With 2023 in the rearview, it’s time to look back and see how far Athens-Limestone has come in 12 months. Analytics and statistics tell a story of what readers engaged with online, but that doesn’t always tell the entire story of a year, what happened that shapes the county, even without the most engagement at the time.
The News Courier staff has worked to compile a list of the top 10 stories in both news and human interest to paint a richer picture of 2023.
Top 10 moments in news
County garbage
— Limestone County transitioned to an automated garbage pickup system.
Julian Newman closes
— Athens City Schools continued their educational infrastructure remodeling and closed Julian Newman Elementary School to demolish and rebuild.
Asphalt plant
— Grayson Carter sparked controversy and conversation when they received an air permit from ADEM to build an asphalt plant in southern Limestone.
Athens police chief retires
— Former Athens Police Department Chief Floyd Johnson retired, leaving the department in the hands of Chief Anthony Pressnell.
Sisk sentenced
— Mason Sisk, 18, was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison after his trial for the murder of five family members on Labor Day 2019.
Saturn 1B removed
— Leaders debated the fate of the iconic Saturn 1B rocket located at the Ardmore Welcome Center on I-65, with Gov. Ivey ultimately deciding to support of a replica of the rocket.
Up in smoke
— The Athens City Council debated over repealing their November 2022 ordinance to allow medical cannabis dispensaries within city limits, ultimately deciding not to repeal after a 2-2 vote.
Your table is ready
— Several restaurants opened, or reopened, across Athens.
Elkmont principal changes
— The Limestone County School Board placed Elkmont High School principal on administrative leave preceding his resigning and hired Graham Aderholt to fill the open position.
New year’s murder
— Alexis Garth passed after an early-morning shooting on Jan. 1, 2023.
Top 10 moments in lifestyles
On his own
— Matt Mitchell discussed leaving “It’s a Southern Thing” and his plans for the future.
Rollin’ into Ardmore
— Jelly Roll stopped by Mildred’s in Ardmore for a late lunch on his way to Huntsville for the George Jones tribute concert.
Dress like Spann
— James Spann visited Athens Middle School.
Maple the dog
— Athens-Limestone Hospital introduced their facility dog, Maple.
The artful dodger
— Gene Keith reflected on his time teaching art in the Athens City Schools system.
PuckDaddy’s Killer Q
— Limestone County’s Judge Puckett won the Reserve Grand Champion trophy in Cullman after telling the story of how he came to barbecue competitions.
Johnny’s Place
— Johnny and Libby Torrence welcomed another season of neighbors and dancers after the pandemic.
North Alabama Airfest
— Pryor Field hosted the 2023 North Alabama Airfest.
Willie’s Gift
— Athens native Keith Dunnavant and Prep Legends Media brought the story of the 1975 Athens High School State Championship football team to life on the big screen.
Memory maker — Roger Bedingfield retired after 39 years at his West Washington Street photography studio.