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| Magazine Stories • Issue 6, Spring/Summer 2010 |
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COVER STORY: Limestone County
District Attorney Kristi Valls Kristi Valls: A Prosecutor, Not A Politician
"She is the best person for the job. She has passion, knowledge, experience, I could go on." By anyone’s standard, Kristi Valls embodies the greatness of the "American experiment," which unashamedly sets forth the hope that if someone from any background is willing to work hard and never quit, they can not only succeed, they can greatly affect those in their sphere of influence. Kristi grew up on an egg farm in Bobo, Alabama, and graduated from Sparkman High School. Her undergrad degree is from Birmingham-Southern and her law degree is from Alabama. Her dad, who calls her "Sam," told her, "You can be anything you think you’re big enough to do" from the time that she was a kid. She believed him and proved him right. She has been a prosecutor for 20 years, believes it is her calling, and is the longest serving prosecutor in the history of Limestone County. She has lost only one case in her entire career, and that was a homicide. "Why do I want Kristi Valls to win? She always seeks justice." Kristi has been married for 16 years to Robert Valls, who works in the juvenile justice system, and is the proud mother of a 14 year old boy named Kevin. From the sidelines on more than one occasion I’ve watched both guys beam with pride when it comes to this gracious, bright, no nonsense redhead named Kristi. Robert was back in the kitchen of the new Event Center, working with a team, dishing up delicious BBQ chicken dinners. "Anything for her," he said to me, and I know he means it. Kevin has heard the same thing from his mom regarding unlimited possibilities that she heard from her dad, and she believes in her boy the same way her dad believed in her. "She’s got my trust to do the right thing." In the past few months most of us have seen the "Zero Meth" billboards along Hwy 72, which feature a rather intimidating picture of DA Valls with her arms crossed, and her body language communicating unmistakably that if you are going to cook and sell meth in Limestone County, you’re going to prison, pal. The requirements of the grant for the anti-meth education/billboard campaign were that either someone from the police department or the District Attorney’s office be featured as the "long arm of the law," and everyone who had a say agreed it should be Kristi. It’s one thing to see a billboard that makes you want to straighten up and fly right, it’s another to have a woman in the DA’s office who indeed has "zero tolerance" for meth or any other type of drug harming the citizens of Limestone County, and whose record proves it. "She has done a great job, and will continue to do a great job." Let’s talk about the partisanship of the position of District Attorney. If I had my way, the ballot would state that that it is a non-partisan position. However, in Limestone County candidates and incumbents alike are required to declare a party affiliation. While Kristi and I are registered as voters from opposing parties, I am fully satisfied that she focuses on seeing to it that justice is served, irrespective of the politics of either the victims or the accused. As someone who has several relatives in the legal profession, I am impressed with her handle on the Constitution, and her knowledge of both the laws of the State of Alabama, and sentencing guidelines. I am also impressed with the fact that she is basically uninterested in politics. She’d rather be working on a case than campaigning, but she also knows that a campaign season puts her in the position to hear from the people she’s serving. She set forth an interesting challenge to me: "Talk to somebody about me. Ask the bailiff who should be DA." Seeing as bailiffs see it all, day in and day out, their approval would certainly be born of experience. "I’m the one with the record," she confidently states, and it’s true. While going door to door to campaign, she has found that she has roughly a 90% approval rate, and I believe she’s earned it. "She does a heck of a job." What has she done to boast such an uncommonly high approval rate across party lines? Well, for openers, though it’s not a requirement of her office, she often arrives at homicide scenes roughly around the same time as the police, even in the middle of the night. Why? She wants to observe the crime scene in all its grisly reality so she can get her own understanding of what happened, and she is not afraid to put someone who is guilty on death row. She also is known for consulting the family of the victim in order to get an idea of what they believe happened, and what justice for their loved one would look like to them. It also needs to be understood that law enforcement makes the cases, chooses who goes to trial, and they want to continue to work with her. She has tried more felony criminal trials than any other lawyer, (either prosecution or defense,) in Limestone County, and is unrivaled in trial experience. "If the police and all the District Attorneys of the state are behind her, I can’t see why Limestone County can’t get behind her." Neither can I. Henry White, Alabama State RepresentativeFighting for Us
