Mitch Miller pitches in first minor league game for the the Arizona Brewers


   Hokes Bluff and JSU star Mitch Miller pitched in his first game for the Arizona Brewers June 27th.  The 6'3" Miller pitched 2 innings of relief  allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run against the Arizona Angels.  Miller played on the 2003 & 2004 Hokes Bluff Championship teams.  Mitch's Parents said they were "very excited and shocked" about him being drafted by the Brewers.

 Riverfest 2009 Photo Gallery   <Click Here 2009>

Little Big Town, Josh Gracin a big blast at Riverfest 2009
  The weather was clear and the atmosphere was hot as two of the huge country acts took the stage Saturday night for Riverfest 2009.   As WQSB's morning show host Al Taylor introduced the band, he said "until you see little big town live, you haven't heard Little Big Town ."  That was a profound statement as Little Big Town fired up the crowd with hit songs, "Boondocks," "A little more you" and their new hit "Good Lord Willing."    LBT has roots in Alabama, Jimi Westbrook is from Sumiton, and  Kimberly Roads and Karen Fairchild met will attending Samford University.

Little Big Town pic 1

Josh Gracin picture close up 1

 Josh Gracin actually took it to the fans, but sneaking into the crowd and singing in the middle of the aisle surrounded by screaming fans.  Gracin also played drums throwing the sticks out to the crowd after the show.


Gadsden Riverfest a hit!

  Despite high winds, rains and some lighting, the fireworks still fired and the crowd was still excited as Bret Michaels took the stage.  Gadsden's Daybreakk started the night off, followed by the Marshall Tucker Band, then Michaels took the stage.

Gadsden Riverfest Close to Sold-Out

  Gadsden Riverfest 2009 is expected to have a huge crowd this year according to officials at the chamber with tickets sales being close to sold-out.  Advanced tickets are still available, and day of tickets can be purchased for $20 Adults (12 +), $5 kids (6-11) and 5 and under are free.

  This year's Riverfest will have an unique addition: The Boardwalk Bash sponsored by ZeroMeth and Jimmy Harp.  The Bash will have the bands Juiced from Birmingham and Unveil from Etowah County.  The Gadsden Public Library will be doing a Rock Back contest and Mix 102.9 will be hosting a Teen Dance Club called the Chill Zone. 
   The kids area located within Moragne Park will feature 6 large inflatable's that are free the kids.  Plus, there will be paid rides like a bungee jump, rock wall, bull ride, game shoot, and tons of kid themed items including Native American toys, hand-crafted puppets and name mats.
  The food at this year's Riverfest will really be kicked up a notch.  The TL's BBQ team that has just won in Memphis will have butts, ribs and much more.  Plus, there will be some very unique items: Pork Tenderloin, Turkey Legs, Stromboli-Stuffed Pizza, Oyster-Crab Claws and Cajun Crawfish Baskets, Sweet Potato Fries, homemade ice cream, tropical drinks and everyone's favorite fresh squeezed lemonade.
  For Concert Times and more information visit:
    www.GadsdenRiverfest.com

Albert Burney Wins Three Marketing Awards From National Auctioneers Association

   GADSDEN, AL--(Marketwire - May 28, 2009) - Albert Burney Auction Company won all three awards for multi-color real estate auction brochures in the recent National Auctioneers Association competition. The company, which auctions high-end real estate nationwide, won the national association's top prize for Auction Printed Materials, Multi-Color in all three real estate categories: Commercial Real Estate, Farm Real Estate and Residential Real Estate.  <more>

Historic Downtown Gadsden Free Guided
Walking Tours Begin June 6th

  
Downtown Gadsden Inc. announces free guided walking tours June 6th,  13th, 20th and 27th. Mike Goodson will be leading these historic tours from the Pitman Theatre  through historic Downtown Gadsden to the Gadsden City Hall Gazebo. Goodson is a local historian who has written many books about the history of Etowah County. He will share very interesting stories about Downtown Gadsden during the tour. This is great, free summer fun you do not want to miss!
  
