Life + Culture

Smokin’ for a Cause

Chicks & Hogs Served Up Delectable Barbecue Along With Hope for Local Families Article by Jessica Lawrence | Photography by Taylor Harbers The aroma of smoky, slow-cooked barbecue billowed through A.V. “Bull” Sallas Park as pitmasters served up juicy brisket and other savory favorites during the 16th Annual Chicks & Hogs BBQ and Brew-Fest on Sept. 26. Music and laughter filtered through the crowd as children immersed themselves in the fun of the play zone. Nearby, adults sipped cold beverages...

Food + Beverage

Fire Meets Finesse

French Technique, Southern Roots, and Texas Barbecue Come Together Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Hung L Truong There is smoke in the air at Fire Craft BBQ, but Chef David Welch’s story begins before the first brisket hits the pit. It begins with family. Welch spent his earliest years in Alabama surrounded by farmers, gardens, and generations of Southern cooks. His grandmother owned a restaurant in the 1950s, and family gatherings were filled with food. As a child, he learned where...

Local Services

A Pathway to Stability

Helping Neighbors Overcome Hardship and Build Brighter Futures Article by Jessica Lawrence | Photography by Courtesy HAAM Social Services Ms. Jones had dedicated seven years to raising her three children when she found herself in dire financial straits. The 37-year-old single mother and domestic violence survivor dreamed of becoming a certified nursing assistant but had been unable to complete the licensing exam during a demanding pregnancy. Receiving little financial support each month and...

Food + Beverage

Brewing Up a Gathering Place

Final Gravity BrewPub Blends Craft Beer, Family, and an Americana Spirit Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Courtesy Final Gravity BrewPub For Ted Dougherty, brewing began as a hobby. After 11 years of home brewing, a career in law enforcement, and service in the U.S. Army, Dougherty turned his passion into a business. He and his wife opened Final Gravity BrewPub in 2025, with their daughter, Ashley, serving as taproom manager. “Everyone kept telling me since I gave away beer in...