LOVE BLUEBERRIES AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO PICK?

BLUE WILLOW
FARMS
BLUEBERRIES
IS OPEN FOR PICKING. WE ARE OPEN TUESDAY-THURSDAY FROM 5PM TO DARK AND FRIDAY-SUNDAY FROM 7AM TO 7PM. THIS IS A U-PICK FARM EXCELLENT FAMILY ADVENTURE. WE ARE LOCATED AT 336 J CROSS ROAD, TONEY, AL. THE COST IS $1.50 A POUND. IF YOU NEED DIRECTIONS OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL 256-503-4855 OR 256-503-4854. WE ARE OPENING TODAY (JUNE 24TH AND WILL BE OPEN UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST). WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT VARIETIES AND 3,000 BUSHES READY FOR YOU TO PICK. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU!

AVIAGEN OPENS NEW LABORATORY

Aviagen Group has opened a multimillion diagnostic and research facility in Elkmont aimed at meeting world demand for healthy poultry.  The 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility opened Monday.

“The new laboratory will help Aviagen meet the growing needs of its breeding program and production units,” said Gregorio Rosales of Athens, vice president of veterinary services. “Aviagen has been a leader in poultry genetics, health and biosecurity for more than a decade. This laboratory is an essential component that will allow us to maintain that role in the future and safeguard the supply of breeding stock to our customers in the U.S. and over 45 countries around the world.”

Aviagen is the world's leading poultry breeding company, developing pedigree lines for the production of broiler chickens under the Ross, Arbor Acres and Indian River brand names.

The new lab, which will serve the needs of all Aviagen breeding-production facilities in the U.S., features expanded and dedicated areas for an array of laboratory work, including bacteriology, serology, molecular diagnostics, genomics research and pathological exams, said Aviagen’s Beth Cook.

Initially, 20 employees will staff the lab, which provides office space for five veterinarians, a microbiologist, and an information-management system administrator, she said.

The lab was designed with a commitment to maintaining strict biosecurity, with access to laboratory areas restricted to lab personnel only, Cook said. Bacteriology and pathogical exam rooms have separate ventilation systems to prevent any cross-contamination, she said. A drive-through window allows company personnel to drop off samples for testing without entering the facility, Cook said.

The facility, which is an authorized National Poultry Improvement Plan Laboratory, reflects the company’s dedication to ensuring the health status of its breeding stock and products, and its support of the broiler industry’s efforts to promote food safety.   

ELKMONT FOURTH QUARTER HONOR ROLL

— Elkmont High School announced its honor roll for the fourth nine weeks: 


A honor roll

First grade

Houston Rowe Allen, Shey Keisha Emily Marie Allen, Elizabeth Bailon-Rodriguez, Shane Allen Boger, Marvin Hindman Brown, Preston Glen Brown, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Burroughs, Alexis Brooke Campbell, Meredith Jane Christ, Ivy Rose Angelique Clay, Samuel Gray Compton, Kacey Bret Cooley, Abbie Grace Crutcher, Makayla Cardae Fraser, Kasey Leighann Green, Van Douglas Hamlin, Alyssa Paige Harwell, Daisy Munoz Hernandez, Addyson Jayne Holt, Mattie Gail Hunt, Kaden Mikhail Jackson, Skylar Alysse McChristian, Kansas Cheyanne McMahan, Austin Lee Nichols, Chance Timothy Pepper, Andrew Whitman Pylant, Kaitlin Bralee Rager, Ty Garrett Robers, Paige Briggs Robinson, Jonah Benjamin Sickels, Emily Paige Sims, Christian Tyler Smith, Jonah Elijah Smith, Topanga D’erra Suggs, Jackson Daniel Tucker, Joshua Brian Turner, Jackson Clay Underwood, Harmony LaShae Whatley, Mason Glenn Woodfin.


Second grade

Lucas Camron Adams, Mary Kay Paige Adams, Brooklyn Nichole Anderson, Elizabeth Joy Andrews, Alexis Mackenzie Bailey, Samantha Raelyn Black, Joshua Blake Burrows, Shiann Nicole Chambers, Caleb Paul Christ, Westin Scott Clinard, Anna Grace Cook, Sara Beth Curnutt, Brody Wyatt Eckstein, Daine Paul Finley, Wesley Keith Flannagan, Maggie Chloe Gant, Cara Charlize Glass, Emeril Layne Hand, Emma Alyssa Hargrove, Melanie Hernandez, Millie Hernandez, Sarah Elizabeth Hobbs, Ella Lane Keller, Casey Reece McNatt, Brilee Aniston Miller, JonMikel Thomas Owens, Kenley Elizabeth Jean Purdy, Richard Lane Richter, Preston Hesekiah Robinson, Hannah Alexis Smith, Landria Katherine Smith, Sydney Roze Sullivan, Isaiah Ray Sutherland, Bowdrie Dalton Swindle, Te Aja Tennnee Thompson.


