************************************************************
Sheriff Blakely Meets Bull
Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely suffered a separated shoulder and bruises Friday night when he fell from a bull-riding chute during his annual rodeo. The bull jumped over the chute before it opened, knocking Blakely off balance and onto the ground. He came home from Athens-Limestone Hospital early Saturday morning. He said he’s doing fine and was back at the rodeo Saturday night. “It’s kind of funny now, but it sure wasn’t when it happened,” said the 57 year old 7-term sheriff. - Holly Hollman, Decatur Daily
************************************************************
Official Rodeo Host Hotel
1329 US Highway 72 E,
Athens, AL 35611-4405
Phone: 256-233-4030
************************************************************
Street Dance Tuesday, May 13
7 pm - On The Square
Featuring Jeff Whitlow Country
************************************************************
Miss Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo
Rebekah Waldrop
************************************************************
Oklahoma City, OK - Kristin Scott Crowned
Miss Rodeo USA 2008
The reigning "Miss Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo" was crowned Saturday night during a performance of the International Finals Rodeo after a week of fierce competition among 10 competitors from across the country. As a result of winning, she will receive over $25,000 in benefits during the upcoming year.
She will be representing the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) for the upcoming year, promoting the sport of rodeo and traveling across the country to enhance local participation in community rodeos.
Kristin Scott, Miss Rodeo USA
IPRA Photo by Jim Grillot
************************************************************
Rodeo 2008 Grand Marshal
Long time EMA Director Spencer Black has graciously accepted our invitation to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal. He will be featured during the Rodeo Parade on Saturday, May 10, and during the performances May 16 and May 17.
Spencer graduated from Clements High School, and Calhoun Community College. He served a variety of professions before being appointed as the Limestone County Civil Defense Director in 1971, soon to become the Emergency Management Agency. At the time he was salaried at $425 per month operating out of the basement of the old county jail.
Spencer soon met his spouse of 42 years, Marcia Edmunds, at the insistence of older brother Johnny, who helped in planning a blind date for the two. Johnny says he did Spencer the best favor he has had in his life. “One date, and Marcia has been spoiling him ever since,” added Johnny. They were married in 1966 and Marcia soon became a teacher at Clements. She also taught at Athens High, and Butler High, before retiring after 30 years.
They share proud parenthood of son Jason, and daughter Samantha. Jason and wife Velvet have two daughters pictured above, Jasey age 8, and Allie age 4. Samantha and husband Eric Fleming have two sons, Miles age 6, and Jake age 6 months. It’s obvious from the picture that all four have Spencer tightly wrapped around each finger and pretty well get anything they want. Spencer has announced his upcoming retirement so he can enjoy even more of his grandchildren.
Spencer has met numerous challenges for this county throughout the years. Among the first he mentions were the tornadoes of April 3, 1974, and the partnership required to effectively support the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant. “It has been a battle at times to properly equip all the first responders in Limestone County with radios, equipment, and training so they will all be prepared in the event of an emergency. I have enjoyed the many relationships with all the different departments throughout the county. This is one of the best prepared groups in the Nation, and most of it is because we have all grown up with a sense of working together,” said Black.
Sheriff Blakely credits Spencer with keeping Limestone County “ahead of the curve in preparedness”. “When everyone started talking about interoperable communications and joint incident commands referring to Katrina and 911, we all remarked that Spencer had us doing those type things years ago. Spencer has been a remarkable EMA Director for almost 4 decades. We will miss his willingness to lobby anybody from the Governor to Congress to get funding for this county and all its emergency services. I value his dedication, and professionalism, as well as depending on him as a very close personal friend, and we are proud to honor him during the Rodeo,” added Sheriff Blakely.
Download PDF Format of this Article
************************************************************
Queen Award Buckles
Tiny Miss 5-6 yrs. Petite Miss 7-9 yrs.
Little Miss 10-12 yrs. Jr. Miss 13-15 yrs.
Sr. Miss 16-18 yrs.
Miss Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo
Buckle Design by
www.bobbergdesigns.com
************************************************************
Rodeo 2008
Graphics by Steve Hall, Stateline Sporting Goods
Major Sponsors
__________________________________________________________________
Queen Saddle Sponsor
This "Running P" Trophy Saddle will be awarded May 17, 2008, to the winner of the 26th Annual "Miss Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo" contest.
__________________________________________________________________
Two of Limestone County's biggest Rodeo Fans!!!
Sheriff Mike Blakely and grandson Ben
__________________________________________________________________
Rodeo 2008, May 16th & 17th !!!!!
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
(Needed for some downloadable applications.)
__________________________________________________________________
Limestone County Sheriff's Office Website
__________________________________________________________________
Current Weather
________________________________________________________________
Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo
101 W. Elm St.
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-0111 Office
This site is best viewed with
If you have any comments regarding these pages, please email them to the webmaster or contact him at the business address above. This site was updated: June 26, 2008.
Copyright (c) 2008 Limestone County Sheriff's Office, Athens, AL. All rights reserved.