Henry, a native of Limestone County graduated from Tanner High School and attended The University of North Alabama where he received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Education. Henry then went on to receive his Master’s of Education degree in Physical Education and School Administration from the University of Montevallo, as well as an AA from The University of North Alabama. For more than 35 years, Henry served the community as an educator. "I first started teaching in Limestone County in 1971 at East Limestone High School and transferred to Piney Chapel Junior High," Henry recalls. "Then in 1972 I transferred to Tanner High School where I taught History and coached basketball and football before becoming an assistant principal in 1984." After many years at Tanner High School, Henry became the principal at Reid Elementary in 1986. After three years at Reid Elementary, Henry was elected the Superintendent of Limestone County Schools. After his term was complete, Henry went back to Reid Elementary until he retired in 2007. Henry’s first stent in public service was on the Athens City Council where he served for six years. After Representative Tommy Carter retired, friends mentioned to Henry that he should run for the seat. "After lots of thought and prayer, I decided to take this chance to help a wide range of people with a wide range of problems, such as the difficulty of getting agencies in Montgomery to speed things up, among other areas," Henry says. Some of the main areas Henry focuses on are education and the general fund. "My main job is to focus on education and making sure money goes back to make the Athens/Limestone County area an even better place to live. Also, I’ve been able to return TVA tax dollars to the community." Additional areas of accomplishment include funds for the Athens-Limestone County Public Library, the Veterans Museum and Archives, Athens State University, and 13 local volunteer fire departments. Also, Henry was instrumental in establishing a bill for volunteer fire fighters to be able to collect money that was voted on and approved by the County, as well as introducing a bill for the western portion of the County to stop the disposal of human waste in fields. Henry is married to the former Marsha Ming and has two children, Cory and Lindsey, along with four granddaughters and two grandsons. He is a member of the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, and a former member of the Mental Health Board of Directors. Henry also has been a part of First Baptist Church of Tanner’s CASA ramp building projects. "I’m proven, experienced, and tested," Henry states. "Let me continue fighting for us down in Montgomery." Contact Info: The Sound Choice in Athens
Josh, a graduate of East Limestone High School and Auburn University, puts himself in his patient’s shoes. "I empathize with patients and try to go beyond the limits of hearing aids and make them hear the best they possibly can," he states. One example of Josh’s dedication is when he was able to help a couple reconnect by providing hearing aids. "One of our patients, whose wife is bedridden and has Alzheimer’s, was able to get hearing aids for them both through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Hearing Aid Program," Josh recalls."I went to their home to fit his wife and now they’re able to speak to each other." He continues, "Just as with this couple, we can help others reconnect through this program that provides an opportunity for federal employees, federal retirees, and their spouses to be fitted with a pair of hearing aids. If you’ve been told you don’t qualify, or have checked with your insurance provider and been told this, come in and we’ll help you…we promise!" Center for Hearing’s mission is to provide more than just trust. It also strives to provide patients with satisfaction, patient care, and service for all types of hearing aids…regardless of where they were purchased. Also, the Center works with patients to find aids that fit their budgets with no payments up front, no interest, or custom payment options. Contact Info: Center for Hearing, LLC SheaLeigh's Boutique, Gifts & Home Decor by M.E.W.S. It’s the Place!!!