Third grade

Claudia Nicole Allen, Allison Nichole Anderson, Elijah Ray Boldin, Rhiannon Alexandria Cain, Emily Danielle Chambers, Britney Alexandra Clem, Sara Beth Davis, Callie Elizabeth Duncan, Madison Riley Duncan, Walton Glenn Ferguson, Allison Paige Griffis, Meadow Alexandra Guth, Alyssa Jordan Haggermaker, Brantley Evan Hammock, Benjamin Nicholas Hanback, Taylor Lee Magoon, Kiley Cheyanne Miller, Lucas Eaves Moss, Emma Grace Norman, Katherine Cristbel Perez, Cassidy Alexis Ridgeway, Paul Benjamin Sanders, Shelby Danielle Simpson, Lilly Catherine Stanford, Kyle Stephen Sutherland, Madison Rayne Thompson, Tyler DeWayne Wise.


Fourth grade

Kalei Faye Barnes, Stephanie Leigh Bates, Jeffrey Luke Campbell, Abigail Taylor Curnutt, Savannah Grace-Pritchett Devine, Jordan Lee Fielding, Alyssa Blaize Gates, Aubrie Grace Harwell, Abby Leigh Hasting, Thomas Clay Hunt, Nicholas Sean Jordan, Victoria Nicole Kraus, Braden Tyler Long, Ashlynn Grace McMahan, James Benton McNatt, Kayla Nicole McNatt, Madison Kaye Pepper, Anna Lynn Schrimsher, Camille Elise Turner.


Fifth grade 

Skylar Jade Adams, Jashonna Nakia Anderson, Malena Mae Butler, Marianna Ruth Cooper, Bailey Elizabeth Crutcher, Jamie Paul Dawson, Mia Claire Farris, Login Wayne Griffin, Carson Wiley Hogan, Emma Claire McNatt, Victoria Morgan Mitchell, Hunter Wesley Pitman, Chase Alexander Prater, Kaylee Elizabeth Varney, Anna Grace Wales, Cody Luke Watkins.


Sixth grade

Bailee Autumn Appleton, Emma Clarise Bates, Gracen Daly Clinard, Jackson Bryant Cook, Benton Grant Ferguson, Brady Garth Garris, Austin Tyler Gates, Rachel Nicole Hammond. Christian Leigh Keller, Haleigh Erin Lankster, Alexis Jewel Magoon, Mackenzie Rose McMahan, Kelly Hannah McNeill, Morgan Jay Mullis, Carrie Denise Rochell, Madison Jean Scroggins, Leah Joy Seibert, Hannah Grace Smith, Olivia Danielle Spencer, Christina Marie Stacy, Taylor Steven Thomas, Gunnar Lane Whitt, Allie Mariah Williams, Sammantha McKenzie Williams.


Seventh grade

Hannah Yang Hanback, Adriel Louise McMahan, Jordan Tyler Nelson, Roy Lewis Pankey, Travis Lamour Riggs, Cathleen Ransom Wales.


Eighth grade

Carley Leeann Broadway, Austin Hunter Ennis, Michael Cook Farris, Cody Hawke Isham, Samantha Jordan Pressnell, Tori Blake Williams.


Ninth grade

Jacob Chandler Blenkinsopp, Colton Walker Davis, Tommy Kristopher Gooch, Adam Douglas McMahan, Brody Russell Pierce, John Richard Taylor.


Tenth grade

Matthew Ted Barnes, Brittney Nicole Carter, Matthew Blake Clem, Morgan Jane Garris, Alyssa Kelly Green, Taylor Hamilton Reynolds, Haley Nicole Turner, Hannah Rae Webster.


Eleventh grade

Jacob Bradley McNatt, Paige Lee Miller, Casie Ann Rochell, Shelby Montana Rouse, Meagan Elizabeth Sutton.


Twelfth grade

Ashlin Morgan Bailey, Marissa Lashon Baker, William Andrew bates, Matthew Thomas Brady, Kelsey Marie Brown, Joel Nathan Davis, Brandi Michelle Gooch, Stephanie Nicole Hogan, Megan LeighAnn Honea, William Elliott Maples, Joshua Gage Miller, Royce Jackson Miller, Courtney Lynn Phillips, Joel Christopher Swanner, Avery Nicole Tunstill, Anna Grace Usery, Kasey Lynn Williams, Zackary Thomas Woodford, Mollie Amber Wright.


A-B honor roll

First grade

Mason Daniel Burns, Killian Orion Cain, Cason Grant Clem, Cassey Leigh Green, Chase Henry Wayne Haggermaker, Hunter timothy Hastin, Ariel Michelle Hernandez, Jacob Weldon Lovell, Serenity Desiree Martinez, Morgan Nevaeh Morris, Anthony Glen Moss, Katherine Michelle Simmons, James Robert Turner, Lexxie Nicole Whitt, Makayla Grace Williams.


Second grade

 Katelyn LeAnn Anderson, Preston Blake Brown, Gabrial Ryan Burrough, Sean Austin Cain, Julianna Danielle Dawson, Makayla Leigh Dunnam, Mary Abigail Foster, Paul Henry Gooch, Ja’Liyah Aunique Koger, Christopher Logan Mitchell, Jobey Allen Pugh, Kayla Paige Smith, Jedidiah James Sutherland, Haley Jean Usery, Abigail Grace Wall, Elizabeth Grace Williams.


