TROY LEE NORTON - OBITUARY

Troy Lee Norton, age 47, of Athens, AL passed away at his residence Saturday May 30th, 2015. He was born May 16th, 1968 to Maurice “Buzz” Glenn Norton and Gloria Ann Stovall Norton. Troy was preceded in death by his father Buzz Norton. 

Services will be Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 at 7:00PM at Bethel Church of Christ with visitation an hour prior to the service. Jimmy Clark and Scott Pepper will be officiating.

He is survived by daughters, Sydney Norton, Elkmont Class of 2013 and Layla Norton, Elkmont Class of 2019, stepson Bobby Barton, Elkmont Class of 2007 and their mother Tina Stinson McAnally; his mother Ann Norton; two brothers, Andy and Lisa Norton and Kim and Amanda Nortonand one sister, Stephanie and Allen Moore.  His first cousin is Brad Stovall. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

MORE RAIN?

According to the Weather Nerds, it will be

a mostly dry morning and evening, but during the afternoon, rain and storms become widespread in north Alabama This image is for 3PM this afternoon.  Hope the Elkmont youth leagues can get some of those games scheduled for today played.

PINK SLIPS AT ELKMONT?

Pink Slipping (or firing) most of the system's untenured teachers seems to be an annual event, an unfortunate policy. Some of these will be hired back but the uncertainty leaves these teachers blowing in the wind. The system loses some good teachers this way. However, it matters not if this is wise or not.  This year's "Running with the Pink Slips" is below.
 
The Limestone County Board of Education approved the following Thursday:  Terminations, which include temporary positions left vacant because of retirements, resignations, leaves of absence or one-year-only positions, for certified employees:

Elkmont:
Teachers:
Andrea Berry - Agriscience
Judson Meadows - Social Studies, Boys varsity basketball
Emily Reeves - English, Girls varsity soccer coach
Stephanie Sutton - Kindergarten
Penny Vincent - Sixth grade
 
Support Staff:
Tina Sanders - Inclusion assistant 
Becky Tucker - Elementary nurse 
Mitzi Woodfin - Special education inclusion assistant

Link to complete county list: Decatur Daily

PRESIDENT'S AND DEAN'S LIST - CALHOUN CC

Calhoun Community College has released its Spring semester student recognition lists,The President's List and Dean's List.  A number of Elkmont folk have been recognized.

PRESIDENT'S LIST
*Requirements: 12 or more semester hours at 4.0 GPA

*it has been so wet here the past few days that even the President's List has rain.

DEAN'S LIST
*Requirements: 12 or more semester hours at 3.50-3.99 with no grades below “C”

Elkmont: 
Bronson Gains Ellis, Jacob Mark Howell, Anthony Drew Norton, Morgan L Pugh, Mark E Thomas, Courtney Dawn Wallace, Albert Oneal Watkins

ANOTHER THING FOR THE KIDDOS TO DO THIS SUMMER

Elkmont School sent this info home with your child.  Just in case, it mysteriously disappeared... the Hill Spirit is sharing it with you.

Dear Parent,

Research shows that most children lose 2-3 months of math learning over the summer. We’re delighted to inform you about a free program offered by TenMarks, an Amazon Company that will provide your child with access to a powerful, personalized summer math program designed to help them reverse summer learning loss.

The program is called TenMarks Summer Math Program and here is how it works.

You can visit http://summer.tenmarks.com to pre-register for the program.
Before summer break, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to get started.
At the start of the program, your child will receive a short diagnostic assessment based on the grade s/he is completing.
The assessment will be automatically graded and TenMarks will create a personalized program designed to prepare your child for the upcoming year.
You can create custom rewards to keep your child motivated – pizza, ice cream, or a trip to the zoo! It’s all up to you!
 
An hour a week is all it takes for your child to strengthen his/her math skills, and prepare for the year ahead. The TenMarks Summer Math Program will guide your child through their personalized program, one topic at a time, helping them refresh what they know, and learn what they don’t. Each assignment contains embedded instruction (hints, video lessons, and interventions) to ensure success. The 3-month program starts at the end of May.

To get started, pre-register at http://summer.tenmarks.com

KODY CLARK SIGNS SCHOLARSHIP

Another one of Elkmont's seniors has signed a four year scholarship.  This one is an academic scholarship to attend Jacksonville State University. After considering UAB, Berry and Jacksonville, Kody choose to accept the Faculty Scholarship at Jacksonville.  This is a full tuition scholarship that required a 3.5 GPA and a 26 ACT score.  Kody exceeded the qualifications with a 29 ACT and a 4.17 weighted GPA.  He will be joining the class of 2019 this fall and will be pursuing a Bio Chemistry degree.

