Posts published in “Community”

Time capsule sealed for nation’s bicentennial to be opened July 4 in Chattahoochee

July 2, 2026

Erin HillGadsden County News Service As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, residents will have the opportunity to look back at local history when a…

Library expansion project breaks ground in Chattahoochee

An architectural digital rendering of a modern, single-story public library building with a multi-gabled gray shingled roof and red brick walls, set against a dense backdrop of pine trees. The front entrance features a prominent awning with the word 'LIBRARY'. The paved foreground features a parking lot with several cars, green manicured hedges, and small palm trees.

Library expansion project breaks ground in Chattahoochee

July 2, 2026

Erin HillGadsden County News Service Gadsden County officials broke ground Wednesday on a $4 million expansion of the Cowen Public Library, launching a project intended…

Gadsden County Extension Column

July 2, 2026

Beat the heat and stay safe in the sunSharlee Whiddon As temperatures rise and people make plans to spend more time outdoors, it is important…

Quincy swears in Brian Alexander as new police chief

A professional portrait of a Black male police chief smiling subtly against a soft, blurred green background. He is bald with a light mustache and wears a dark blue law enforcement uniform. His uniform features a gold badge on the chest, four gold stars on his collar indicating the rank of chief, a black tie, and a shoulder patch that reads 'CITY OF GRETNA POLICE'

Quincy swears in Brian Alexander as new police chief

June 25, 2026

Erin HillGadsden County News Service The City of Quincy has a new police chief. Brian Alexander was sworn in as chief of the Quincy Police…

Residents voice concerns over potential data centers in Gadsden County

June 25, 2026

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service Public concern over potential data center development took center stage at the June 16 Gadsden County Commission meeting, with…

4th Annual 100 Men in Black fellowship unites community in spiritual warfare

Reverend Danny Whitfield preaches from a central wooden pulpit with one hand raised at Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church during an 'Iron Sharpens Iron' event. He is surrounded by several men in dark suits standing on the stage, including Pastor Terrence D. Milton to the left of the pulpit. The sanctuary stage features white floral arrangements, an altar table, a crystal chandelier hanging above, and musical equipment in the foreground.

4th Annual 100 Men in Black fellowship unites community in spiritual warfare

June 25, 2026

Dr. Deborah ThigpenGadsden County News Service Setting a powerful twofold stage for brotherhood and faith, Pastor Terrence D. Milton opened the Fourth Annual 100 Men…

Out of the Attic Vintage Market draws shoppers to downtown Havana

A close-up view of a vendor table. The table is covered in a white tablecloth and displays various collectible items, including fish-shaped glass plates, a colorful ceramic fish platter, a vintage metal tray featuring an illustration of a classic car, old glassware, and a retro 'Jack and Jill' children's magazine. In the background, other shoppers browse additional tables under the shaded pavilion.

Out of the Attic Vintage Market draws shoppers to downtown Havana

June 18, 2026

Erin HillGadsden County News Service A new monthly vintage market appears to be gaining momentum in downtown Havana. The Out of the Attic Vintage Market,…

Gadsden County Extension Column

June 18, 2026

Savor summer safely: Tips for healthy and delicious grillingShare Whiddon As temperatures rise and backyards fill with the aroma of sizzling food, summer grilling becomes…

Gadsden commissioners approve Aspalaga Road land-use amendment after debate

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service After previously tabling the matter for more information, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted May 19 to approve a land-use amendment for property on Aspalaga Road in Chattahoochee following renewed debate over density and precedent. In a 5-0 vote, commissioners approved a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment for approximately 72.48 acres at 2441 Aspalaga Road owned by Kenny and Jennifer Smith. The amendment changes the property’s future land-use designation from Agriculture 3 to Agriculture 1. County documents state the applicants sought the change to facilitate future homesites for family members. Under the existing Agriculture 3 designation, density would allow about one dwelling unit per 20 acres, or roughly three homesites. Agriculture 1 allows up to one dwelling unit per five acres, potentially permitting as many as 14 dwelling units on the property. The request returned to commissioners as a continuation hearing after being tabled earlier this month amid public opposition and questions about development potential. During the May 19 hearing, Kenny Carroll spoke in support of the amendment while Growth Management Director Justin Stiell reviewed details of the request. Commissioners revisited concerns raised during the earlier hearing, including questions about whether approval could create precedent for similar requests. Planning Commission Chairman Bouie urged commissioners to evaluate land-use requests individually rather than apply a blanket standard. An opposition letter was also read into the record by Interim County Attorney Louis Baptiste. Chair Eric Hinson said he did not object to the Smith family providing land to relatives but expressed concern about altering the county’s land-use framework. “I have no problem giving the land to their kids,” Hinson said, according to meeting notes. “My issue is with changing the land code.” A woman identified in meeting notes as Ms. Smith challenged information she said had circulated about the application, stating she had consistently maintained that she and her husband hoped to provide land for their five children and nine grandchildren. Stiell told commissioners the applicants could sell their property if they wished and said there was no connection between the Smith family and allegations made by some opposing residents. Commissioner Ronterious Green said he was glad the applicants were not the individuals they had been accused of being by opponents. Commissioner Brenda Holt said she was not opposed to the amendment but questioned whether approval could lead to additional requests. “If this is approved, when can they have a meeting because if this is approved, they will have a room full of people wanting theirs changed,” Holt said, according to meeting notes. Commissioners also discussed differences between the Agriculture 1 and Agriculture 3 designations. Stiell explained Agriculture 3 allows one house per 20 acres while Agriculture 1 permits one house per five acres. County staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. Planning documents stated the property is primarily timberland, contains approximately 7.48 acres of wetlands and is consistent with Agriculture 1 policies and surrounding agricultural and residential uses. The board approved the amendment unanimously.

Gadsden commissioners approve Aspalaga Road land-use amendment after debate

June 4, 2026

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service After previously tabling the matter for more information, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted May 19 to…

Chattahoochee Elementary school salutes its finest

An awards presentation inside a school classroom, featuring four adults posing together in the foreground. A man dressed in a black hat, a black-and-gold patterned blazer, a gold sequined vest, and gold shoes stands next to a woman wearing a white lace dress and a white sun hat; both are holding black recognition plaques. They are flanked by two smiling women, one on the left in a teal blouse and black pants, and one on the right in an orange patterned dress and denim jacket.

Chattahoochee Elementary school salutes its finest

June 4, 2026

Linda YoungGadsden County News Service Dressed up and suited for a special celebration, Teacher of the Year Mrs. Ira House and School-Related Employee of the…