Third grade

Jasha Ashanti Marie Anderson, Madison Marie Barnes, McKenzie Diane Baugher, Maryleigh Mackenzie Beaver, Nicholas Drake Black, Jasmine Giovanna Nachole Claunch, Hannah Rivers Dison, Jessica Taylor Gibson, Samantha Jean Hammell, Jaevan Mikiah Jackson, Shane Preston James, David Andrew Johnson, Abigail Kate Lovell, Brett Lee Parker, Jazmin Anna Ristau, Lyndsey Brooke Sandlin, Coby Lee Scroggins, David Jackson Spry, Justin Patrick Steeno, Xavier Amere Watkins, Dillon Clay Woods.


Fourth grade

Breana Leshae Anderson, Ashley Paige Bailey, Kirsten Faye Berryhill, Ricky Travarus Black, Blaise Boyd Brymer, Tori Michlle Bunn, Elizabeth Bain Carpenter, Shanna Klair Carpenter, Montana Charlene Crowe, Jared Seth Davidson, Quentin Makael Fraser, Mariel Rose Gibson, Kylee Jane Haney, Benjamin Marcus Hobbs, Davis James Hobbs, Skylar Greyson Lynn Jacobs, Riley Clay Johnson, Zachary Seth Jordan, Ja’Lynne Eunique Koger, Smokie Skyler Allen Magoon, Andrew Wayne Martin, Kendall Paul Mullis, Jessica Nicole Newport, Layla DeLynn Norton, James Robert Alan Ouellette, Frances Elizabeth Sims, Magan Nikole Smith, Felicia Paige Suggs, Hunter Gage Tyler, Hannah Lynn Usery


Fifth grade

Brieanna Ivy Adams, Alexander James Armstrong, Jacob Michael Armstrong, Timothy Justin Berryhill, Rylee Nicole Boone, Matthew Hunter Brown, Natalie Paige Butler, William Taylor Christopher, Cameron Bradley Davis, Harry Alexander Duncan, Emily Ann Ezell, Makayla Alexandria Flannagan, James Christian Green, McKenzie Jordan Helms, Cole Franklin Hogan, Jacob Wade Kelley, Breanna Paige McMunn, Braden Ridge Miller, Chelsey LaShay Moss, Phillip Jackson Norman, Emmalee Grace Phillips, Devin Rhys Pilk, Justin Henry Preston, Nikki Caylin Ristau, Dakota Lane Roberts, Brandan O’Neal Selvage, Lauren Isabella Simpson, Emily Beth Smith, Rachel Brooke Smith, Gretchen MaKaylee Springer, Chloe Jennalee Dixie Wales, Raileigh MaKayla Wallace, Justin Brent Williams, Smyrai Nicole Willaims.


Sixth grade

Chance Holt Bailey, Brianna Rae Barnett, Morgan Lea Chaney, Christopher David Clay James, Sara Briann Clinard, William Thomas Davis, Alexandria Elizabeth Green, Braxton Lee Hand, Hope Nicole Hice, Brenna Paige Jeffreys, Madison Marie Jones, Christopher Luke Little, Cody Duane McGee, Nathan Colby McNatt, John Kristopher Wayne Monfort, Connor Wilson Norman, Zeb Edward Pankey, Hunter Thomas Phillips, Langdon Ann Richter, Noah Charles Sharp, Ethan Boyd Shores, Ami Jo Smith, Leigha Hope Smith, Laurel Kathryn Stein, Ryan Luther Sutherland, Matthew Allen Tallent, Christopher Tyler Tucker, David Ralph Tucker, Michael Bryce Tyler.


Seventh grade

Jayne Katherine Anderson, Ruth Ann Bates, Sabrina Kay Brault, Ana Karen Bustos, Sarah Elizabeth Christopher, Hunter Austin Coffman, Lindsay Beth Craig, Lindsay Nicole Gandy, Taylor Cierra Hall, Eli Bryant Hobbs, Madeline Clarice Hobbs, Kelsey Brooke Hodges, Alyssa Malynne Holt< Raven Leanna Johnson, Cody Dean Jones, Taylor Sue Majoria, Dakota LaShay McCurley, Amelia Anne Mullis, Yareli Parra, William Dakota Pilk, Elizabeth Jaimes Salgado, Anna Frances Sandlin, Koribeth Cassidy Schmidt, Benjamin Raymond Smith, Johnathan Luke Stover, John Nathaniel Teeples, Tyler Ray Thacker, Whitney Lynn Thompson, Joshua Lee Townsend, Adrian Isaiah Walker.


Eighth grade

Rachel Annette Adams, Hayley Noelle Arnett, Jared Mayfield Bailey, Bo Alexander Brabo, Hunter Caleb Brazeal, Hannah Elizabeth Camp, Joshua Allen Carter, Kody Alexander Clark, Elijah James Collier, Allison Paige Cooper, Dakoda Elbert Emerson, Ashlee Makayla Freemon, Cally Lynn Glass, Bailee Nicole Gooch, Harley LeeAnn Jackson, Sara Francis Kirkpatrick, Miariah Jenene McWilliams, Columbia Elizabeth Nave, Caila Norman, Kaitlyn Nichole Putman, Montana Marie Ray, Allyson O’Neal Richter, Michale Preston Rouse, Elissa Anel Salazar, Victoria Brooke Scroggins, Brent Michael Stovall, Cameron Ray Taylor.


