Keeping you informed - Etowah County - K.Y.I

08/10/2024

"Alabama's strict third-grade reading standards could lead to many students being held back due to low reading scores. This policy aims to improve literacy, but it also highlights the challenges for students struggling to meet the benchmarks. It's a reminder of the critical importance of early reading skills and the need for support to help all students succeed. Read more about the potential impact on Alabama students and families."

The high-stakes requirement of the 2019 Alabama Literacy Act, mandates that third graders meet reading benchmarks to move to fourth grade.

08/04/2024

The Gadsden Police Department says they conducted the recent crackdown on illegal gambling to aid Mayor Ford's initiative to "Clean up Gadsden." The Street Crimes Unit (SCU) seized 15 illegal gambling machines from six locations, along with approximately $10,000 and a vehicle. Despite the operation's success, Mayor Craig Ford was notably absent from any public or social media posts, a departure from his usual involvement in similar operations. This absence has sparked criticism and speculation about the administration's stance on the issue.

The general public consensus in Alabama leans towards supporting the legalization and regulation of gambling. This has led to speculation that the administration’s absence from the usual "media day" events might signal disapproval or even shame, with officials perhaps "just following the law."

While the SCU and Gadsden Police Department remain committed to eliminating illegal gambling in Gadsden, the silence from the Mayor and council members has been a stark contrast to their usual public engagements, raising concerns about their consistency and commitment to the issue. Councilman Kent Back endorsed the actions with a comment on the GPD page, "Thank you GPD street crimes unit," and Sgt. Mitchell James from the Gadsden Police Department also commented from his personal page, "Thank you for cleaning up these streets," presumably in support of the SCU. However, the majority of online comments have not been as supportive, reflecting the public's divided opinion on the crackdown. No other comment on social media about the situation has been made by the mayor or any other member of the council.

06/27/2024

Watch Mayor Craig Ford controversial "Too Hot for YouTube" video to see for yourself: despite leaving the Democratic Party, his liberal ideology is unmistakable. His views on race, healthcare, and partisan politics clearly show his true colors.
We invite Mayor Ford to address these comments, in an era of cancel culture we believe in letting people defend themselves.

05/25/2024

🔥 Hokes Bluff Secures Fourth Place at State Golf Tournament 🔥
Hokes Bluff soared into the spotlight at the recent AHSAA Class 1A/3A girls state golf tournament, clinching an impressive fourth place out of eight competing teams. With a total score of 321, including a standout performance in Tuesday's nine-hole contest, the Lady Eagles showcased their talent and determination on the greens.Leading the charge was Makayla Bearden, who secured an eighth-place finish with a five-above-par score of 126. Kenley Staats followed closely behind, claiming 15th place with a score of 151, while Ellie Doss secured 19th place at 204. Coach Michelle Bishop commended the team's performance, emphasizing their resilience and skill throughout the tournament.Despite facing formidable competition, Hokes Bluff stood tall as the top public school finisher, underscoring their dedication and commitment to excellence. As they look ahead to next season, the Lady Eagles remain poised for success, buoyed by the return of Bearden, Staats, and Doss, alongside promising new additions to the roster.Congratulations to the Hokes Bluff girls golf team on their remarkable achievement at the state tournament! 🏌️‍♀️⛳️

Photo: The Hokes Bluff girls golf team gathers for a photo after finishing fourth out of eight teams at the AHSAA Class 1A/3A girls state golf tournament last Tuesday (May 14) at the Shoals RTJ Golf Course in Florence Pictured, from left: coach Jeff Noah, Ellie Doss, Kenley Staats, Makayla Bearden,....

05/25/2024

📖 Explore Attalla's History📖
Dive into the captivating world of Attalla's evolving cityscape with local columnist David Murdock! Discover the transformative changes that have shaped our community over the years in his latest column.

David Murdock on the old Pizza Hut building being torn down and other changes in Attalla since the 1980s.

05/25/2024

🚧 **Governor Kay Ivey Allocates Grant for Glencoe Road Improvements** 🚧

Governor Kay Ivey has announced the allocation of hundreds of thousands of dollars for traffic safety enhancements in Glencoe. The funds will facilitate major road improvements along Websters Chapel Road, including resurfacing and drainage enhancements. Mayor Chris Hare anticipates significant economic and safety benefits for the community. Stay informed for further updates on this project

Mayor Chris Hare says he was born and raised in Glencoe and says $500,000 will have a huge impact on the economy and public safety.

05/25/2024

🌟 Welcome to Keeping You Informed (K.Y.I) - Etowah County! 🌟

Greetings, fellow residents of Etowah County,

It's with great pride and enthusiasm that we introduce Keeping You Informed (K.Y.I) - Etowah County, a platform dedicated to delivering vital local news and updates directly to you.

In an era where reliable information is paramount, our mission is clear: to ensure every citizen is equipped with the knowledge necessary to actively engage in our community's affairs. From comprehensive council meeting summaries to breaking news alerts, we are committed to keeping you abreast of the latest developments shaping our county's future.

We invite you to join us on this journey towards a more informed and empowered community. Let's foster a culture of civic engagement and accountability in Etowah County.