with a BS Marketing Degree.

Photo: Pictured above, mother-daughter duo Deborah Carter (left) and Kendall Marker (right) stand beside one of their homemade yard cards. Photo courtesy of Kendall Marker.  By Katie Bohannon, News Editor For as long as mother-daughter duo Debora Carter and Kendall Marker can remember, they wanted to dive into the event business. In April of 2020, those

By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Governor Kay Ivey recently honored a local woman posthumously whose efforts and dedication affected the lives of children and families throughout Etowah County for generations. Ivey issued a proclamation recognizing August 17, 2020 as Kathryn Barrett Day, representing an unforgettable impact on a community and a cherished legacy that remains

Photo: Pictured above, Kay Smith-Foster smiles in her new dance studio in Glencoe.  By Katie Bohannon, News Editor When Kay Smith-Foster opened her studio doors on August 4, an outpouring of eager dancers of all ages flooded inside. At 524 West Main Street in Glencoe, the Kay Smith School of Performing Arts welcomes all interested

David Bankson is currently running for Hokes Bluff City Council Place 1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you born and raised? Where did you attend school? I was born in Gadsden and graduated from Gaston High School. What is your profession? Deputy/SRO at Etowah County and Pastor of Cove Creek Baptist Church.

Trey Brinkley is currently running for Rainbow City Council Place 5. Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you born and raised? Where did you attend school? I was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina and raised here in Rainbow City. I graduated from Pathways Academy and currently attend Gadsden State Community College. What is

Photo: Pictured above from left to right, Gadsden Museum of Art’s Exhibits Coordinator Mary Wright, Director Ray Wetzel and Outreach and Education Coordinator Jill Edwards smile for a photo on the museum’s third floor, dedicated to the history and origins of Etowah County. (Katie Bohannon/Messenger) By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Since opening its first exhibit

Photo: Etowah County EMA Director Deborah Gaither delivers a COVID-19 update. (Emma Kirkemier/Messenger) By Emma Kirkemier, Staff Correspondent The coronavirus death toll for Etowah County rose to 28 confirmed deaths this week. Emergency Management Agency Director Deborah Gaither delivered an update on COVID-19 to the Gadsden City Council at its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4. Gaither

Photo: Mountain Top Flea Market in Attalla recently reopened after closing briefly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Mountain Top Flea Market) By Katie Bohannon, News Editor Over 50 years ago, Mountain Top Flea Market first welcomed dealers and buyers to its location off U.S. Highway 278 West in Attalla. After briefly closing due