At SheaLeigh’s customers will find beautiful candles; fine lines, silver and China; elegant and affordable jewelry and handbags; linens and towels; adorable baby items and cuddly toys, whimsical and trendy teen merchandise; an assortment of picture frames and wall art; ornate pottery, lamps and mirrors; contemporary and traditional pieces; a bridal registry, gifts for groomsmen, bridesmaids and parents; and of course all the items M.E.W.S. is known for: Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Lighting, Bath and Home Accessories. Some of the fine lines of silver and China pieces include Beatriz Ball, M.Bagwell, Arte Italica, Vietri, Skyros, Spode, Pickard, Phillip Deshoulieres, and many more. "On November 6th Mandy Bagwell will be at the Athens location with her fine China, hand-painted plates, canisters, glasses, and ornaments, autographing her pieces for our customers," Robyn says. "We’re so excited to have her come to our store." What makes SheaLeigh’s unique is its personalization and over-the-top customer service. "We’re a one-stop shop," Robyn explains. "We can personalize most gifts and have them ready for you within a short time frame. Eileen concludes, "M.E.W.S. has always had home accessories and we’re not leaving the lighting and bath markets. We’re doing that wholeheartedly and are simply incorporating the home décor, bridal registry and gift lines into our stores. M.E.W.S. will always be a homeowner’s best friend." Contact Info: Nothing But Smiles at Coleman Dental Group
In addition to the new technology, Coleman Dental Group offers a full line of dental services, including routine cleanings, root canals, oral surgery, crowns, dentures, implants, porcelain veneers and laminates, periodontal deep cleaning, TMJ, adult braces, children’s dentistry procedures, and the use of lasers. Coleman Dental Group has three lasers; two specifically for soft tissue treatment and one for hard tissue treatment to help adults and children feel more comfortable. One of the newest programs Coleman Dental Group offers is its Six-month Smiles® program. This program consists of clear conventional braces with a new wiring system that is worn for an average of six months. "A smile is one of the first things you notice about a person," Lisa states. "Everyone deserves a smile for which they can be proud. Our hygienist and doctors have made it our goal to find a way to make that happen for all of our patients." Coleman Dental Group provides fast, safe, and easy ways to whiten your teeth. Its Boost program is an in-office service that lightens your teeth five or six shades lighter, that’s done once, and takes around 1-1/2 hours to complete."Our professional whitening procedures available allow patients to choose which procedure fits their lifestyle," she says. To better take care of its patients, Coleman Dental Group has welcomed Dr. Patrick English to the practice. Drs. Alan Coleman, Geoff Dean, Michael Corum, Patrick English, and the professional staff focus on providing the highest quality of care to patients. The staff at Coleman Dental has energy and each person has a great personality and enjoys working at the office. "This team togetherness translates into patients feeling a sense of fun and comfort," she says. "Our patients know we enjoy being here. We’re like one big family." Coleman Dental Group is a member of the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of commerce and the North Alabama Better Business Bureau. Coleman Dental Group is a provider of Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Southland, and Cigna Dental insurance plans. Contact Info: Nothing Beats the Experience of Walking into Preston’s Western Wear
Inside, customers will find a huge selection of apparel, gifts for infants, children, and adults. Preston’s is the largest Carhartt dealer in Alabama; moreover, they also carry Brighton, Leaning Tree cards, and unique gifts for every occasion. "You don’t have to be a cowboy to fall in love with Preston’s," Debbie exclaims. "We do sell a lot online, but most local folks are shocked to see what we have in our store. The selection is what makes Preston’s unique—you can find things at Preston’s you won’t see in other stores." The boot selection features Justin, Red Wing, Ariat, Boulet, Dan Post, Lucchese, Tony Lama, Roper, and Rocky, as well as exotic boots. In the hat department customers can find hats from Serratelli, Bailey, Charlie-1-Horse, Shady Brady, Stetson, and Resistol. Furthermore, custom-made selections are available, along with cleaning and shaping services. Preston’s clothing items feature products from Carhartt, Wrangler, Cinch, and Cruel Girl. Accessories such as custom jewelry and belt buckles can be ordered; Brighton, Barse, Montana Silversmiths, and Elk Creek items are on display as well. Leather items—luggage, briefcases, portfolios, wallets, and purses—are available. Home décor items include furniture, lamps, pictures, picture frames, unusual gift items, statues, water fountains, vases, and flower arrangements. For Texas-sized selections in boots, hats, clothing, accessories, and home décor, nothing beats walking through Preston’s Western Wear! Design & Lawn Maintenance: Quality in Every Job