Kody is the son of Becky Powers and Keith Clark.  He has been a member of the Varsity Football Team for four years and the Golf Team. Kody is a member of the Senior Beta Club, Spanish Club, and FCA. He is a member of the Truth Baptist Church.   

THE CLASS OF 2015

It has come to soon but the day has arrived. Graduation Day for another wonderful class of Elkmont seniors is this afternoon @ 4 PM. It is located in the new gym; get there at least an hour ahead of time to even have a chance at the better seats. 

First row: Roberto Labra, Samantha Pressnell, Jared Bailey, Kody Clark, Preston Rouse, and Michael Tucker 

Second row: Hunter Ennis, Ashlee Freemon, Aaliyah Crooks, Miariah McWilliams, Kayla Hardyman, and Haley Arnett 

Third row: Austin Moore, Alexis Hernandez, Miranda Ensminger, Averie Van Antwerp, Quentin Wise, and Breana Campbell 

Fourth row: Layne Davis, Marco Bustos, Cameron Taylor, Sierra Boley, Tea Richardson, and Logan Mitchell 

Fifth row: James Hargrove, Dylan Parker, Zach Salters, Jacob Ezell, and Nick Johnson

First row: Bailee Gooch, Joshua Carter, Austin Colwell, Rachel Adams, Drew Thompson, Jared Smallwood, Justis Glenn, and Josh Rector 

Second row: McKenzie Pressnell, Montana Ray, Carly Broadway, Paige Cooper, John Self, Haley Crawford, Madysen Witt, Hanah Cofer, and Hannah Williams 

Third row: Victoria Scroogins, Michaela Moses, Dakoda Emerson, Kaleb Gatlin, Dustin Gatlin, Jordan Lewis, Donald Robertson, and Cody Wagner 

Fourth row: Jacob Anderson, Kaleb Wallace, Tori Williams, Caila Norman, Hanna Meadows, Jessica Carter, Jonathan Williams, Bo Brabo, and Elijah Collier

ELKMONT LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS GO TO.....

The Lions Club is a national service organization; their motto is "WE SERVE".  Our Elkmont Lions Club is a fantastic example being active in their community. Several years ago, the Elkmont Lions Club decided to honor a student at Elkmont High School with a scholarship. Since community service is their primary interest, it was the most important qualification in the selection process.  If candidates had equal service hours, secondary qualifications were considered.   

After many hours and your great support of our projects, we were able to offer two scholarships to our graduating 2015 Seniors. This year we were happy to award the scholarships to Miss Tori Williams and Miss Rachel Adams.  Both of these young ladies are exceptional examples of our young people and volunteering in community service.  They have many, many hours of service - not only in this community, but in school, church, and other organizations. Their grades are also exceptional and we forward to seeing what they become in the future.

The Lions Club will be looking to present a scholarship next May to another community minded Senior.  If you are in high school, you can start to qualify now by volunteering.  You can help your community, school, church or other organizations. Keep a log of those hours so the number is easy to obtain for the Lions Club Scholarship in addition to other scholarship applications. We can help these awards to continue by supporting our Elkmont Lions Club's projects. The next Lion event is the Smokin' Railroad Street BBQ Cook-off, June 19-20. 

JOSHUA CARTER IS A JIMMIE

There to share in Josh's decision were (sitting) his parents, Michael & Melissa Carter, his principal, Garth Garris and his head football coach, Sean Holt.

For most high school football recruits, National signing day begins today, but Elkmont senior Joshua Carter signed his four year academic/football scholarship letter to play for the University of Jamestown on January 29. 

The versatile senior played both ways for the Red Devils for the past two seasons at defensive end and tight end. As a senior, Carter registered 43 tackles, five sacks, two fumble recoveries, including one recovery he returned 80 yards for a touchdown.

Photo by Down Home Portraits

Carter was instrumental on special teams, blocking a punt and an extra point during his senior season.  Playing tight end in a run dominated Wing-T offense, Carter had four catches for 72 yards.  Carter helped Elkmont to an 8-3 season and first playoff appearance in three years.

“We visited there last weekend and really like it,” said Michael Carter, Joshua’s father. “They’ve got a guy that just graduated at defensive end they want Joshua to replace. It’s a good fit for him.”