All participants are invited to park in the Gadsden City Hall parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and ride the trolley to the tour starting point. The tour will end at Gadsden City Hall. The trolley rides are sponsored by Downtown Gadsden Inc and are free to walking tour participants.

For more information, contact DGI at 547-8696 or bookmark
this link: www.downtowngadsden.com/events.htm

Glencoe has Annual Celebration in the park

 

Glencoe Elementary opens new Lunchroom

 
Glencoe Elementary has a new lunchroom.  Members of the Etowah County Board of Education, Glencoe City officials along with teachers and members of the community were on hand to celebrate the opening.

Tone Alert Radio Service to be Discontinued on April 30th

   Service for Tone Alert Radios will be discontinued at midnight on Thursday April 30th. Tone Alert Radios were issued to schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and special needs individuals as part of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP). People who utilized the Tone Alert Radios should now rely on their Emergency Alert Radios, which were distributed as part of a program with FEMA earlier this year.

   Due to battery disposal, people are requested not to throw away their units. Various county volunteer fire departments, in conjunction with the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency, are setting up a recycling program to dispose of the units properly. More details of this program will be made available once the program is finalized.

For more information, please contact the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency at 549-4575.

 

The Southern Banc Company, Inc. Declares No Dividend in the Fourth Quarter 2009
 
The Board of Directors of The Southern Banc Company, Inc. (OTCBB: SRNN) has announced that it will not pay a dividend in its fiscal fourth quarter of 2009. The decision not to pay a dividend reflects the Board’s conservative management approach and desire to preserve capital in the current national economic uncertainty. While the Board believes that the Company is more than adequately capitalized at over 14%, the Board will continue to evaluate the Company’s earnings and capital plan to determine the future payment of dividends. <more>

 

Gadsden's Recycling program gets underway


 
Gadsden has two drop off points, one at the Gadsden Amphitheater parking lot across from city hall and one near the maintenance garage close to Attalla.  Currently, they accept plastic, newspaper, cardboard and cans.

Southside Lady Panthers playing in Nike Tournament in Orange Beach


Game Results ( Full Story below on ALSportsLive.com page below )    Game 1 : Southside 6 - Sardis 2 ;  Game 2 : Southside 3  - Lexington 5;  Game 3 : Southside 0 - Cherokee Co. 3 in Extra Innings.   Southside will play Baldwin Co. and Cullman; plus a game to be named later.

Check out the pics from the
2009 Alabama Chocolate Festival

Send us your pics at info@myGadsden.com

Alabama Chocolate Festival in Rainbow City "one of the biggest ever"

   Exile playing before a huge crowd

According to an official with the Alabama Chocolate Festival this year was one of the biggest ever.  Rainbow Plaza was packed all day Saturday as many people took advantage of the Free entertainment. 

    Jeremy Lesley Band playing songs from the new album

The Taste Off was a huge hit as well with some amazing chocolate entries.



 Alabama Chocolate Festival  Photo Gallery coming soon

CENTER STAGE READIES FOR JUNE OPEN


Dana Loconto's dream is nearing completion in Rainbow City. It's been a long journey but, what could be the "South's Premier Entertainment Complex" has an opening date of June. A comedy act will come in to town to kick the month off which is a deal that Mr. Laconto and Bruce Ayers of Birmingham's Comedy Club worked out (the act will come in a perform the night before they come into the Stardome). A lot of speculation is out there on who the first music act will be. Nothing is in stone as of yet. The interior of the facility is quite impressive and still a work in progress. Balcony seating, a kitchen, offices and of course the main stage are getting the final touches. For more information you can go to their website at www.centerstagegadsden.com .
For more Exclusive Pics: < Click Here >

 

