The News Courier staff selects 2023’s ‘top 10’
Published 10:00 am Monday, January 1, 2024
- newspapers
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
- — Limestone County transitioned to an automated garbage pickup system.
- — Athens City Schools continued their educational infrastructure remodeling and closed Julian Newman Elementary School to demolish and rebuild.
- — Grayson Carter sparked controversy and conversation when they received an air permit from ADEM to build an asphalt plant in southern Limestone.
- — Former Athens Police Department Chief Floyd Johnson retired, leaving the department in the hands of Chief Anthony Pressnell.
- — 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.
- — 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.
- — 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.
- — Several restaurants opened, or reopened, across Athens.
- — 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.
- — Alexis Garth passed after an early-morning shooting on Jan. 1, 2023.
Top 10 moments in lifestyles
- — Matt Mitchell discussed leaving “It’s a Southern Thing” and his plans for the future.
- — Jelly Roll stopped by Mildred’s in Ardmore for a late lunch on his way to Huntsville for the George Jones tribute concert.
- — James Spann visited Athens Middle School.
- — Athens-Limestone Hospital introduced their facility dog, Maple.
- — Gene Keith reflected on his time teaching art in the Athens City Schools system.
- — 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 and Libby Torrence welcomed another season of neighbors and dancers after the pandemic.
- — Pryor Field hosted the 2023 North Alabama Airfest.
- — 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.
