ELKMONT WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy today with an occasional sunbeams. A few rain showers are possible this morning on the Hilltop but better chances hold off until the afternoon. 

ELKMONT CROSS COUNTRY BACK FROM CAMP

The Elkmont Cross Country team has gotten back from their annual "before school" team training camp in the beautiful hills of Tennessee.  Lots of fun, team bonding and running up and down hills, these dedicated runners finished with a total of 52 miles. Cumulative total of each runner (coach and chaperone) 936 miles. Great kids who care about each other and our team! Coach Pugh writes, "I wouldn't trade this time with them for anything." The EHS XC is looking good for 2016 season.  This is a big reason why Elkmont has an excellent cross country team year after year.

Going to miss these guys next year!

Coach Barry Pugh, their fearless leader, brings lots of infectious enthusiasm to camp as he pushes them along.  Special thanks goes to the parents and other adults that helped the cross country team have a great time

ELKMONT ARTIST IS RECOGNIZED

Inside the Alabama Center for the Arts, spectators will get a glimpse into the lives of the artists during the third annual Faculty and Alumni Show. Unveiled Monday, the newest exhibit to the downtown Decatur gallery features 96 pieces from 32 artists.

There is a photograph of a young woman wearing a firefighter’s uniform called “Overcoming All Obstacles” by Julie Odom, of Elkmont.

“This is my daughter. She is 22 and is a member of Ardmore’s volunteer fire department,” Odom said. “I love to take photographs of her in her suit, but she does not like being the subject of photos at all. In most of the photos, she is making a goofy face or rolling her eyes at me.”

Not in the one Odom selected for the exhibit. In “Overcoming All Obstacles,” Odom’s daughter faces the camera, her hands clutching the helmet with the identifying words “Ardmore” and “Odom.” A sense of calmness and focus appear on her face.

“I get emotional when I see the photo because she’s not only overcome being a female in a male-dominated occupation, she has overcome her anxiety and issues with confidence,” Odom said. “When she steps into that suit and helps someone, a calmness and confidence comes over her.”

The photograph is one of 26 pieces honored as a juror’s choice selection. The recognized works span all mediums — photography, acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, bronze, mixed media, jewelry and sculpture.

Where: Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 Second Ave. N.E., Decatur

When: Today-Sept. 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon, Fridays.

Decatur Daily Article Link

ELKMONT WEATHER TODAY

Rain in coming from the west today. Looks like light showers this morning but scattered storms become more widespread about lunch time.  It's predicted to be an on and off rain day. Temperatures should be cooler today with highs staying in the 80s with wind gusts of 15-20 mph out of the southwest. 

The year is already halfway over.  This reminder brings it home that time does indeed fly.

Next Week: (1-7 AUG)
Nationally August looks to get off to the hottest start on record with national temperatures +3.3F above average. Rainfall appears abundant, unusual in high heat scenarios, but likely to trend the most in 13 years for the U.S. overall. Heaviest rains appear to be in the drought stricken Southeast.

weathertrends

YOUTH SPORTS SIGNUPS

Our hilltop youngsters have fall baseball and softball signups, football and cheerleader signups and volleyball softball signups this month.

VOLLEYBALL:
Date: July 25, 28, 7-8 pm
*Elkmont Park Concession Stand
*Ages: 10U, 12U, 14U
*Fees: $25 fee + $15 game shirt = $40
*For more info:
Laura Kennedy
Mary Jane Hobbs

FOOTBALL/CHEERLEADER:
Information Link 

SOFTBALL/BASEBALL
*Thursday night, July 28th u can sign up at West ball fields or Ardmore ball fields from 5:30pm-7:00pm...
*Friday night, July 29th u can sign up at Johnson fields from 5:30pm-7:00pm...
If you are unable to come by these locations, you can swing by Grand Slam Cages in Athens. Monday-Friday from 3:00pm-9:00pm or Saturday from 12:00pm-9:00pm and register your child to play.
Reminder this is softball AND baseball!!! 

