President of Jacksonville State University, John Beehler, kicked off an 11-county tour of Northeast Alabama on Feb. 14 and made St. Clair County his first stop. During his visit he toured all of St. Clair County and visited with many businesses and industries, including the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home located in Pell City. Pictured, left, are Derrick Williams, administrator of the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home; John Beehler, president of JSU; and Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council. Photo courtesy JSU.