Owner Grayson Bailey started the company in 1988 as Green Earth Landscaping with a partner and nowadays primarily focuses on landscaping and lawn maintenance for residential homes in upscale neighborhoods in the Athens and Limestone County communities. "In those early years, we did anything we could do, such as rack leaves, clean gutters, etc…just to make money," Grayson recalls. Then in 1998 Grayson bought out his partner’s share of the landscaping business. "When I started out on my own, I didn’t have much money and was thinking about going to work for another company, but a previous client asked me to do a job for him," he states. "This lead us to where we are today with numerous jobs and a solid customer base." The company offers a variety of landscaping services that include designing, building, installing, and maintaining yards. Grayson Bailey Landscaping provides plant installation, arbors, patios, outdoor lighting, custom pavers and rock walls, waterfalls, ponds, outdoor kitchens, flagstone walkways, and just about anything in your back yard. In addition, it also uses lots of colors and flowers, mixes in evergreens, and uses patios and walkways to contrast with the flowers. What sets Grayson Bailey Landscaping apart is its landscaping services. "We do things differently and take our time," Grayson comments. "We focus on doing the basics right, such as ‘bed prep’ because it’s essential for the plants to have good growth and proper drainage. Proper maintenance is important because we can put it in, but if you don’t take care of it, it will not survive." With lawn maintenance, the company offers customized packages, pricing, and services to fit each client’s needs. Services include grass cutting on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis; weeding; trimming; pruning; remulching; fertilizing; and seasonal services. "We’ll do whatever the client wants because we want them to be able to sit back and just look at their beautiful yards and landscaping," he says. Grayson Bailey Landscaping knows that quality in every job is the key to success. "We do things differently and take our time," Grayson comments. "We focus on doing the basics right. The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a good price! I feel that a poor job outlasts the price of a quality job and you get what you pay for with us. Our quality shows in our dedication to clients and in their yards." Contact Info: Your Pet is Our Concern
Janet, says, "It’s amazing how much a pet can add to our lives. After working here, I see just how attached people can become with these furry friends. Thank you for sharing your ‘family’ with us and for putting your confidence in our competent staff to care for them." Crystal adds, "I enjoy working with our clients, especially concerning dental health and the benefits of using heartworm preventative and parasite control to ensure their pets will have a long, healthy, and happy life." Kathryn says, "When I began working here I thought the most rewarding aspect would be working with animals every day! What I didn’t expect was how much I enjoy seeing the amazing bonds between owner and pet; being witness to some of the greatest love I have ever seen, is the best part of my job!" Jessica, states, "I’ve always enjoyed working with animals, especially the sick or injured to help restore them to health. I appreciate the opportunity to help and care for the beloved pets of our clients." Contact Info: Limestone Chapel and Ardmore Chapel Funeral Homes Memories. Laughter. Tears.
The goal at Limestone and Ardmore Chapel Funeral Homes, who are both locally owned and operated, is to help clients find a place they can trust and establish a comfortable relationship with. "Let us begin a relationship with you where our goal is to meet your financial needs and wishes," he says. "We offer a complete range of services and are experienced at honoring many faiths and customs. Our professional staffs are ready to assist you in becoming better informed about finding the best funeral home for you. Both funeral homes are licensed and have excellent reputations in providing the Athens and Ardmore communities with compassionate and friendly service. Becoming better informed now will make decision-making easier when the time comes." Limestone Chapel Funeral Home and Ardmore Funeral Homes are committed to the highest standards in the industry. Both are members of the Alabama Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association and are full service funeral homes. "We value the trust and confidence placed in us by the families in their unique time of need," Co-owner Mike Davis explains. "We are committed to service with dignity, integrity, trust and compassion. We understand all the decisions to be made when planning a funeral, and can guide you through every step of the process." Contact Info: Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home David Seibert, Chairman of the Limestone County Commission Let’s Keep Moving Forward!