Ninth grade

Rhett James Bailey, Hunter DeWitt Clem, Carson Lee Goodman, Hali Brianna Hamiton, Brianne Nicole Hargrove, Hugo Hernandez, Rylea Savanna Holt, Mercedes Ann Jeffreys, Michael Lee Johnson, William Chandler Johnson, Hannah Mae Jones, Savannah Rae Kennedy, Preston Derek Lovell, Karen Michelle NcNeill, Nicholas Patrick Moore, Austin Lee Moss, Kaitlin Diane Mullis, James Dean Olson, Laura Ashley-Danielle Patterson, Scarlett Jensen Pugh, Tyler Robert Thomas, Grant Kane Tunstill, Chelsie May Vining, Smanatha Lee Watkins, Kaela Austin Wright


Tenth grade

Lillian Joynai Sibbil Adell, Dusin Alman Birdwell, Kaylee Diana Brymer, Clayton Russell Burrough, Cadie Jane Coffman, Svannah Leigh Couch, Ashley Nicole Craig,

Kayla Marie Del Rio, Chloe Whitney Hollingsworth, Hayden Garrett Hudson, Wes Forrest Isham, William Thomsen Kirkpatrick, Mark Andrew LaBathe, Chance Cole Long, Cody Lane Long, Sara Kathryn Maples, Hannah LaJaye Pitman, Jesse Hunter Putman, Kala Lynn Stovall, Essence Janae Williams, Sarah Ashley Williams, Mary Redding Witt.


Eleventh grade 

Tiffany Brooke Adams, Kimberly Marlena Clem, Bronson Gaines Ellis, James Dillon Ferguson, Edwin Cole Glass, Felicia Shantell Hunter, Rachel Denise Jones, Daniel Gene Logan, Nakita Elizabeth Marshall, David Quincy Martin, Austin Fred McNatt, Amberly Nicole Miller, Slaina Kay Mitchell, Kimberly Jeanne Modica, Cassie Kathleen Myers-Brooks, Jordan Wade Phillips, Matthew John Randolph, Samantha Noel Rhinerson, Ciera Lyn Sandlin, Abigail Lee Schrimsher, Christin Layne Smith, Francisco Javier Vega.


Twelfth grade

Edith Vega Alvarado, Connor Daniel Anderson, China Dawn Blankenship, Sydni Danielle Boone, LeAnna Grace Brown, Christopher Michael Carter, Jonathon Erick Chaney, Minton Tanner Coats, Shana Brooke Coats, Tony Anthony Coleman, Nicholas Aaron Davis, Jacob Todd Hardy, Jessica Renee Herndon, Madison Brooke Hogan, Alisha Mae Langley, Ashley Briana McElyea, Mary Claire Patterson, Amber Nicole Reece, Ryan Cody Ritchie, Jesse James Todd, Josie Kaitlyn Williams.

ELKMONT BASKETBALL CAMP - JUNE 27-29

Elkmont Basketball Camp is June 27-29 from 8:30 AM to 11:30AM in the New Gym. 


Open to boys and girls in grades K thru 7th. $35.00/child or $60.00/family. 
Campers need to bring a basketball with his/her name on it daily. 
Campers will be provided a drink each day during break time and will also receive a camp t-shirt. 


Late registration is Monday, June 27 at 8:00 AM. 
Please make checks payable to Elkmont High School.

MILDRED C. ROCHELLE - OBITUARY

Mildred C. Rochelle, 83, of Athens, passed away Monday, June 20, 2011, at home.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Charlie Hughes and Dr. Edwin Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens.

Visitation is from 6-9 tonight at the funeral home.

Mrs. Rochelle was born Aug. 23, 1927, in Giles County, Tenn., to Linsley Claud and Ruth Hargrove Claud. She was a member of First Baptist Church, a retired teacher of Limestone County Schools, member of the Gideons International Auxiliary, member of the National Education Association, Alabama Education Association and Alabama Retired Teachers Association.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce D. Rochelle; parents, Linsley and Ruth Claud; son, Bruce Dean Rochelle and great-grandson, Eli Lovell; brothers, Otha Ray Claud and Tip Kenneth Claud, Robbie Claud, Vernon Claud, Oakley Claud and Dan Claud; sister, Alma Claud.
She is survived by her daughter, Jean Rochelle Lovell and husband Larry of Athens; grandsons, Stephen Lovell and wife Emily of Elkmont, Derrick Lovell and wife Wendi of Athens and Nick Lovell and wife Brandy of Elkmont; granddaughters, Becky Rochelle Bowman and husband David and Wendy Rochelle Bobo and husband Scott, both of Athens; great-granddaughters, Rachel Elizabeth Bobo, Olivia Caroline Bobo, Natalie Grace Lovell and Abigail Kate Lovell; great-grandsons, Jacob Weldon Lovell, Benjamin Reed Lovell, David Noah Bowman, Jackson Dean Bowman and Garrett Nicholas Lovell; daughter-in-law, Jean Rochelle Hughes and husband Charles; sisters, Allie Mae Tate of Prospect, Tenn., Erma Holt of Athens and Laverne Henderson of Winfield, Ala.; brothers, Harold T. Claud and Smitty Claud of Goodsprings.

Pallbearers will be grandsons.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Southern Care Hospice, 3322 S. Memorial Pkwy. Suite 212 Huntsville, AL 35801 or the Athens Limestone Retired Educators Teachers Scholarship Fund.