Information Link

CHARLES ALLEN MURPHY - OBITUARY

Charles Allen Murphy, 71 of Athens, died Friday at his residence.

Services will be 11am Tuesday (lie-in-state from 10-11am) at Church of God of Prophecy with James Oliver and Carl Godsby officiating, burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, visitation is from 6-9pm Monday at Spry Funeral Home.

Mr. Murphy was born February 9, 1945 in Hickman, Kentucky, he was a member of Church of God of Prophecy and he was retired from the Alabama Welcome Center-I65.

Survivors: Wife: Melba Sue Murphy of Athens; Son: Allen Dale Murphy of Elkmont; four grandchildren.

SALLIE (REECE) HODGES - OBITUARY

Sallie (Reece) Hodges, 69 of Elkmont, Alabama died on Monday, July 25, 2016, at Madison Hospital.
Born Monday, February 24, 1947 in Elkmont, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Joe Ellis Reece and the late Agnes Gates Reece. She was a member of Hollands Gin Church of Christ and loved spending time with her grandsons and going to yard sales. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother John Reece, and a baby sister: Helen Reece.

Surviving are her husband: Ray Hodges of Elkmont, AL, son, Chad (Tracy) Hodges of Elkmont, AL, daughter, Kim (Chris) Seitz of Houston, TX, sisters, Mavis Pitts of Columbia, TN and Mary (Glen) Mitchell of Ardmore, AL,
grandsons: Reece Alan Hodges and Cason Ellis Hodges, and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends and family.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Kasey Harbin officiating. Burial will be in Hasting Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

THIS SCHOOL YEAR IS COMING FAST

It seems like such a short summer for kiddos now days.  When the Hill Spirit was just a little spook,the traditional school start date was after Labor Day.  School starts August 3 so the countdown begins.

School Information:
July 22
Students in grades 1st - 5th grade can come to the main office to view class rosters that will be posted on the front windows.

Information for Kindergarten:
Welcome Elkmont Parents!
Click here to view the Kindergarten Information packet

---

To sign up for Mr. Tribble's school information text messages

visit https://www.remind.com/join/ehs123456

-or-

send a text to the number 81010 with the the message @ehs123456

-or-

send an email to ehs123456@mail.remind.com

Open House
August 2 
New Gym @ 5:30 pm - 7 pm  
*Information tables  

• New Visitor Check- In System 

• PTO   

• Mandatory DPI presentation for parents whose children receive MacBooks. They can pay their dpi fee as well.

You can pick up a bundle of school supplies at the PTO table in the New Gym; information packets will be available as well.  Stop by and meet our PTO leaders.  They would love to meet you. Link to their facebook page

CPR - BEING PREPARED IS JUST SMART

Elkmont VFD is hosting a CPR class to the general public on July 30 starts at 8:00 AM cost is $50.00
If interested please get in touch with Ryan Plyant.

ELKMONT WEATHER TODAY

The Hilltop is under a heat advisory today and tomorrow.

Your Forecast 

Heat index values will be close to 105° for many, but could be as high as 108° during the middle of the afternoon with only a few isolated storms through the evening hours. Looking for a cool down next week.

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

22
ELKMONT SCHOOL
*Elementary rosters are released
 
ELKMONT SENIOR CENTER
Billiards, dominoes, TV, joker and other games, 9:30 a.m.


23
Youth Football and Cheerleading Signups
*Limestone County Water Department, 9 am-12 pm

BEGINNING OF SCHOOL YEAR INFO

OPEN HOUSE
August 2 - New Gym @ 5:30 pm - 7 pm
*Information tables  

• New Visitor Check- In System 

• PTO   

• Mandatory DPI presentation for parents whose children receive MacBooks. They can pay their dpi fee as well. 

WHEN DOES SCHOOL START?
August 3

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT ANNOUNCEMENTS?

To sign up for Mr. Tribble's school information text messages

visit https://www.remind.com/join/ehs123456

-or-

send a text to the number 81010 with the the message @ehs123456

-or-

send an email to ehs123456@mail.remind.com

and you will be registered to receive messages about school events or important information.