David’s background was a key to him running. Before his tenure in public office, David received his Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law from The University of Alabama in 1970 and was a school teacher, football coach, and bus driver for 27 years at West Limestone High School. In addition, David served his country and is a United States Army Veteran and lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 511. David has been married to Patti Garrett Siebert for 42 years and they have two children and four grandchildren that all reside in Limestone County. Under David’s terms, the County has successfully completed a variety of projects including the Clinton Street Annex, the Limestone County Detention facility, outside renovations to the courthouse, new addition to the Mental Health Center, new Health Department, renovations of the railroad depot for Archives, Owens Senior Center, new DHR building, state-of-the-art Robotics Center at Calhoun Community College, and the new terminal at Pryor Field, among others. Current projects his office is overseeing are inside renovations to the courthouse, Limestone County Event Center, new Athens-Limestone County Public Library, addition to the Limestone county Board of Education, converting used space in Clinton Street Annex for the Information Technology Department, and construction of the Tanner Senior Center. During David’s tenure as Chairman, Limestone County launched an Information Technology Program. This program coordinates all computer and software and allows every office to communicate and interface with each other. Through videoconferencing between the Sherriff’s Department and the Court system and according to David, $35,000 per year was saved by doing video arraignments for adults and $45,000 annually will be saved in juvenile arraignments. "In 2009 we won the Smart Government Award given by the Revenue Discovery System. Limestone County received a bond rating of ‘AA’ from Standard & Poors, which places Limestone County in the top 5% of all 67 Alabama counties," David states. "When I took over in 2002, the general fund revenue was $5.7 million and it was $10.6 million in 2009. In addition, we increased the general cash balance from $1.9 million to $6 million and refinanced the existing debt for the jail and courthouse annex…taking six years off the mortgage and lowering the interest rate." He continues, "We have reinvested in the community and quality of life in the County. My goal as Chairman is to provide stable, consistent leadership in terms of financial planning and to provide a vision of where we are as a County and where we want to be in the future. Teamwork has been our motto and we are all working toward the same goal…to keep Limestone County moving forward." Contact Info: The Perfect Fit!
SportsFit is a 24-hour facility that first opened more than 15 years ago in Decatur and two years ago in Athens. It provides complete fitness packages to meet anyone’s needs. SportsFit offers non-commitment membership options that can be cancelled with a 60-day notice. But what sets it apart is it’s free tanning, free childcare, and free aerobics classes. With your membership you will also receive full access to the indoor pool, hot tub, and dry sauna. Facility Manager Kim McCune adds, "The best part of working here is the members! We really enjoy getting to know each person and making sure our facility is up to par with their needs! Our locations deliver top-notch customer service in a non-intimidating family atmosphere." The free aerobics classes that SportsFit offers include Yoga, Muscleworks, ZUMBA, Cycling, Armed and Dangerous, Step It Up, and Guts and Butts. Also offered are classes for children ages four through 12 that include Zumbatomic and kidsFit. In addition to serving its members, SportsFit gives back to the local community. Recently, SportsFit and its members participated in the Biggest Loser competition and lost a combined 239 pounds. With this weight loss, 239 pounds of food was donated to the North Alabama Food Bank. Join SportsFit today and participate in the Alabama vs. Auburn cardio challenge taking place in November! SportsFit: The Perfect Fit Contact Info: Tom Butler, Alabama State Senator Our State Senator