Gadsden's Jeremy Lesley Band working on new album *Exclusive to myGadsden.com

 
The Jeremy Lesley Band is working on a new album in Fort Payne.  The Band's  Manager Chris Sobonya flew in from his office in Seattle, Washington to watch them record.  JLB recorded over 14 hours Friday and Continued recording Saturday until about 6pm.  "New guitarist, Mike Erwin, has kicked it up around here tonight!" commented Jeremy Lesley on the addition of the new guitarist.  The band is set to concluded recording the album this week.  The band will conduct several practice rehearsals this week to prepare for the Alabama Chocolate Festival this Saturday at 5pm.  Follow the band at www.JeremyLesleyBand.com

Food World Rainbow City and others set to close May 17th unless buyer is found

  
According to Rainbow City Mayor Terry John Calhoun, they were sent a letter this week regarding the potential closing of the Food World in Rainbow Plaza.  Wednesday the Bruno's company, which own Food World, had it's "Final Hearing on Debtor's Motion for order authorizing debtor-in-possession to obtain financing."  Bruno's Supermarkets, LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 5th of this year.

 The states that "if our effort" to sell the stores are not completed by May 17th, then layoffs and liquidation would begin and end around the end of the month (May 31st).  Mayor Terry John Calhoun expressed concern stating that "he hope they don't close."   Other cities including Sylacauga have been sent letters regarding this matter.     

   David Gagne a spokes person for Bruno's, nor the Local store manager could comment on the matter and myGadsden.com was directed to Bruno's Lawyers which have not responded to our questions.

Appliance Direct Coming to Gadsden's REX TV location

 
According to an Appliance Direct Official, the company will be taking over the lease from the REX TV building in Gadsden.  The Gadsden Store was suppose to open this week, but has been pushed back for a couple of weeks due to delays.  Appliance Direct currently operates 22 stores in Florida and one in Brunswick, Ga.  The company is expanding to Alabama with stores opening in Dothan, Decatur, Florence, Daphne, Gadsden, and Montgomery in the next few weeks.  All, but one, will be located in former REX TV buildings.  Appliance Direct sells Kitchen Aid, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag and other top brands.   Appliance Direct will retain most of the employees who wished to stay on from REX TV.

Etowah County Commission unanimously approves the development plan for electric bingo

 
The Etowah County Commission took about 4 minutes to approve and recorded the vote Tuesday on the proposed development plan presented by CBS supply.  The development is a 200 million dollar project for the charity bingo operation to be located on Pleasant Valley Road near the I-59 exchange.  CBS supply is trying to get the permit before the "Sweet Home Alabama" law goes into effect.  The Commission did ask if there was any opposition or comments, but the room remained silent.

Click here to see a copy of the Little Canoe Creek Industrial Park Development Agreement.pdf

William Thomas of Phenix City, wins Top Tracks Crate race at Green Valley Speedway

William "Smooth" Thomas of Phenix City, Alabama was in a league of his own Friday Night in the Top Tracks warm up event prior to the GVS Crate Nationals to be held this week at Green Valley! 50 Crates showed up for the only race left before next weekends spectacular 3 Day first of a kind Crate Race! If this race was any indication "Smooth" will be hard to beat this weekend. However he will be challenged be a strong field of veteran drivers.

One of Gadsden's Oldest Jewelers is Going out of business.  Another Sad loss for the Local community.

  In a letter/advertisement sent out to former patrons of Grier Jewelers last week, it stated that after 67 years of business it was going to close it doors.  In the letter "The decision has been made, and it is time.  In this time of recession, retail business for the jewelry industry has not been going very well. "  The letter also states that Marvin Grier will going to work "within the industry, But in the area of appraisals."  Grier Jewelers has been a Icon of downtown Gadsden since 1941.

Mayor of Rainbow City says baseball fields to ready by "April 2nd"

    Rainbow City Mayor Terry John Calhoun said that the baseball field would be ready "by April 2nd."  Teams from the Coosa Baseball league are schedule to start playing at the fields on that date.  According to the Coosa baseball website, members of the teams, Parent and coaches are having a work day March 28th from 8am until 5pm to get the field ready to play.  The baseball fields are part of the Maddox Sports complex.