WHEN CAN I FIND OUT MY CHILD'S CLASS?
K-5 grade class lists will be posted on July 22. Students in grades 1st - 5th grade can come to the main office to view class rosters that will be posted on the front windows. 
Fifth grade student lists are for homeroom only. Those grades are departmentalized and all students will have all teachers in their grade.   Parents of 6-12th graders can go on www.elkmonthigh.org and get their schedules.  If you don't have the username and password, visit the guidance office at school

  PARKING FEES?

*available from 8-10 am
*Locker Fees  - $6 *Parking Fees - $25
..There are two forms that must be filled out to get a parking pass....
Form Link

ELKMONT GOLFER SMILING

When Lee Hodges walked off the No. 9 green at Burningtree Country Club late Monday afternoon after finishing 36 holes, he looked like he could play another 18. The Elkmont native looked relaxed and was wearing a big smile. It’s amazing what a 134 score in the U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifying event can do for a person.

“I played so good today. I didn’t struggle at all,” said Hodges, who plays at UAB. “Everything went well. I don’t think I could have played any better.”

The golfers with the top three scores advanced to next month’s U.S. Amateur Championship in Michigan. Burningtree was one of 51 sites across the country hosting U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifying events.  Hodges was the only one out of 84 to post a first-round 67. There were six behind him at 69. Hodges finished his second round long before most of the group at 69 came in. He had to wait close to an hour to see if anyone could match or better his 134.

Complete Article Link: Elkmont Native

ELIZABETH ALLEN MILLER - OBITUARY

Mrs. Elizabeth Allen Miller, age 69 of Athens, died Saturday at Athens Limestone Hospital.
Mrs. Miller was born February 15, 1947 in Limestone Co. AL to Leonard & Lucille White Chambers. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Preceded in death by her parents, Sons: Archie Dewayne Chambers & Clarence W. Miller II. 

Survivors 
Husband: Clarence Miller of Athens, AL, Sons: Michael Miller of Athens, AL, Johnny Miller of Cullman, AL, Daughters: Darlene Byrd, Michelle Kelley & Crystal Miller all of Athens, AL, Brothers: Floyd Chambers of Athens, AL, Thomas Earl Chambers of Elkmont, AL, James Chambers of Athens, AL, Sister: Flossie Chambers Pilk of Elkmont, AL, 8 Grandchildren & 4 Great Grandchildren.


*Graveside Services will be Wednesday, 10 AM At the Dement Cemetery.
*Visitation will be Tuesday, 6-9 PM at Spry Funeral Home, Athens, AL

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Editor's Note: Both chambers are in recess until September 6.