Tom is a graduate of both The University of Alabama and Auburn University. After graduation he began his career as a pharmacist and he continues working as a pharmacist today. Tom is a citizen legislator who began his public service in the Alabama House of Representatives. Later, he was elected as Alabama State Senator and serves the people of Limestone and Madison Counties. Tom has provided leadership for regional economic development to bring jobs to Navistar, Boeing, Menasha, Toyota, and Steelcase. He supported the development of the new Advanced Technology Robotics Research and Development Complex in Limestone County and fought to protect the Limestone County TVA Megasite. He’s a member of the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and has worked closely with the Limestone County Economic Development Association. He’s a supporter of the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology in Cummings Research Park and has secured state funding for the National Space Science Technology Center. He authored, sponsored, and passed a Senate Joint Resolution urging the Administration to reverse its decision on NASA’s Constellation project. "We’re experiencing phenomenal growth," Tom states. "The decisions of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Committee will result in new jobs in our area. I’ve been working with many of you, along with State, City and County officials to develop the infrastructure to support this growth and for possible new jobs for the Delphi site. My goal is to make sure we have good paying jobs and maintain the quality of life in Limestone and Madison Counties." He continues, "Almost 5,000 military jobs and as many as 10,000 associated contractor jobs are headed here as a result of BRAC. I’ve co-sponsored a $1 billion transportation bill that has special funding for our BRAC road programs. These funds can be used to match federal highway funds that will bring monies to our region for improved roads to address our transportation needs, including widening Highway 53 and Highway 72 in Limestone and Madison Counties. I’ve also been appointed by Lieutenant Governor Folsom to the Joint Transportation Committee that oversees the State Highway Plan." For our schools, Tom has worked hard to provide computers and other improvements to every school in the district. He worked with former Representative Tommy Carter to secure 125 acres of land to build the Creekside Elementary School in east Limestone County. He sponsored a bill to retain some of the tax revenue growth from the new BRAC jobs to help build new schools and improve existing schools. This legislation will bring back $175 million for school systems impacted by BRAC growth. "I’m proud to have earned a reputation as one of the hardest working senators in the State," Tom says. Tom and his wife, Karen, have two children, Robin and Jill, and two grandchildren, grandson Tommy and granddaughter Aliyah. Contact Info: Athens Convalescent and Rehab Center Where Quality is a Tradition
Throughout the year, ACRC offers a variety of daily and special activities and programs. One such event is its Ms. ACRC Pageant. Each year contestants compete for the title with a beauty walk and questions from the panel of three judges. "We’ve done this for the last eight years and we have around 20 contestants compete each year," Misty states. "Residents can dress in formal wear to jeans and have their hair and makeup done by their family members or the staff. There are four titles awarded with crowns, sashes, and flowers. This year’s queen is Mrs. Addie Bivens." Addie, an Athens native, was crowned Ms. ACRC because of her glowing personality and on-stage presence. She’s been a resident for three years. Addie was married to Herman Bivens for 69 years and both were commercial fishermen on the Tennessee River. Addie is a member of Sunny Side Church of God and has four children and 25 grandchildren and great grandchildren. "I loved all the beautiful dresses," Addie says about the competition. "Just dressing up was so much fun! Of course I loved winning too! I love to look at my crown all the time. I’m so proud of it. In all my life I never thought I would ever do something like a pageant. I almost fainted when they called my name! I just couldn’t believe I won." In addition to the pageant, ACRC activities include card games, Wii video games, computer classes, and quilting classes, among many others. Some of the outings and holiday events include trips to the Fiddler’s Convention and making crafts for the crafts booth, Fall Festival, Scarecrow contest, Halloween trick or treating, Iron Bowl party, visiting the Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, contributing to the Toys for Tots drive, and making and delivering goody baskets and thank you cards to local organizations. The Center focuses on providing top-quality medical and physical rehabilitation for people in need of additional care and support following an illness or injury. Its post-hospitalization care features on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy; IV therapy; rehabilitative nursing; specialized wound care; and discharge planning. ACRC is not only dedicated to the patient’s well being, but to offering top-quality services and meaningful activities and programs. Contact Info: Christopher Brooks Construction, Inc. Testimonials