 

Color the County: ZeroMeth Art by Etowah County Teens
  
More than $5,000 in awards and a chance to express your views on the dangers of meth use. April 3-24 along Broad Street in Downtown Gadsden. Drop off artwork and entry forms 1pm - 5 pm, Thursday, March 26 or Friday, March 27 at the Pitman Theater.
   Entry forms are available from your art teacher, school office or the Hardin Center for Cultural Arts beginning March 2.
For more info,visit www.myspace.com/colorthecounty or email colorthecounty@gmail.com 

 

Little League teams across the area take the field

   Spring is in the air, and Little League teams are hitting the practice fields.  Rainbow City is set to open it's new sports complex this April.

Southside Panther Youth win cheerleading championship

  
Standing from left to right:  Magan Saunders, Madison McFee, Lauren Hunt, Macy Foshee, Taylor Moles, Lexi Pierce, Makenzi Duncan, Kaylee Fry, Savannah Shaw, Bradley Couch, Christy Morgan, Isabella Bynum, and Taylor Griffin  Bottom Row:  Brianna Goffe, Skylar Moles and Britni Bottoms

   Winning the cheerleading championship was a group of 6 – 10 year olds from Southside, Alabama.  After much hard work and dedication the girls competed at the World of Sports in Orlando Florida bringing home the 1st place National Championship trophy, championship jackets and gold medals.   Title:    2009 Youth Recreational National Cheerleading Champions : lead by head coach Jeannie Saunders.

It seems that at Disney…Dreams do come true!

Green Valley Speedway Kicks off New 2009 Season, New Website and New races.

 
Dennis and Debbie Harker, owners of Green Valley Speedway welcomed city officials, media and others to the ribbon cutting of the 2009 season sponsored by the Gadsden - Etowah Chamber.  Mayor Gilchrist of Glencoe and Mayor Burns of Southside both spoke on the track contributions to the community.  The track is expected to generate Millions of dollars and attract 100's of thousand fans this year to boost the Etowah/Calhoun county area.

  Green Valley Speedway will host the GVS Crate Nationals in March, with will have the largest money prize offered to a Crate National winner $25,000.  On February 19th - 22nd the track will have its 12th annual Bama Bash which is expected to bring in thousands of fans.

For more information about the track visit: www.GreenValleySpeedway.com

Gadsden - Etowah Chamber celebrates its Annual Report; Honors Meehan,  Harris.

 
JSU's President Dr. Meehan received the Bobby Austin award for his "regional" achievements at JSU.  Mike Harris was given the Chairman's Award for his years of work with the Chamber.

   In other business, Chamber Chairman Mike Shannon was giving the task of both the Incoming and Outgoing reports. Mr. Shannon replaced Renee' Culverhouse after she resigned earlier due to health concerns.  Mike Shannon will also serve as Chamber Chairman for the rest of 2009.

Former Etowah and Alabama Quarterback Freddie Kitchens has chance to get a Super Bowl Ring with the Arizona Cardinals.
 
Freddie Kitchens is in his second year with the Arizona Cardinal as the Tight End coach.  Kitchens in his 3rd year coaching in the NFL which included a one year stint with the Dallas Cowboys.  Kitchens also served on the LSU Staff and the Mississippi State coaching staff before enter the NFL coaching ranks.  This will be first Super Bowl appearance.   In all, the University of Alabama will have 9 players in coaches involved in this Superbowl. (photo credit: AzCardinals.com )

President Obama Signs Former Gadsden Goodyear employee's Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009

It's about justice. It's about who we are. And on this "wonderful day," we're getting a step closer to both of those things.

That was President Obama's message as he signed his first piece of legislation, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which will make it easier for people to get the pay they deserve -- regardless of their gender, race, or age.