Recent Senate Votes

Opioid Programs – Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Conference Report - Vote Agreed to (90-2, 8 Not Voting) Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the conference report on the bill that contains numerous provisions to combat increasing rates of opioid drug abuse, including through modifications to prescribing and pain management practices, by creating or modifying programs to expand access to treatment, particularly access to opioid overdose reversal drugs or medication-assisted treatment that eases withdrawal symptoms, and by establishing or strengthening specific programs for vulnerable groups such as drug-addicted infants. It also requires the Veterans Affairs Department to take several actions to better manage and track the use of opioids by veterans. Sen. Richard Shelby voted Not Voting Sen. Jeff Sessions voted Not Voting Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization – Motion to Concur in the House Amendments to the Senate Amendments to the Bill - Vote Agreed to (89-4, 7 Not Voting) The bill extends the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization through September 2017. It also includes language that would require the FAA to check on security practices in overseas airports that service direct flights to the United States. Sen. Richard Shelby voted Not Voting Sen. Jeff Sessions voted Not Voting Opioid Programs – Agreeing to the Conference Report - Vote Agreed to (92-2, 6 Not Voting) The conference report on the bill contains numerous provisions to combat increasing rates of opioid drug abuse, including through modifications to prescribing and pain management practices, by creating or modifying programs to expand access to treatment, particularly access to opioid overdose reversal drugs or medication-assisted treatment that eases withdrawal symptoms, and by establishing or strengthening specific programs for vulnerable groups such as drug-addicted infants. It also requires the Veterans Affairs Department to take several actions to better manage and track the use of opioids by veterans. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted Not Voting Fiscal 2017 Defense Appropriations – Reconsideration of Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Bill - Vote Rejected (55-42, 3 Not Voting) The Senate rejected a McConnell, R-Ky., motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill that would provide billions in discretionary defense spending for the Defense Department. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES Fiscal 2016 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Conference Report – Reconsideration of Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Conference Report - Vote Rejected (52-44, 4 Not Voting) Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the conference report on the bill which would provide $1.1 billion in supplemental funding for the government to prepare for and respond to the public health threat posed by the Zika virus, and it would provide a total of $185 billion for the Veterans Affairs Department and military construction in fiscal 2017 — including $82.5 billion in discretionary spending subject to the budget caps, $102.5 billion in mandatory spending and $172 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funding. The Zika funding would include $933 million in domestic funding and $175 million for international activities, with approximately $750 million of the total being offset through rescissions to Ebola, Affordable Care Act, and other Health and Human Services Department funding. Sixty votes are needed to invoke cloture. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES

Recent House Votes

Judicial Deference in Rule-Making – Passage - Vote Passed (240-171, 22 Not Voting) The bill effectively overturns two Supreme Court decisions that require courts to give substantial deference to an agency’s interpretation of the law it is implementing and to its own interpretation of regulations. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Prohibit Purchase of Heavy Water from Iran – Passage - Vote Passed (249-176, 8 Not Voting) The bill prohibits federal funds from being used to purchase heavy water (a byproduct of nuclear fuel processing) from Iran, or to issue licenses to purchase heavy water. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Abortion Conscience Rights – Passage - Vote Passed (245-182, 6 Not Voting) The bill prohibits the federal government, as well as state and local governments, from penalizing, retaliating against or otherwise discriminating against a health care provider because the provider does not provide or sponsor abortion coverage. It provides for a complaint process and civil actions for any violations through the Health and Human Services and Justice departments. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Labeling Requirements for Genetically Modified Organisms in Foods – Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to the House Amendment to the Bill - Vote Passed (306-117, 10 Not Voting) The bill establishes the nation's first mandatory requirements for food companies to label genetically modified food products. The measure directs the Agriculture Department to create within two years regulations for determining which foods qualify for labeling as genetically modified. The proposal offers food companies the option of on-label disclosure, the use of a symbol developed by the Agriculture Department or electronic bar codes that consumers can scan with their smart phones. Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO Iran Sanctions – Passage - Vote Passed (246-179, 8 Not Voting) The bill generally expands and strengthens existing sanctions against Iran related to its ballistic-missile program, support for international terrorism and its ongoing record of human rights abuses against its own population. Specifically, the measure requires that the president apply terrorism sanctions to the Revolutionary Guards within 120 days of enactment, rather than giving him the discretion available under current law. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Fiscal 2017 Interior Appropriations – Passage - Vote Passed (231-196, 6 Not Voting) The measure provides a total of $32.1 billion in net discretionary spending subject to budget caps. It increases funding for the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service but cuts funding for EPA, the Bureau of Land Management, Office of Surface Mining and the Fish and Wildlife Service. It includes numerous policy provisions including those to prohibit EPA from limiting greenhouse gas emissions for new and existing power plants, limits methane emissions from the oil and gas industry and regulates air emissions from offshore operations. Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO Bar Iran from U.S. Financial System – Passage - Vote Passed (246-181, 6 Not Voting) The bill codifies existing regulations that prohibit the administration from allowing the U.S. dollar to be used to facilitate trade transactions with Iran, and it upholds Iran's designation as a "primary money-laundering concern." The prohibition covers direct dollar transactions and "work-arounds," including dollar-clearing, dollar-based conversions and dollar-related foreign currency transactions. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES