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PAGE 6 November E-Edition 2025
Representatives from the NADA Foundation, the Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama and Ronnie Watkins Ford recently presented a $16,000 check to Gadsden State Community College’s Automotive Service Technology program. The GSCC program prepares students for employment as entry-level automotive technicians and provides advanced training in diagnostics, repair, and maintenance of today’s complex vehicles. For more information about Gadsden State’s Automotive Service Technology program, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/tech-programs. Gadsden State Receives Donation Submitted Photo
The Cherokee County Board of Education (BOE) held a Ribbon Cutting and open house on Monday, October 27, 2025 for its new office location at 200 Armory Road in Centre. Several local and state elected officials, along with community members, had a chance to tour the new space, meet staff, and celebrate the exciting move to the new facility. See more pictures of the event on the Alabama Ledger Facebook Page. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger Cherokee County BOE Opens New Location
Etowah County Detention Center Completes Exterior Security Upgrades
The Etowah County has completed a series of major exterior security upgrades designed to deter contraband and improve overall safety inside the facility. These enhancements have already proven successful in reducing drug-related incidents and creating a safer environment for both detention deputies and inmates. As one of the largest county jails in Alabama, the Etowah County Detention Center houses 865 beds in the main facility and an additional 112 beds in its annex. Since its original construction in 1993, the facility has been located on a street corner in downtown Gadsden, with no external perimeter barriers on three sides. This layout made it possible for individuals to approach the jail's outer walls and introduce contraband, such as narcotics, into the facility. In 2022, Sherif f Jonathon Horton, with support and funding from the Etowah County Commission, developed Detention Center a plan to significantly enhance the jail's exterior security. The project included installing 16-foot- tall Constantine fencing along the 9th Street side of the building and on the opposite side adjacent to
the Etowah County Judicial Building. Special thanks to City of Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford and City Council for their support in allowing the use of a portion of the sidewalk on 9th Street, which made this project possible. To secure the front of the facility, a protective awning was constructed and fitted with engineered "spike strips" along the top edge. Additional exterior security cameras were also installed to increase monitoring capabilities. The fencing was completed in early 2023, and the awning installation was finalized in October 2025. The improvements delivered immediate and measurable results - contraband smuggling incidents decreased dramatically, and inmate overdoses dropped by approximately 90% following the installation of the fencing. Funding for the project was made possible in part through Opiate Abatement Funds received by Etowah County as part of a national lawsuit settlement with opioid drug manufacturers. Sheriff Horton expressed his gratitude to the Etowah County Commission for their continued support and commitment to public safety.
Submitted Photos
GSCC To Host Free Hiring Events Howard Bentley Buick GMC has officially kicked off its 2025 Season of Giving, which is a four- month community campaign turning every vehicle sold from September through December into direct support for Marshall County nonprofits. Since launching in 2019, Howard Bentley’s Season of Giving has raised more than $167,000 for local charities. This year’s campaign began with Second Chance September raising $7,725 for Second Chance Shelter in Boaz. The effort continues with Booktober, benefiting the Albertville City Schools Foundation and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, followed by support for CAJA of Marshall County and the Marshall County Christmas Coalition.
Gadsden State Community College is partnering with the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute (ACRI) and Alabama Talent Solutions to host two free hiring events offering direct pathways for Alabamians into commercial construction careers. The hiring events are part of the ACRI Go Build Alabama Initiative which is designed to educate young people on the value of learning a trade. At the event, multiple commercial construction employers will be on-site to engage attendees and explore potential career pathways. “Go Build Alabama is proud to lead efforts that connect Alabamians with real opportunities in commercial construction,” said Jason Phelps, Executive Director of the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute. “This hiring event is about more than filling jobs. It’s about creating career pathways, supporting local communities, and building the workforce needed to sustain North Alabama’s economic momentum and long-term growth.” Participants will have the opportunity to connect directly with employers, explore open positions, and learn more about training programs available through Gadsden State, ACRI and its partners. Both events are open to students, alumni, and the public.
“These events represent an important collaboration between education, industry, and workforce organizations,” said Andy Robertson, Dean of Workforce Development at Gadsden State. “Through partnerships with ACRI and Alabama Talent Solutions, we’re helping individuals gain access to meaningful careers that power our state’s future.” Event Details Gadsden Event • Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 • Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Location: Gadsden State Community College • East Broad Campus (Advanced Manufacturing Center) • 101 Padenreich Ave, Gadsden, AL 35903 Anniston Event • Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Location: Gadsden State Community College • Ayers Campus (Pierce Cain Learning Resource Center) • 1801 Coleman Road, Anniston, AL 36207 For more information about workforce training opportunities and upcoming events, visit https://www. gadsdenstate.edu/.
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