Joe E Green I have worked with Chris Brooks Construction for about three years. This company has performed all types of concrete construction for our firm including Foundation Placement, Slab on Grade Placement, Curb and Gutters, Sidewalks, Concrete Paving and Architectural Stained Concrete. This company works well with the on-site Superintendents and with other Subcontract trades. Chris Brooks Construction always performs to the client’s standards. His work is on time and is in the budget parameters for today’s market. Edward L. Pettyjohn CBC, Inc. has been doing our concrete work for the last 7 years. They provide excellent service and a quality job every time. We can always count on them doing what they say and following through until we are satisfied with the finished product. I recommend their work to anyone that is looking for top notch concrete finishes. Sam Bryan We at ABC Builders,Inc. would like to let you know that we think you are the best. You have always provided us with prompt and professional service. We appreciate all the time and effort you put into your concrete work on all of our jobs. We are very happy with all the jobs CBC Inc. have done for us. Ron Dinsmore and Chris Brooks are over the top in our book. They work above and beyond on all of our jobs. They work with our schedule and makes sure the job is done right. Thank you CBC for everything. Bryan and Robyn Abernathy CBC is one of the most customer oriented and quality driven companies I have ever worked with. This company sticks to the schedule and delivers, on point, time after time. It is truly a pleasure to have them on my team. Betsy Hyman, Builder The aforementioned stories and sites contain helpful information and may be of interest, although we do not take responsibility for the content, services, or products of the sites listed above. Who's Who in Athens Magazine |
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Why does the cover photo of Limestone County District
Attorney Kristi Valls show her standing in front of a bunch of police
officers? Because it is the simplest, most powerful way to illustrate the
fact that they are standing behind her in her bid for re-election this
November. She has earned their respect and support for one simple reason:
she has a 99% conviction rate for jury trials. It doesn’t stop there: every
District Attorney in the State of Alabama wants her to be able to continue
what is an inarguably stellar career. Recently I was at a fundraising event
for Kristi with several hundred people in attendance, and did a set of "man
on the street" type interviews. You’ll be interested in seeing in bold face
what the people of Limestone County had to say about Mrs. Valls.
Alabama
House of Representatives Henry White’s goal is to continue fighting for
Limestone County. Henry was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives
in November 2006 and currently is running for re-election. "This is a
wonderful opportunity for me to serve the people of Limestone County," Henry
states. "That’s what it’s all about and I look forward to continue fighting
for Limestone County."
The
Center for Hearing is the sound choice in Athens for your hearing needs.
State Certified and Hearing Instrument’s Specialist Josh (Zeke) Creasy and
staff focus on helping patients hear to their fullest potential with
complete hearing evaluations to determine what instruments are needed to fix
their particular hearing loss. "Our goal is to help people hear better,
"Josh explains. "We do this by getting to know our patients and their
history. Patients see me and there’s very little waiting time."
SheaLeigh’s
Boutique, Gifts & Home Décor @ M.E.W.S. is just the place in Athens and
Ardmore for the perfect gift for someone special or your home. M.E.W.S.
Owner Eileen Terry and SheaLeigh’s Manager Robyn Abernathy want to provide
you with a local place to find unique gifts and items for your home. "M.E.W.S.
has been in business 25 years and we’ve always enjoyed taking care of our
customers," Eileen states. "SheaLeigh’s just adds another element to what we
already offer in Athens and Ardmore."
It’s
nothing but smiles at Coleman Dental Group with its new intra-oral camera,
the Sopro LIFE (Light Induced Fluorescent Evaluator). With this
state-of-the-art machine that’s now being used in every routine checkup,
Coleman Dental Group is able to easily and quickly show patients pictures of
their teeth. "This camera allows us to take pictures of each patient’s teeth
with magnification to show patients hairline fractures, tooth decay, etc.,"
Office Manager and Hygienist Lisa Coleman explains. "This machine shows
patients what we see. In its diagnostic mode, the magnified areas change
colors. For example, if there is tooth decay it will show up in red and
healthy enamel will show up in blue. In the past we had to rely on simply
visuals and with the doctors sticking around to find any problems. Now, with
the Sopro LIFE, we can even print out these pictures for patients to see
what we see."