One of the things that drew Joshua to the University of Jamestown football program was how the players and coaches made him feel welcome and that he was already part of the team. He liked the winning history of the program and can't wait to be part of the Jimmie football program.

While at Jamestown he wants to obtain his degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in History, complete an internship with Jamestown Fire and Rescue and further develop his leadership skills.  Congratulations and best wishes for a great career as a Jimmie.

As you can see in the his picture, snow is very common.  The continuous winds of the plains and bone chilling temperatures is something that has to be experienced to be understood.  When asked about the difference in climate, Joshua had this to say about his upcoming adventure in the tundra of North Dakota. "As far as the weather, I am such a hot-natured person. I'm sure it will take some getting used to but I really think I'm looking forward to it."   

A peek at Joshua's upcoming winters. Brrrr!!!!

The University of Jamestown is a private liberal arts college  founded by the Presbyterian Church located in Jamestown, North Dakota.  It has an enrollment of about 1,000 students.  Until August 2013, the school was known as Jamestown College.The city of Jamestown has a population of nearly 15,000. It is 100 miles from North Dakota's capital city, Bismarck, and 100 miles to the east is North Dakota's largest city, Fargo.

 

The University of Jamestown Football Team is proud to announce the one of the newest additions to the Class of 2015! Joshua Carter is 6' 2" 220 lb. DE/TE from Elkmont, AL!

The University of Jamestown is a member of NAIA and the NSAA (NorthStar Athletic Association).

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

May 26, 2015 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Trade Promotion Authority – Passage Senate: Patriot Act Reauthorization -- Cloture Senate: Two-Month FISA Reauthorization – Cloture House: Anti-Human Trafficking Programs and Victims Fund – Passage House: Fiscal 2016 Legislative Branch Appropriations – Passage House: Science Programs Reauthorization – Passage Editor's Note: Both chambers are in recess this week. Recent Senate Votes Trade Promotion Authority – Passage - Vote Passed (62-37, 1 Not Voting) The Senate passed a bill that would set specific conditions on the president of the United States when negotiating foreign trade agreements and grant Congress final approval on any agreement reached by the participating parties without amendment in an up or down vote. The bill would also extend the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program through June 30, 2021 at a level of $450 million a year. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO Patriot Act Reauthorization -- Cloture - Vote Rejected (57-42, 1 Not Voting) The Senate rejected a motion to invoke cloture on a bill that would modify domestic surveillance authorities by prohibiting the National Security Agency's bulk collection and storage of telephone metadata and ability to collect other bulk data. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO Two-Month FISA Reauthorization – Cloture - Vote Rejected (45-54, 1 Not Voting) The Senate rejected a motion to invoke cloture on bill that would amend the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until July 31, 2015, expiring provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES Recent House Votes Anti-Human Trafficking Programs and Victims Fund – Passage - Vote Passed (420-3, 9 Not Voting) The House agreed to a motion to suspend the rules and pass a bill that would authorize a number of programs to combat sex trafficking, particularly sex trafficking of minors. The bill would include provisions that would establish a fund to support trafficking victims, create a new victim-centered grant program to provide assistance to states and local law enforcement to bolster the investigation and prosecution of sex trafficking, and to help victims of such crimes; and bolster the ability of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute sex trafficking, including by targeting individuals who purchase sex from human trafficking victims. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Fiscal 2016 Legislative Branch Appropriations – Passage - Vote Passed (357-67, 8 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would provide $3.3 billion for legislative branch operations, excluding Senate operations, in fiscal 2016. The total would include $1.2 billion for House operations, $591 million in net appropriations for the Library of Congress, $522 million for the Government Accountability Office, $492 million for the Architect of the Capitol and $369 million for the Capitol Police. As amended, the bill would provide no funding for the Open World Leadership Center. Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO Science Programs Reauthorization – Passage - Vote Passed (217-205, 10 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would authorize $32.9 billion over fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017 for a number of agencies that support scientific research, industrial innovation and certain educational activities. Within that total, the bill would annually authorize for those two fiscal years: $7.6 billion for the National Science Foundation, roughly $7.9 billion for various Energy Department activities, $939 million for the National institute of Standards and Technology and $5 million for the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

JARED BAILEY IS A PATRIOT

Photo by Robby Newport, Down Home Portraits

The Elkmont Red Devils had a great season last fall, with a 8-3 record and a playoff appearance.  At this time, three of the Red Devils have been offered opportunities to play at the next level.  Two of them have signed, Joshua Carter who will be playing at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota and Jared Bailey at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. The third Red Devil is still in the decision process.

