The Messenger-Gadsden

07/18/2025

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere — and this weekend, “somewhere” is at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Alabama City.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere — and this weekend, “somewhere” is at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Alabama City. Make plans to join the cast of Theatre of Gadsden’s summer jukebox musical, Escape to Margaritaville, this weekend and the next weekend for the ultimate indoor beach party. On tap fo...

07/15/2025

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently celebrated Senate passage of Lulu’s Law, her bipartisan legislation named in honor of 16-year-old Lulu Gribbin, that would direct the Federal Communication Commission to issue an order providing that shark attacks are events for which wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) may be transmitted.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently celebrated Senate passage of Lulu’s Law, her bipartisan legislation named in honor of 16-year-old Lulu Gribbin.

07/15/2025

The Messenger office will be closed today, Tuesday, July 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. so our team can attend the visitation and funeral of an officemate's husband.

As those who have visited our office know, we are housed in a small building with Ford Insurance Agency, and as such, we see each other as an office family. A member of our office family, Halee Sims, tragically and suddenly lost her husband last week.

We’re keeping Halee and her loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We ask our readers to please do the same.

Thank you all for your patience and kindness. If you need to reach us, we will be back in the office this afternoon and our emails are always open.

- The Messenger Team

07/14/2025

“My connection to this college spans more than 35 years when I began my education journey and has shaped who I am today. This is an incredible honor that I embrace with great enthusiasm,” said Smith.

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees approved Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker’s recommendation to appoint Alan Smith as permanent President of Gadsden State Community College during its monthly board meeting on Wednesday, July 9. Smith has served as Gadsden State’s interim pre...

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

Art on the Rock attendees can taste wine from all across Alabama during September’s event as the Alabama Wine Festival finds a new home.

Art on the Rock attendees can taste wine from all across Alabama during September’s event as the Alabama Wine Festival finds a new home.

07/09/2025

“This is going to take their, what we call response time, from leaving their house to getting to a shelter anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to just a couple of minutes,” Mummert said.

Etowah County Commission approved the use of $92,000 for a 40-foot storm shelter in Ballplay.

07/08/2025

Alabama’s most beloved broadcast meteorologist made a visit to the Southside Public Library Tuesday, July 1.

Alabama’s most beloved broadcast meteorologist made a visit to the Southside Public Library Tuesday, July 1.

07/07/2025

Negotiations between Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford, Etowah County Sheriff Jonathan Horton and county commission for the housing of detainees at Etowah County Jail are still ongoing after a proposed agreement was rejected by the City of Gadsden.

Negotiations between Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford, Etowah County Sheriff Jonathan Horton and county commission for the housing of detainees at Etowah County Jail are still ongoinging after a proposed agreement was rejected by the City of Gadsden.

07/04/2025

07/03/2025

First Friday returns with a bang on the Fourth of July. Join Downtown Gadsden, Inc. as they celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Gadsden from 5-8 p.m. with classic cars, food vendors and live music.

First Friday returns with a bang on the Fourth of July. Join Downtown Gadsden, Inc. as they celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Gadsden from 5-8 p.m. with classic cars, food vendors and live music. This month’s entertainment includes, Vyntage at 3rd & Broad, Diedra the Blues Diva at 4th & Broad...

07/03/2025

This Friday night in Gadsden, get ready for one of the biggest Fourth of July parties in the South. 🎆

Gadsden, AL – This Friday night in Gadsden, get ready for the biggest Fourth of July party in the South! We’re pulling out all the stops with concerts, food trucks, First Friday and the main attraction: our biggest fireworks show ever, launched from Memorial Bridge over the Coosa River. “Last ...