From the Director of the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, Sandy Thompson in Athens, Alabama:

It is with great pleasure that I announce our guest speaker for this year’s Memorial Day program will be Major General James E. Simpson, Commanding General, U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL. Our program will be held on Monday, May 29th at 11:00 at the Limestone County Event Center, across from the museum at 100 W. Pryor St., Athens, AL. Please join us for refreshments following the program.

Decatur, Ala. (May 16, 2017) – Four individuals from Limestone County have been named a North Alabama Elite Tourism Professional, a program of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) where tourism employees demonstrating outstanding customer service and hospitality in the 16-county North Alabama region are recognized in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week.
 
From Limestone County, Jim Kelley of Lawler’s Barbecue, Paul Cain and Sheriff Mike Blakely of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office and Jerry Evans of Old Greenbrier Restaurant have each been named a North Alabama Elite Tourism Professional for their contributions to the tourism industry. Each recipient was presented with a balloon bouquet and a gift card from AMLA representatives.
 
May is National Tourism Month and National Travel and Tourism Week was celebrated from May 7-13. National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for the U.S. travel community, established by a congressional resolution in 1983 and first observed the following year. It is a time when travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the unique value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being.
 
The theme of this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week, “Faces of Travel,” shined a spotlight on the people that make up America’s travel industry. Across North Alabama, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from airline and hotel employees to restaurant, attraction and retail workers, and supports related sectors such as construction, manufacturing and finance.
 
“This year’s theme for National Travel and Tourism Week, Faces of Travel, placed the spotlight on the people that go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to taking care of visitors and Jim Kelley, Paul Cain, Sheriff Mike Blakely and Jerry Evans all meet the criteria to be named a North Alabama Elite Tourism Professional,” said AMLA President and CEO Tami Reist. “The North Alabama Elite Tourism Professional recognition honors those individuals in the 16-county region of North Alabama who offer top notch service to visitors and is committed to the success of the tourism and travel industry.”
 
For more information on National Tourism Month or the impact of tourism and travel in North Alabama, contact Tami Reist 800.648.5381.

Decatur, AL -- Calhoun Community College President Dr. Jim Klauber today announced the college’s Certified Quality Community Initiative, designed to create a culture of quality throughout Calhoun’s service area. 

The initiative kicked off in September 2016, when Klauber and members of the Calhoun administrative team completed Lean Champion and Process Owner training.  Since then, a total of 96 employees have completed Lean for Higher Education.  According to Klauber, plans are for all of the college’s 400 full-time employees to complete the training.

Graduates of the first Calhoun Lean in Higher Education class recently completed their first quality improvement project which focused on streamlining the hiring process for non-credit instructors.  The new “Lean” process increased efficiency by reducing the lead-time for hiring these instructors by nearly 50%.   

As part of the Certified Quality Community Initiative, continuous quality improvement training and certifications will be provided to all public and private Pre-K through 12th grade students and educators. Local citizens, community organizations, and business & industry representatives will also be included with the goal of developing and reaching the high standards of the first Certified Quality Community certification and recognition.    

“This initiative is an example of the bold ideas that are a part of Calhoun’s 21st Century Community, Economic and Education strategic plan our faculty and staff are developing,” said Klauber.  “We are proud to support community and economic development throughout our region through this new initiative,” Klauber added. 
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Calhoun’s Workforce Solutions (CWS) division currently offers a wide range of Lean and Six Sigma courses as well as customized quality training for business and industry.  For more information on these training opportunities, contact Jennifer Geiger, CWS Project Manager, Cyber Security & ASQ, at 256-306-2584 or jennifer.geiger@calhoun.edu.  

Six names from the Athens Police Department comprise the End of Watch List for Limestone County, which holds nine names.

These names from Athens Police, Limestone County Sheriff’s Department and Alabama Troopers are those in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Athens and Limestone County. As part of National Police Week, Athens Police will host its annual Police Memorial in Downtown Athens. The public event will be Thursday, May 18, at 5 p.m. on the northwest side of the Limestone County Courthouse by the law enforcement memorial.

Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said the APD Honor Guard will place a wreath at the memorial as part of the short ceremony.

“These officers went to work not knowing it would be their last day,” Johnson said. “That is something you have to accept as officer, that during your daily routine, something tragic can happen.”

One officer was transporting blood when he was injured in an automobile accident, developed a blood clot and died. Another officer was killed during a welfare check on an individual.

“I invite the public to join us to honor these officers and show support to many of their families who still live in our community,” Johnson said.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

After the public event, APD’s Honor Guard will place new flags at the graves of Athens officers buried in Athens and Limestone County cemeteries. 

The 35th Annual Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo Week is May 13th through the 20th. There are several great events planned during this week leading up to the GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT! We look forward to seeing everyone throughout this week!

Saturday, May 13, 2017
10:00 A.M. Parade Line – Up at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena
Group and Individual participants welcome.
NO ENTRY FEE
Parade Route: From the Arena on Hwy. 99, into Athens on Market St. to the Courthouse square, turn left or north on Jefferson St and continue to Elm St. Turn left, or west on Elm St., and return to the Arena.

11:00 A.M. Sheriff Blakely and the Grand Marshal will lead the 35th Annual Rodeo Parade, featuring Queen Contestants, & Cowgirls and Cowboys of all ages on horseback along with many buggies & wagons.

​Monday, May 15, 2017 Preston’s Rodeo Kickoff
5:00 P.M. Preston’s Western & Outdoor Wear Highway 72 & I-65 in Athens, AL Kid’s Day, Horseback Rides
All Free Fun

Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Cast Products, Inc. Street Dance & Fashion Show
6:00 P.M. Limestone County Courthouse Square
Live Band, Line Dancing, Western Fashion Show
Music provided by the “JEFF WHITLOW COUNTRY” band.

Thursday, May 18, 2017 Slack
Admission $5.00
All team roping contestants will compete during the designated slack on this date.

Area elementary schools will reward their “Leader In Me” and “Reading Initiative” participants with a field day to watch Slack for free as guests of Sheriff Blakely.
8:00 A.M. Gates Open 9:00 A.M. Slack Begins

Friday, May 19, 2017 Special Needs Rodeo
Sponsored By:
Turner Beverage Company of Huntsville Allen Brown Heating & Cooling
10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Rodeo for individuals with special needs at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena.

Friday, May 19 & Saturday, May 20 Main Performances
6:00 P.M. Gates Open. Pony Rides for Kids 10 & Under
7:00 P.M. Kids Gold Rush – Entertainment
8:00 P.M. 35th Annual Rodeo Opening Ceremonies
(not necessarily in this order)
Bareback Bronc Riding – Riding Event Calf Roping – Timed Event
Break-Away Roping- Timed Event Steer Wrestling – Timed Event Saddle Bronc Riding – Riding Event
Kids Calf Scramble – Entertainment for Children 10 & Under Cowgirl’s Barrel Racing – Timed Event
Chuck Wagon Races
Bull Riding – Riding Event
Professional Rodeo Clowns & Specialty Acts

Saturday, May 20 Miss Limestone Rodeo Queen Luncheon
12 noon Limestone County Event Center – 114 Pryor Street, Athens
Modeling, Speech Presentations, Impromptu Questions. Luncheon catered by Curry’s of Decatur. $25 admission. Tickets available at the Sheriff’s Office.
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TICKET INFORMATION
NEW!!! Tickets are available Online for the first time and may be purchased with credit or debit cards !!!
Links are available at www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com
ADULTS - $15.00 CHILDREN - $10.00 (12 & under)

ADVANCE TICKET OUTLETS
Limestone County Sheriff's Office
​Athens Preston's Western Wear – Athens

The Limestone County Courthouse will shine purple the entire month of May for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.  The Limestone County Commission will always celebrate the survivors, remember those we have lost, and will continue the fight against cancer!  The Commission invites you to attend the Limestone County Relay for Life Event on May 12, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 A.M. at the Athens Sportsplex located at 1403 US-31, Athens, AL. Please make sure and visit the Limestone County Commission's County for A Cure Campsite to help us Cure Cancer One County at A Time!

Montgomery, Ala – “The tourism numbers have been released from the State Tourism Department for 2016,” said Teresa Todd, President of the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association, and the numbers are great! With our Bicentennial Celebration starting this year (2017) and continuing through 2019, I foresee an even great percentage of travelers coming to visit Limestone County and many other Alabama Counties.” 

In our community travelers spent $129 million and were responsible for 1,569 jobs last year in Limestone County, according a report conducted for the Alabama Tourism Department. To break it down another way, that figure represents a 3.9% increase in traveler spending on hotels, restaurants, shopping and transportation.

Looking statewide, the tourism industry grew by 5.4% with more than 25 million visitors spending $13.4 billion last year, according to the report conducted by Auburn University Montgomery.

“The tourism numbers for 2016 bring great economic news for Alabama,” s
State Tourism director Lee Sentell said.  “The dollars spent on tourism creates jobs, it grows local economies and generates needed tax revenues. Travel spending in Alabama has doubled over the previous 14 years.” 
Without the dollars collected by the tourism industry each household in the state would end up paying $444 in additional taxes, according to the report developed by economist Dr. Keivan Deravi. Todd gave the amount locally saved; without the dollars collected by the Tourism Industry each household in Limestone County would end up paying $341 in additional taxes.

The five counties in which tourists spent the most are: Baldwin County with $4.2 billion in travel-related spending, Jefferson County with $1.9 billion, Madison County with $1.2 billion, Mobile County with $1.1 billion and Montgomery County with $814 million.

The complete state tourism economic impact report will be available in early May. 

Contact Teresa Todd for more information
Teresa@VisitAthensAL.com 
256-232-5411

City of Athens Mayor Marks and Limestone County Commission Chairman sign the proclamation in support of Relay for Life.

May 4, 2017

When you hear the word “cancer” you likely think of a person you love who has battled or is battling the disease.

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks lost a brother to cancer. Limestone County Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough recently lost his father to cancer. Both leaders met to proclaim May 8-12 as Paint the Town Purple Week to encourage the community to educate themselves about cancer, donate to fight cancer, and support those in Athens and Limestone County who battle cancer.

“Each year we all are reminded how cancer is not nameless,” said City of Athens Relay for Life Team Captain Holly Hollman. “Each of us can think of someone we know who has been impacted by it. At the city, we recently lost a co-worker to colon cancer and soon after had a co-worker diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Michelle Williamson, team captain with County for a Cure, said the Limestone County Courthouse is lighting up purple to honor Relay for Life. Businesses, agencies, churches, schools and individuals can celebrate by decorating their spaces in purple and wearing purple all week. Those who participate can post pictures with the hashtag #AthensLimestoneRelay

There are 25 teams participating in this year’s Relay for Life of Limestone County. Those teams have raised $34,861.86 and have set a goal of $70,000. Many teams have not yet turned in all of their funds. Money raised supports the American Cancer Society’s efforts to educate, conduct research, and provide patient services, such as Hope Lodge in Birmingham.

Relay for Life of Limestone County has the following events planned for Paint the Town Purple Week:

•    Monday - Survivor Dinner at 6 p.m. (register at 5 p.m.) at the First Baptist Family Life Center. Dinner provided. Please RSVP by calling 256-535-1090.

•    Tuesday - Bank Night for all Relay teams in Limestone County. 

•    Thursday - Dan Williams Memorial Blood Drive, east side of Courthouse, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drink plenty of water prior to donating. Goal is 25 pints. Williams, former mayor and state representative, died from leukemia. He needed blood transfusions while battling the disease.

•    Thursday – Memorial Relay Tree Lighting at the dogwood on east side of the courthouse at 6 p.m. Tie a ribbon in memory or honor of someone who is battling or has battled cancer. Survivors can wear purple and caregivers can wear white.

•    Friday - Relay Night at the Sportsplex from 6 p.m. to midnight. Steelcase has sponsored a bouncy house for children. Teams will set up tent sites and sell items or have activities. Opening ceremonies will be at 7 p.m. with a Survivors Walk, Caregivers Walk, First Responders/Active Military/Veterans Walk and Team Walk. There will be music, Zumba and more. Kona Ice, HealthSource and Our Little Kitchen Food Truck will donate part of their proceeds from the night to Relay.

It is not too late to join or start a team. For more information about Relay for Life of Limestone County, contact Cherry Hammonds, community manager, Relay For Life, Mid-South Division at cherry.hammonds@cancer.org or by phone at 256-221-3926.

 Mother's Day is right around the corner, May 14th, and Limestone County is full of ideas to treat Mom to on her special day.  We've pulled a few ideas together to help you out.

1818 Farms of Mooresville is offering a Yoga Retreat with Cathy Lighton on the 13th of May that will allow Mom some downtown time (and company of other adults) during a three class day -- Vinyasa Flow, Yin, and a Breathe Meditation -- set outdoors amid the scenic grounds of 1818 Farms and a 3-course lunch from Mezza Luna.  If your Mom is more into gardening, the Bloom Stroll and Bouquet Workshop offered later in June may be right up her alley with fresh cut flowers and herb tucked in container for her "take and go" ending of her day.  Check out the details and set Mom's reservations today.   

If Mom isn't close by, but you'd still like to lavish her with gifts from 1818 Farms, you can always turn to their online shop.  Choose from lotions, soaps, or spa experience sets for her to pamper herself with.  Or maybe she would enjoy the specialty roast coffees, pottery items, or some cute decor item inspired by the residents of the farm - like the Babydoll sheep.

You, Mom and at least two more family or friends can enjoy a guided 1 1/2 hour tour with a resident of the Town of Mooresville under the towering trees by reserving a tour. Add to your day in Mooresville with coffee and pie at JaVa.Mooresville or homemade candy from Lyla's Little House and finish with little shopping at Mooresville Mercantile.


Belle Chevre of Elkmont is another option for gift ideas for Mom.  You can visit their Cheese Shop and Tasting Room on Upper Fort Hampton in the heart of Elkmont for a nice meal with Mom. Or visit their online store and send fresh chevre in gift boxes, Body By Belle bath and body items or even quirky tees, plush goats or a goat cheese making kit.  Though the "Crazy Old Goat" tee might not be the best choice for Mom's on Mother's Day -- they have that too!

Take time to peruse the Antique PaperTrail, Sugar Bucket, and Rustic Rooster in the downtown for an amazing collection of antiques, one-of-a-kind treasures and nostalgic items.  Then enjoy lunch or dinner at Gin House Barbecue on AL-127 or head out to the interstate exit and check out Candlelight Antiques, Momma D's, Cindy's Barn or the Elkmont Variety Store.

If Mom is the outdoor type, hit the Richard Martin Rails to Trails from the heart of Elkmont.  Head north on the trail and you'll come to the covered bridge, a perfect spot for family photos to mark the day.   Looking to give Mom a challenge on the trail, start at either the north trailhead at Veto Church or at the southern trailhead at Mitchell Coffman Park on Piney Chapel and hit the 10.2 (one way) route through a variety of scenery, a Civil War battle site, downtown Elkmont, the covered bridge and past the blue caboose of Mill Creek RV park..

Another option for the intrepid Moms would be a trip on the Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail on the Elk River.  Local outfitter, Fort Hampton Outfitters, can help with kayak rentals, in and outs along the 21.9 miles trail and even offers guide services.


The stores of Ardmore Avenue in Ardmore Alabama offer an eclectic mix of antiques, decor, jewelry, clothes and the unexpected for a great day's excursion with Mom.  Main Street offers a variety of stores including Hobbs Jewelers and lots of little boutiques to check out.  Add lunch at Mildred's in Ardmore, Libby's Catfish and Diner, El Olmeca, K-May Thai Restaurant or one of the many others in town along Main Street.


Greenbrier, exit 3 of Interstate 565, provides you with the chance to not only enjoy 306 BBQ and Catfish or a nice family meal at Greenbrier Restaurant but you can rev things up for Mom with a test ride at the Redstone Harley-Davidson dealership.   You can kick off Mother's Day early with Stress-Free Friday Happy Hour on May 12th from 4:00PM-7:00PM with Redstone HD.  Enjoy the food trucks, Yellowhammer Brewing and music to keep things going.

Looking to make a splash with Mom?  Make reservations for the Lucy's Branch Marina pontoon boat rental and head out on the Tennessee River/Wheeler Lake Reservoir for Mother's Day for a little relaxing or fishing.  Maybe a little waterside dining at Fat Cat's on the Water would add a nice touch to her day in scenic southwest Limestone County.


East Limestone offers Village Pizza of East Limestone to treat Mom and the family to a meal.  The Village Shoppes of Madison, located in eastern Limestone County, offers a collection of restaurants - Sakura Sushi and Steakhouse, Saffron Indian Restaurant,  and Grounded Coffee to treat Mom to a meal.


Athens host a collection of stores and eateries up and down U.S. Highway 72 and in downtown Athens.  From jewelry stores to spas, clothing boutiques to florist -- you'll be inspired to treat Mom like a queen for Mother's Day.  Favorite locations for dining in Athens includes LuVici's, Village Pizza, Clark's Restaurant, Las Trojas, Cafe 72, and Ninja Steakhouse and Hibachi.    

Take stroll on the Athens Greenway, enjoy the Antebellum home driving tour or stroll downtown after dark and watch the Limestone County Courthouse glow in bright and beautiful color.  Sweet treats can be found at Russell Stovers Outlet Store, The Amish Village, Kreme Delite, Limestone Drug Store, Suzanne's Bakery and Eatery and Sweetest Things Tea Room.

We hope we've inspired to treat Mom to an adventure, relaxation, or a nice family dinner with these idea.

Visit our restaurant page for over 100 dining idea in Limestone County to make Mom's day extra special.