TRIAD Trail Ride at Elkmont Rural Village

The TRIAD Trail Ride rescheduled after the April tornadoes will be Sunday, June 26 at the stables at Elkmont Rural Village. Gate opens at 11 a.m. Ride begins at 2 p.m. Prices at gate, including meal following ride, are $15 for adults, $5 children 12 and under, $5 for non-riders. Drawing held for stainless gas grill with five burners. Contact Sheriff Mike Blakely at 256-232-0111.

DIZZY DEAN DISTRICT TOURNAMENT RESULTS - AREA TOURNEY TO BE HELD AT ELKMONT THIS SATURDAY

The Limestone County Bombers defeated Limestone County Blue 12-2 and 8-2 to win the 12-year-old Dizzy Dean All-Star District Tournament in Elkmont over the weekend.

During game one for the Bombers, Hunter Camp had a single, home run and three RBIs. Taylor Thomas had a home run and an RBI. AJ Harris had a single, double and two RBIs, while Kenny Stevenson had two doubles and two RBIs. Le’Chauz Langford and Jonathan Stanford had a double and an RBI each.

Grayson Edgemon and Camp saw action on the mound.

For Limestone County Blue, Alan Rios had a hit and scored a run. Houston Partridge scored the only other run.

Dakota Henry and Levi Yates pitched.

Zeb Pankey, Harris, Camp and Taylor Thomas all had a single and an RBI during game two for the Bombers. Langford and Stevenson each had doubles. Edgeman had a single, double and RBI, while Jonathan Stanford and Hunter Pankey contributed a single each.

Bryant Royals got the win. Thomas also saw action on the mound.

Rios had a single and an RBI for the Blue. Shawn Ramirez also had a single.

Partridge and Phillip Norman split time on the mound.

Both teams advance to the area tournament being held this weekend in Elkmont.


SOURCE:  Athens News Courier

RHETT BAILEY - CARING BRIDGE WEBSITE

This is a great site to keep up with how Rhett is doing - CARING BRIDGE

Here is Rhett's story from the site.  Please visit and sign Rhett's guestbook.

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We've created it to keep friends and family updated about Rhett and his fight against lymphoma.  We are so blessed to be surrounded and supported by loving family, friends, church members, and communities from all over the world.  We love the Team Rhett and the Pray for Rhett websites, and now we have this great website to keep you all updated on this chapter in Rhett's life.  Please write us a note in our guestbook!  Thanks to everyone who has so thoughtfully supported us during this time.  We love you all!

Background Story

On the weekend before Easter Sunday, 2011, I was really sick and thought I had the stomach virus.  This was the second round of the stomach virus (or so we thought), so my dad got up early and took me to the Athens Limestone Hospital Emergency Room on Sunday morning.  There they hooked me up to IV's and ran tests on my stomach.  Little did we know that those tests were about to change my whole life.  That afternoon the ER doctor came in and told us that he was extremely concerned.  I had an intususception of the bowels (a blockage), and he had also saw some really large lymph nodes on a CAT scan that the hospital did.  He was concerned that this was cancer.....Scary words, but words that got everyone's attention really fast. 

I spent the night at Athens Hospital where I had a tube inserted into my nose and into my stomach.  This was to keep my stomach from sending stuff to my bowels.  It was also to keep me from throwing up.  Not a fun thing to do, but it was necessary.  My parents decided the next morning to ask for me to be sent to Huntsville Women's and Children's Hospital where they were a part of the St. Jude network.  We were not really sure we would need this option, but they wanted me to be a place that was used to seeing unusual things in children. 

When I arrived in Huntsville, I was pretty much immediately surrounded by doctors, nurses, surgeons, etc...They decided that I needed a biopsy and maybe exploratory surgery.  On Tuesday morning with at least 30 to 40 people waiting with me, I had surgery and had a large lymph node removed from my abdomen.  Dr. Gilbert at this time did not remove the intususception due to not knowing if we were dealing with cancer or just a problem with the bowel.  The doctors and nurses at Women's and Children's, just as the doctors and nurses from Athens Limestone Hospital, were wonderful.  After my surgery I felt pretty good and was even able to eat a little that night.  Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse with my condition and the weather for the next day.

The next two days of my life are two that needless to say I would never want to repeat.  Sometime after midnight I started throwing up and would continue to throw up until Thursday afternoon.  Early on Wednesday morning the worst tornado outbreak since 1932 occurred, and the hospital was hit by lightening and a power outage.  Back up generators came on, but the air conditioning just was not what I needed to feel better while heaving.  Additionally the machines they needed to complete my diagnosis were hit by the lightening and so the doctors could not complete the needed tests.  Again, Wednesday night was a horrible night, so the next morning the staff and doctors decided to move me to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.  Because of the horrible conditions in Northern Alabama, an ambulance had to be sent from Memphis to get me in Huntsville.  Right before I left, I had an allergic reaction to the nausea medicine I was taking, and I was even more sick than I had been previously.  All these things said, it was a blessing that I was loaded into the ambulance and headed for Memphis.  It was here that I found the answers we needed for what was going on with me.

Finally, after four hours we arrived in Memphis at 8:00 p.m. that night.  The doctors and nurses started working on me immediately, and I finally fell asleep about 1:00 a.m. in the morning.  Tests were scheduled for about 7:00 a.m. the next morning so we were up early for those.  A wonderful team of surgeons came and met with us, and later that day they found out my bowels were in some serious trouble.  The bowels were not getting enough blood, so they decided to do surgery and remove the intususception.  They removed 15 centimeters of my small and large intestines plus my appendix.  They also removed a polyp to biopsy.  Then more waiting began.

With cancer I have found out that a lot of stuff is hurry up and wait.  Well, we did and on the next Monday the doctors told me that I had (and still have) Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma.  It is all confined to my abdomen area, but I have to have chemotherapy for the next four to six months to remove it all.  This is a challenge for me and for my family, but I know with God's help and the support of all my friends, family, and well just everyone, I am going to do great.  Finally, I have wonderful doctors and nurses here at St. Jude, and I am so thankful to be here.  Thanks for reading my story - there is more to come!    

FREDWELL C. ALBRITTON - OBITUARY

The graveside service for Fredwell C. Albritton, 75, of Elkmont will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at New Salem Cemetery. No visitation is scheduled.

Mr. Albritton died Friday, June 17, 2011, at Athens Convalescent Center.

ATHENS FAMILY HISTORY CENTER (GENEALOGY LIBRARY) OPEN HOUSE

The family history center is having an open house after a year of being moth-balled for remodeling.  It is now housed in its own wing with 4 computer with dual monitors.  The center is free with access to many premium subscription websites such as Ancestry.com.   Free consultant help is also available.

The open house is June 25 from 4 - 7:30 pm.  It is located at 1716 West Market Street in Athens.  The center is housed in the Athens Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  There will be refreshments and displays on emergency preparedness and food storage. 

The Athens family history center will open for genealogy research on June 28.

Hours of Operation:

Time:                                   Staff:
Tuesday
10 - 1 pm                              Family History Director
   1- 4 pm                              Southeast Kentucky Research Expert

Wednesday       
   5 - 8 pm                              Tennessee Research Expert      

Saturday                   
   9 - noon                               First Saturday of Month Closed

Phone:  256-771-9968
Questions:  256-777-9152
E-mail:  order4@charter.net

RANDEL IVEY - OBITUARY

The funeral for Randell Ivey, 51, of Elkmont will be at 4 p.m. today at Spry Funeral Home with Anthony Anderson and Frankie Murphy officiating. Burial will be in New Oakland Cemetery.

Visitation was from 6-9 p.m. Friday.

He died Thursday, June 16, 2011, at Huntsville Hospital.

Randell Ivey was born Sept. 23, 1959, in Madison County to H.L. and Frances Ivey. He was a farmer and a member of the New Oakland Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randell Scott Ivey; and brothers, H.L. Ivey Jr. and Larry Ivey.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Ivey of Elkmont; sons, Randell Wayne Ivey of Elkmont, Justin Ivey of Decatur and Kevin Ivey of Piney Chapel; brothers, Jerry Ivey of Athens, Terry Ivey of Prattville, Mark Ivey, Jimmy Ivey and David Ivey, all of Athens; sisters, Aline Lang of Greenbrier, Fran Humphrey of Moulton and Patricia Gardner of Piney Chapel; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Randell Wayne Ivey, Justin Ivey, Kevin Ivey, Glen Jacobs, Brandon Thompson and Ryan Lawrence.

TO THE COMMUNITY OF ELKMONT

MOLDY CHEESE - NOT GOOD

For Fresher Cheese... To prevent a chunk of cheese from getting moldy, place it in a resealable plastic bag along with one or two cubes of sugar (try to squeeze any excess air out of the bag). The cheese should stay fresh longer, and the sugar deters mold.

PETTUSVILLE CEMETERY

Homecoming and decoration day at the Pettusville Cemetery will be held Sunday. Church services begin at 11 a.m. with Ira Laney conducting. Cemetery upkeep donations can be mailed to: Pettusville Cemetery Fund, c/o Marcus Hobbs, 26965 Pettusville Road, Elkmont, AL 35620.

WHERE BASKETBALL CAN TAKE YOU

As a child growing up in Limestone County, excitement for Terry Williams was going to the Fourth of July festival in Triana. He and his family would make the short trip to Triana each year to celebrate America’s independence. Little did Williams realize that one day he would be traveling, not to Triana, but to the nearby Huntsville International Airport to board jets that would take him to far-distant lands.

“Basketball allowed me to travel and see places that otherwise I would have never seen,” said the 2011 Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame inductee. “Counting college and professional, I played basketball in 42 states here and nine different countries. It was sort of ironic that a teacher in high school tried to get me to take a foreign language course. I refused thinking I would never leave this country. What I didn’t know was that one day I would be sitting in an elementary school room class in Paris, France watching my daughter being taught.”

The 6-foot 10-inch William’s basketball journey began at Elkmont High School where he starred for coach Lester Smith and the Red Devils. He earned All- Area, All-County and All- State honors while playing at Elkmont. Williams averaged 25 points, 15 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots per game his senior season and was named to the Alabama Super Five Team. He captained Elkmont’s team as a senior and scored a career high 45 points against East Limestone.

“Terry was an unselfish player,” said Smith. “He played within the team concept and had a very good career for us. He handled the ball and shot the ball well for a player his size. Terry was a good all-around athlete as well.”

It was his senior season that Williams started believing maybe he could take his basketball talents to the next level. Major college coaches begin to flock to Elkmont to watch the slender forward with the feathery jump shot play and Williams was flooded with scholarship offers. “I was going to initially sign with Auburn because I thought I would have a quicker chance of seeing playing time. But, my parents wanted me to visit Alabama before I signed so I did. Once I visited Tuscaloosa, I knew that was the place for me and I signed with Alabama,” said Williams.

The transition to the college game for Williams was challenging. During his first two seasons, Williams was only a part-time player for the Crimson Tide. Williams, however, continued to work hard, added strength and became a big contributor to the Tide’s success during his junior and senior seasons.

Williams was the Tide’s fourth leading scorer during his junior year and started 18 games for Alabama. It was his junior season that Williams enjoyed what was to be his finest performance in a Crimson Tide uniform. Alabama was playing in the Finals of the Winston Tire Classic in San Francisco. against Georgetown and their All-American center Patrick Ewing. Williams scored 28 points against the Hoyas and hit 14 of 15 shots from the field to lead the Tide to a 94-73 win.

“The funny part of that is that I didn’t score a point the night before against Southern Cal. So before our game with Georgetown, (former Alabama guard and current UAB men’s basketball coach) Mike Davis came up to me and jokingly told me that we needed more points out of our small forward. I hit my first shot against Georgetown and it was just one of those nights that I was in a comfort zone and felt like I couldn’t miss. I found a comfortable spot on the floor and our point guard Ennis Whatley kept feeding me the ball and telling me to shoot,” said Williams.

The Tide would jump up to number five in the national rankings after their big win over Georgetown but soon would be humbled as they would go on to lose four of their next five games which didn’t sit well with Alabama Head Coach Wimp Sanderson. “Coach  Sanderson got on us pretty good during that stretch. He really pressed upon us the importance of regardless of whom we were playing, we had to play hard every game,” said Williams.

Williams’s senior season would be a very good one for him and the Tide. Williams finished the 1983-84 season as Alabama’s third leading scorer (14.3 ppg.) and rebounder (4.5 rpg.). Alabama would win 18 games and advance to the NCAA tournament for the third time during Williams Alabama career.

Sanderson says that Williams had a good career at Alabama. “Terry was a good basketball player and he contributed to the success of our program. I’m proud that Terry’s being inducted into the Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame. I’m excited and pleased for him,” said Sanderson.

Williams says he has some fond memories of his days at Alabama. “I played with some good players and good people. Probably my best memory was my sophomore year when we beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena for the SEC Tournament championship,” said Williams.

Former Alabama teammate and Houston Rockets standout Buck Johnson says Williams reminds him of some of the European players playing today in the NBA. “Terry had the length and the outside shooting ability like Dirk Nowitzki and others in the NBA right now. Terry was a great teammate with a good sense of humor. He was a terrific competitor who could really shoot the basketball. He had some good games when I was his teammate at Alabama. The Georgetown game obviously stands out but he played well against Auburn when they had (Charles) Barkley,” said Johnson.

Williams would be drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA draft after his senior season but without a promise of a guaranteed contract, he headed overseas to start his professional career. The first country he played in was Italy. He would play in seven more countries professionally before retiring in 1996. Turkey was the last country he played in. “One of my favorite countries to play in was Israel. Today, you here about all the terrorist activity there but when I played in Israel, all the people were so nice,” said Williams.

Williams says he is humbled by the journey that has taken him to be inducted into his home county’s hall of fame.  “I have a lot of people to thank for this award. My mom was always my best fan. She would come to all of my games and support me. My teammates in both high school and college. My coaches and all the others who helped me in my basketball career. It is a real honor to be recognized by the board of directors for this award,” said Williams.


SOURCE:  By Barry Devine  - printed Athens News Courier

Elkmont Diamond Devils- Runner-ups in County Tournament

The Elkmont Diamond Devils (girls 8 and under softball) finished with a super season.  They placed third in the regular season with an 12 and 2 record and second in the post season county tournament.

They battled their way through the losers bracket after being put there by the number two seed East Limestone only  to play two of their hardest and most exciting games of the season beating the number one seed Ardmore 22 to 21 and number 4 seed West Limestone 16 to 15 to get to the championship game.  The girls just ran out of steam and could not overcome East Limestone but they still had a great season.

article submitted by Diamond Devil Parent -  thanks for sharing the good news.

VARSITY RED DEVILS BASKETBALL GAMES - THURSDAY

The summer high school practice month of June has the Elkmont Varsity Men's Basketball team traveling to East Limestone on June 16.  They will be playing 3 games against Columbia, East Limestone and Madison County.  Elkmont starts its first game at 8:30 am with the second game immediately following.
Their third game will be later in the morning.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL WEDNESDAY

The Elkmont Red Devils Varsity Baseball team is having a
summer game date vs West Limestone - Wednesday, June 15.
Games start at 11 and 1 pm.
Bring a chair and sit under the shade tree and watch the boys of summer.
Location:  Elkmont High School Baseball Field

YES, GROCERIES ARE MORE THAN THEY WERE LAST YEAR

DON'T LIKE BEING TAKE OUT FOR MOSQUITOS?

A Natural Mosquito Repellent A popular mosquito repellent is the mosquito coil. The coiled, clay-like material sits on a stand and is burned. It releases a pleasant odor that is very repellent to flying pests. Each coil burns for about two hours but many of these contain a potent lung carcinogen. You may want to try the following suggestion to deal with those nasty little buggers... Drink 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. The smell of vinegar, emitted in your normal perspiration, will repel mosquitoes, whose sense of smell is about 10,000 times better than ours.

NATIONAL BETA CLUB SCHOLARS FOUND IN ELKMONT

The national Beta Club recently announced that Anna Grace Usery and Will Maples have been named Beta Scholars which entitles them to a scholarship award of $1000 each.  Usery and Maples, both seniors at Elkmont High School, competed against more than a thousand candidates nationwide for the honor.

Anna Grace is the daughter of Mary Lynn and Jerry Usery.  She plans to attend the University of North Alabama and major in journalism.

Will Maples  is the son of Melanie and Thomas Maples.  Will has chosen to become a Razorback and will be attended the University of Arkansas this fall majoring in agricultural economics.  Both were recommended by their sponsor, Linda Schmidt, and high school principal, Mickey Glass.

"These outstanding young people represent the true spirit of National Beta, having excelled not only academically, but in leadership and service to school and community as well," said Ken Cline, executive director of the National Beta Club.

source:  Athens News Courier

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

The Athens-Limestone Hospital Auxillary awarded four $1000 scholarships to high school seniors from Athens or Limestone County.  These scholarships are funded by the $5 jewelry sale and sales from the gift shop.   Stephanie Hogan and Avery Tunstill of Elkmont were awarded two of the four available scholarships.  Congrads, ladies.  We are very proud of you.

Source:  Athens News Courier

LIMESTONE COUNTY BOYS STATE REPRESENTATIVES

The following students represented Limestone County at the 73rd annual American Legion Alabama Boys State. These young men were considered credits to their communities and high schools.

• Trenton Barksdale; Athens Bible School; son of Jeffrey and Mellanie Barksdale.

• Justin Beasley; Athens High School; son of Jay and Nicole Beasley.

• Nico Conforti; Pope John Paul II Catholic High School; son of John Cole and Donna Conforti.

• Don Furline; Faith Christian High School; son of Randy and Debbie Furline.

• Caleb Lindsey; Ardmore High School; son of Jeff and Gretta Lindsey.

• Daniel Logan; Elkmont High School; son of James and Therese Logan.

• Daniel McNeese; Ardmore High School; son of Steve and Jennifer McNeese.

• Hunter Reece; East Limestone High School; son of Greg and Tammy Reece.

• Jacob Smith; Athens High School; son of Tim and Amanda Smith.

• James Speer; East Limestone High School; son of Leldon and Tracie Speer.

• Zachary Stander; East Limestone High School; son of Alan and Nancy Stander.


SOURCE: Athens News Courier 

WANT TO HOME CAN THIS YEAR?

The home gardens look pretty. Early vegetables have been welcomed after the tough winter.

For those that preserve fruits and vegetables from their home gardens, it’s now time to prepare for the preservation season.

The Limestone County Extension Office will be helping home gardeners prepare for this year’s preservation season by holding two gauge testing clinics. Personnel from the limestone County Extension Office will be testing gauges at Isom’s Orchards from 9 a.m.-1  p.m.  Wednesday, June 15

 The following Friday, June 17, they will be at the Athens/Limestone County Farmer’s Market. located on Green Street, from 8 .m. until noon.

Gauge testing is an important procedure that should be done annually and is a free service of the Alabama Extension System.

This verifies that gauges are accurate, which should lead to home-canned food that is safe and of good quality.

While having your gauge tested, it is also a good time to have your gaskets, seals and other parts of your canner checked.   Anyone wishing to have their pressure canner gauge tested may bring the gauge or the lid from their canner. Only dial gauges can be tested. Lead weighted gauges can not be tested.

Extension publications containing recommendations on canning and other food preservation methods will be available.

For more information, contact Betty Ann Broman at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System office in Limestone County.

THOMAS HOLT - OBITUARY

Thomas Layne Holt, 67, of Elkmont passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Elkmont.

He was a carpenter and known as “Sweet Potato Man.”

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today and from 1-3:30 p.m. Sunday at New Fellowship Baptist Church in Elkmont.

The funeral service will be at 4 p.m. Sunday following the visitation. Wayne Kent will officiate. Burial will be in Hodges Cemetery in Pettusville.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Daly Holt; parents, Bob McLean Holt and Anna Will Gilbert Holt; brothers, Gilbert, Sidney and Charles Holt; and sister, Bobbie Williams.

He is survived by wife, Janice Cora Holt of Elkmont; sons, Wade Holt and wife Joanie of Elkmont and Voyce Holt of East Limestone; daughter, Joanna Downs and husband Derrick of East Limestone; stepchildren, James Niles of Courtland, Angie Turner and husband Brian of Pulaski, Tenn., Andrea Herbertz and husband Brad of Ardmore, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, David Holt and wife Peggy of Elkmont; sisters, Gayle Lanier of Athens and Phyliss Herrod and husband Worley of Nashville, Tenn.

Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Thomas Wayne Holt.