"Ultimately, equal pay isn't just an economic issue for millions of Americans and their families, it's a question of who we are -- and whether we're truly living up to our fundamental ideals," President Obama said. "Whether we'll do our part, as generations before us, to ensure those words put on paper some 200 years ago really mean something -- to breathe new life into them with a more enlightened understanding that is appropriate for our time.

Surrounded by leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and with the new law's namesake, Lilly Ledbetter, at his side, President Obama signed into law a powerful tool to fight discrimination.

The law is now up on our website, where you can review its full text and and submit your thoughts, comments, and ideas.

Gadsden Riverfest 2009 announced

Friday night will be Daybreakk, The Marshall Tucker Band and Bret Michaels.  Saturday night will be Kevin Derryberry, Josh Gracin, and Little Big Town
Photo Credit:
Nancy Mazzei - Bret Michaels

 Attalla gets new Superintendent job
  
Boaz Principal Ray Landers will be the next superintendent for the Attalla Board of Education.  Landers will replace Danny Golden who retires at the end of February.

Gadsden, Noccalula Falls Featured in Atlanta Newspaper in " One-Tank Trips"
    One-tank trip: Gadsden, Ala.: Natural wonders only part of attraction Tips to help you plan a day trip or overnight getaway

By Lisa Lowe Stauffer Contributor Sunday, January 11, 2009

story credit www.AJC.com
  
With the Coosa River at its heart and the Appalachian foothills at its edge, Gadsden was voted America’s Most Livable City in 2000. It’s a very visit-able city, too, with its historic downtown, nearby parks, a cultural arts center and the riverfront.   Read the whole story on AJC.com

Green Stories:  Projects that make our community better.
  Should Gadsden have a recycling program?

myGadsden.com spoke with someone the other day who describe his encounter with Mayor Guyton about the City of Gadsden starting a Recycling program.  This group has petitioned to get a recycling program started for the Gadsden area, but fell short of the 40,000 signatures required to get matter processed further.  myGadsden.com is following the story going into 2009.  Tell us your thoughts on this matter by emailing info@mygadsden.com

Related story:
    Grant Helps Baldwin County Turn Landfill Waste into Energy

MONTGOMERY - A landfill in Baldwin County will soon convert gas generated by waste into electricity with the help of a $40,000 grant awarded by Governor Bob Riley. The County Commission will use the grant for a project to generate a limited amount of electricity from the gas produced by waste decomposition at the Magnolia Sanitary Landfill in Summerdale. County officials estimate the gas will generate enough electricity to offset up to $1,000 per month in energy costs.  <more>

Gadsden Christmas Parade




City of Southside increases sales tax from 3% to 4%, Southside Water, Garbage and Sewer increases 10%

  Sales tax on goods purchased in the city of Southside went up 1% on Monday, December 1st.  During the October 13th city council meeting, the Mayor Wally Burns and the City Council unanimously passed the ordinance to increase the sales tax from 3% to 4%.  The 1% increase in the rates will be used for the repair and maintenance of roadways in Southside.

  Several local Southside business interview we're aware of the tax increase, but a few were unclear that the tax increase would happen in December.  According to the Southside revenue department, Southside allowed Alatax, the company in charge of collecting sales tax for Southside, to mail out the notices to businesses. 
< Read the full ordinance for the City Council minutes>

  In a separate department, the Southside Water and Sewer Board increase it's water, sewer and Garbage service 10% being at the first of the year. 

Teresa Lokey named the new principal at Highland School.
   Teresa Lokey was named as the new principal of Highland School at the Etowah County board of education meeting Tuesday night.  Lokey was previously the Assistant Principal at Glencoe Middle School.

Glencoe Elementary gets new Principal.

The Etowah County Board of Education approved Tiffany Scott as the new Principal of Glencoe Elementary on Tuesday, effective immediately.  Mrs. Scott has served at Highland School on Tabor Road as Principal, Teacher and other positions over the past 12 years.