Bailey inked his letter of intent during the flurry of national signing day with the UC Patriots. The Patriots are an NAIA school and are aligned with the Mid-South Conference.
 

The 4A first team all state, two way starter, was one the reasons for Elkmont's outstanding season. On defense, he accounted for 66 tackles and six interceptions. He also returned kicks and accounted for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns, including 683 rushing yards. 

“The leadership and the role he played on both sides of the ball will be missed,” said Elkmont head coach Sean Holt. “The whole senior class was good at that, but especially him. The impact he had on both sides of the ball is going to be hard to replace.”

Jared visited the University of the Cumberlands located in Williamsburg, Kentucky last month. 

He was so impressed with the coaches and their enthusiasm for the program!  Not only were the coaches interested in Jared as a player, but wanted to help him develop as a quality student and young man. The athletic facilities, especially the new weight room, at the University were impressive. The beautiful campus and surrounding area are nestled in the foothills of the eastern Kentucky mountains with friendly people who made Jared feel at home.  All of these things helped him to decide that he wanted to be a UC Patriot.

Bailey hopes to be utilized on the defensive side of the ball, but when he was asked where he would like to play, he told the coaches he would like to play wherever they felt was the best place for him. Jared hopes to become an integral part of this wonderful program and earn a degree from this highly respected university.  He and his family are excited about what the future holds for him. They are looking forward to next fall!  Go Patriots!

The University of the Cumberlands is a private, liberal arts college located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, with an enrollment of approximately 4,200 students. The school, known as Cumberland College until January 7, 2005, is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the Kentucky affiliate of the Southern Baptist Convention.

VOTE FOR ELKMONT

Wells Fargo is having a small business contest, "Wells Fargo Works Project" that has an Elkmont entry.  We can help Gary Compton and the Red Caboose win $25,000 to help them achieve their goals to expand by voting. Last day to vote is June 30. 

 VOTING LINK

 
 Gary Compton/Red Caboose Entry:
Retiring from my job of thirty years, I have never been one to sit down and do little. Music has always been a Passion of mine so my plans of retirement was to have a music venue in our little town of Elkmont, Alabama.  With the decline of cotton farming, Elkmont had almost withered away.  My hope was to create an attraction that would bring more people to our town which would support the newly opened businesses in the downtown area.  

I purchased an old historic store building and began the lengthy task of restoration.  This required a complete face lift of the inside and outside.  I used a big portion of my retirement to accomplish the task.  The facility has an engineered sound system and a small kitchen area.  

I have been in operation for almost

eight years.  The shows consist mainly of Nashville hit songwriters.  There has been approximately sixteen Grammy Award winners who have performed at the Red Caboose; indicating the caliber of entertainment we present. The facility is also rented for private functions.  

The biggest challenge has been building the business to create a reliable revenue. Advertisement is expensive and has been mostly ineffective.  Having tried different routes, I have found that various internet platforms work best when considering effectiveness to cost ratio.  

After year of experimenting, I have learned a hard truth.  The facility can only accommodate 85 guests comfortably.  This number just barely supports the total overhead costs considering the normal ups and downs of attendance. An increase of ticket price will result in lower attendance (no help). Revenue from rental is sporadic, making it unreliable for supplementing income.  

I have learned that a large percentage of people who love great entertainment also love Football.  

To avoid losses, I had to make the venue seasonal.  My vision is building a theater with at least two hundred seats. Potentially, this would allow much more revenue without raising prices.  This would also allow me to book larger acts with more variety.  

The facility I now have could be leased out for other purposes.  The $25,000 and expert mentoring would be a huge step forward, making the expansion possible. One thing a new business does not need is huge payment upon start up.  Financial obligations and revenue need to grow together in order to assure success. With the customer base I already have, I believe this venture is feasible.

DECATUR DAILY ALL AREA SOCCER TEAM

Elkmont's fledgling soccer boys program made it the first round of the state playoffs this year.  Some of its players received recognition for their outstanding season.  The Decatur Daily released its All Area Boys' Soccer team, May 24.  None of the Red Devils made the first team but did receive an honorable mention. 

ARTICLE LINK 

Alexis Hernandez

Daniel Marina

Daniel Valencia