The CREATE Center in Oxford has quickly grown from concept to reality, now serving hundreds of students with hands-on career and technical training. With expanding programs and new funding, it's becoming a model for workforce development across Alabama. annistonstar.com/news/education…

Photos: Fifteen students have joined the latest cohort of Gadsden State’s CoMeT program, a work-based apprenticeship in precision machining. The program partners with local industries to provide students with paid training and college credit. annistonstar.com/slideshows/pho…

Gadsden State Community College welcomed 15 students into the second cohort of its CoMeT apprenticeship program during a signing event. The program combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience in the machining industry. annistonstar.com/news/education…

Piedmont High receiver Rollie Pinto has picked Jacksonville State. annistonstar.com/sports/jsu/foo…

Excited to play for Coach Smith! It's going to be a great season! #PLA1NS annistonstar.com/sports/high_sc… White Plains Football The Anniston Star

Jacksonville State University officials are asking for the public’s help in locating James Nichols, a student from Ohatchee who has been missing since late August. annistonstar.com/free/jax-state…

For a long time, Pleasant Valley struggled to win big in football, but the Raiders are now enjoying unprecedented success. My take: 11th-year head coach Jonathan Nix deserves plenty of credit for his steady guidance of the program. annistonstar.com/free/mark-edwa…

Former White Plains star Walker O'Steen started his Jax State career as a walk-on. Now, he's on the first team. Injuries have opened a spot in the starting lineup, and O'Steen is listed as a starter for Saturday's homecoming game against Murray State. annistonstar.com/free/jax-state…

Former Piedmont coach Steve Smith brought his current Westbrook Christian team to his old school Friday. Mark Edwards' column on Smith's thoughts after the game. (Smith is a proud Jax State grad.) annistonstar.com/free/mark-edwa…

A new Jacksonville State University analysis shows Calhoun County’s military and security sector generates more than $1.2 billion in economic impact and supports thousands of local jobs, underscoring its vital role in the region’s prosperity. annistonstar.com/news/business/…

You can't say Charles Kelly won't go the extra mile to recruit a football player for Jacksonville State. On Tuesday, he told a story about braving a snow storm last January to visit star linebacker Mac Sanders and give him a recruiting pitch. annistonstar.com/free/rare-sout…

J.D. Hess, a 28-year Calhoun County commissioner, died Tuesday afternoon of natural causes, according to his daughter, Jessica Cobb. annistonstar.com/news/j-d-hess-…

Just because former Ranburne valedictorian Corey Smith didn't get to play soccer for his high school doesn't mean he didn't have a gift for the sport. The proud Ranburne grad is head coach of Jax State’s women’s soccer program and is off to a good start. annistonstar.com/free/mark-edwa…

For the second straight year, top-seeded Alexandria and second-seeded Oxford will meet inside Pete Mathews Coliseum to determine who hoists the Calhoun County volleyball tournament trophy. annistonstar.com/sports/high_sc…

A Jacksonville State University nursing student, Elizabeth Brooklyn Barnes, 21, died Thursday, according to a statement by Jax State President Don Killingsworth. annistonstar.com/news/jax-state…

My take: The question isn't whether Ace Austin is ready for college hoops, but if college hoops are ready for Ace Austin. Despite a recent ankle injury, Austin looked cool and confident in a 91-71 exhibition win over Florida State. annistonstar.com/free/mark-edwa…