Local News

The Gadsden County Courthouse was built 100 years ago this year and could use some much-needed repairs. While the structure was completed in 1912, it has been in continuous use since 1913. The repairs will require an estimated $326,295 for essential renovations, according to Chief Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit Charles Francis and Gadsden County Judge Kathy Garner. A budget amendment was requested and approved for the repairs.

Zola Akins doesn’t remember not wanting to be a teacher. As a child she forced herself to play “A-Team” with her younger brother so he would sit still long enough for her to “practice” being a teacher with him as her only pupil.
“Even then I did what a teacher had to do to get the student’s attention,” she said as she reflected on the honor of “Teacher of the Year” for the Gadsden County School District on Jan. 16.

The years have slowly crept up on Nora Williams. Saturday she will join the ranks of some of the world’s most elite and special people in America when she turns 100 years old.

“Oh, I feel just fine. I can take care of myself; I can cook and eat about anything I want. I can clean my own house. The only thing I really miss is my garden,” she said.

Shannon Faison coached little league football in Gadsden County throughout the fall of 2012. His aim, along with several other volunteers, was to teach the young men skills and sportsmanship combined with a large dose of respect for authority and pride in accomplishments. He also wanted to save as many at-risk kids as he could from the choosing the streets over education.

“We were keeping them off the street and getting them to do something constructive and physical. If you’re tired, it’s hard to go out and get into trouble,” Faison said.