For
25 years, nothing has beaten the experience of walking into Preston’s
Western Wear. Preston’s, a Texas-sized store in Athens, is known to have
customers smiling, laughing, and tapping their boots to the music while
shopping. The husband-and-wife team of Pat and Debbie Preston own Preston’s
and continues building on its foundation of customer service. "Preston’s
demonstrates excellence when it comes to customer service," Debbie explains.
"We not only offer more than 10,000-square feet of merchandise but also
friendly employees that treat customers like people they’ve known for years.
This echoes the foundation on which Preston’s was built."
For
more than 21 years, Grayson Bailey Landscaping – Design & Lawn Maintenance
has focused on making sure there is quality workmanship in every residential
and commercial job. From landscaping services to installing walkways and
retaining wall, Grayson and his staff do it right. "We focus on doing things
the right way," Grayson explains. "For 20 years, we’ve put the highest
quality of workmanship into each client’s yard and our work speaks for
itself."
At
Limestone Veterinary Clinic your pet is our top concern and that shows
through the dedicated staff. For more than 30 years Dr. Robert Pitman, along
with the rest of the team, has focused on taking the best care possible of
each animal. The staff includes many members who enjoy working with their
clients’ companions, such as Hospital Director Guy McClure; Technicians
Ginger Hightower, Jessica Scott, and Crystal Clark,; Receptionists Janet
Shireman and Kathryn Parsons; and Support Staff Mikaila Seagraves, TJ Huff,
and Whitney Mullins. "I enjoy working with our clients to ensure their pets
are healthy and happy by educating them about routine exams, vaccines,
heartworm preventative, and flea control," Ginger states. "It’s very
gratifying to know I’ve helped a pet make it through and return home to
their family."
Co-owner and General Manager Kenny Blythe, states,
"Memories, laughter, and tears…they’re a part of life, as well as a part of
the healing process when a loved one’s life ends. You should be free to use
that time holding onto each other and letting go of everything else. At
Limestone Chapel Funeral Home and Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, we will help
you take care of the many details so you can commemorate a life you always
love. The journey to a new life isn’t easy, but with support you will find
strength."
Current
Chairman of the Limestone County Commission David Seibert has the same
philosophy for Limestone County today as he did when he first started in
this position in 2002…to keep Limestone County moving forward. David decided
to run for public office, with the encouragement of friends and family, in
1996 for the District Four Seat and successfully completed two terms before
running and winning the Chairman of Limestone County Commission position.
SportsFit
Wellness Center, with two locations in Athens and Decatur, is the perfect
fit for all your fitness needs. SportsFit, along with the highly trained
staff, provides a safe, clean, and wholesome fitness facility that gives
members the tools and opportunities necessary to achieve their fitness and
wellness goals. "Our mission is to provide a friendly, knowledgeable,
dedicated staff that gives members the personal attention needed to reach
the highest level of customer satisfaction," Henderson states.
Alabama
State Senator Tom Butler has received many awards, but the one he is most
proud of is The Guardian of Small Business Award presented to him by The
National Federation of Small Business. "I’ve spent my whole life working in
the private sector and I’ve been a small businessman," he says. "For years,
I owned and operated a pharmacy in Huntsville. I know what it’s like to meet
a payroll and understand the burdens often placed on businesses by
legislation. I know small business is responsible for most of the job
creation in the country and I’ve worked hard to develop jobs in the area."
I have known Christopher Brooks for ever it seems like.
About 2005, I got in a bind on a job with a sub. So I called Chris to see if
he would look at my job and do the work for what I had left in it. He came
real close to it. Martin and Cobey let him do the job. We were well pleased
with his work ethic and performance on that job. It was the two Rivers at
the Point. Since that job, Chris has done 98% of Martin and Cobey ‘s work
and we are still well pleased with his work ethic and performance.