BETTY JEAN McMAHAN - OBITUARY

In Memory of

Betty Jean McMahan

March 15, 1941 - May 28, 2012

Obituary

The Funeral Services for Betty Jean McMahan age 71, of Athens, AL, will be Thursday May 31, 2012 at 2 P.M McConnell Memorial Chapel with Doug McCurry Officiating.

Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday May 31, 2012 from 12:00-2:00 P.M. at McConnell Funeral Home.

Mrs. McMahan passed away on Monday May 28, 2012 at Athens Limestone Hospital.
She was born March 15, 1941, in Limestone County to William Elvin King and Bertha Chambers King.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Carrie Smith and Frances McCurry.

She is survived by her husband Chuck McMahan of Athens, AL; one son Rick McMahan and wife Mary of Hartselle, AL; one daughter Melissa McElyea and husband Terry of Athens, AL; one brother Calvin King of Elkmont, AL; one sister Ruby Winsett of Shelbyville, TN; eight grandchildren Jackson McMahan, Josh McMahan, Jessecca McMahan, Jullina Hays, Judeth Thomas, Brent McNutt, Heather Rea, Lexi McElyea; four great-grandchildren Hunter Hays, Molly McMahan, Allie Rae, and Oliver McMahan. 

Pallbearers will be Jackson McMahan, Josh McMahan, Caleb Thomas, Daniel Clem, David Clem, and Terry McElyea.

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BUY YOUR ELKMONT FOOTBALL AD NOW

The Elkmont Quarterback Club is now selling ads for the upcoming football season. Please let Pam Eaves know if you would like her to email you a form!! 

Here is her contact info: phone number, 777-9459 and email pmoss3374@charter

Go Big Red!!

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE?

May 29, 2012 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: FDA User Fee Reauthorization Senate: Student Loan Interest Rates – Republican Substitute Senate: Student Loan Interest Rates – Democratic Version Upcoming Congressional Bills House: Food and Drug Administration Reform Act of 2012 House: Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012 House: National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act House: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 House: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 Editor's Note: The Senate is in recess this week.

Recent Senate Votes

FDA User Fee Reauthorization - Vote Passed (96-1, 3 Not Voting) After extensive wrangling between the parties about which amendments would be allowed a floor vote, the Senate last week passed a bill to reauthorize Food and Drug Administration user fees for five years. The FDA relies on the fees, levied primarily on the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, to fund reviews of those same industries’ products. Two new user fee programs, for generic and generic biologic drugs, would be created under the bill. The bill would also permanently reauthorize programs to encourage the development of drugs for pediatric patients. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., was the lone “no” vote. He felt the bill did not do enough to lower the cost of prescription drugs (An amendment introduced by John McCain, R-Ariz., to allow importation of prescription drugs from Canada, failed 43-54, Senate Roll Call #108). The House will debate its version of the reauthorization this week. President Obama has endorsed the Senate bill. The current authorization expires September 30, and leaders of both parties have prioritized getting this item to the president well ahead of time. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Student Loan Interest Rates – Republican Substitute - Vote Rejected (34-62, 1 Present, 3 Not Voting) Part of the deal for bringing the FDA user fee bill to the floor was allowing a vote on the GOP version of legislation to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling. Republicans offered a substitute amendment to a bill that Majority Leader Harry Reid had brought to the floor earlier this month. Closely mirroring bills already passed in the House and introduced previously by the Senate GOP (H.R.4628, S.2366), the substitute would pay for maintaining current interest rates by eliminating a preventive health fund created by the 2010 health care overhaul. An agreement between Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell required 60 votes for passage. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Student Loan Interest Rates – Democratic Version - Vote Rejected (51-43, 1 Present, 5 Not Voting) Immediately after rejecting the Republican substitute, the Senate moved on to rejecting the Democrats’ version. The Democrats would pay for their bill by eliminating a tax preference for certain shareholders of S Corporations. This is the second time S.2343 was voted on but the first time the bill itself was considered; on May 8 the Republicans successfully filibustered a motion to proceed (Senate Roll Call Number 89). With the House having passed its version, it is up to the Senate to pass a bill that could at least be the basis of some sort of compromise. Rates are set to go up on July 1. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Food and Drug Administration Reform Act of 2012 - H.R.5651 As noted above, the House will take up its version of the FDA user fee reauthorization this week. It will be considered under suspension of the rules, indicating it is expected to pass easily. Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012 - H.R.3541 This bill would prohibit performing abortions based on the sex of the child. It sparked fireworks every step of the way as it wound through the Judiciary Committee, and the floor debate on Wednesday should prove equally lively. National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act - H.R.5740 Before breaking last week, the Senate passed by unanimous consent an amended version of this bill to extend the National Flood Insurance Program. The amendment would extend the program's coverage through July and exclude second and vacation homes from receiving subsidized rates. Both chambers continue to search for a path forward on a long-term reauthorization. Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 - H.R.5743 This bill would reauthorize the programs of U.S. spy agencies. Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 - H.R.5854 This would be the second appropriations bill considered by the House this year. Usually one of the least controversial appropriations measures, "MilCon-VA" funds veterans’ health programs and construction of military facilities in the U.S. and abroad. One interesting note: unlike the Commerce-Justice-Science measure that passed May 10, this bill will not be given an open rule, meaning the opportunity to offer amendments on the floor will be limited. Tell Lawmakers What You Think — With One Click Writing Congress is now easier than ever. Now, all you need to do is click on the words "Join the Conversation, Write Your Lawmakers" in the upper-right corner of the site. Or, you can click on the link below to be taken to a form to write all of your federal representatives at one time. Write all your federal representatives at one time. Write all of your state lawmakers at one time.

DID YOU KNOW?

 In 1949, the first phone numbers in Elkmont belonged to Lura Cox Beauty Shop, Head Brothers Store, Max Head residence, Morris and Fred Gray's Cotton Cos., Gray's Gin, and the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank.


A bit of Elkmont History from the Athens Archives.  Visit their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/limestonecountyarchives

ROBERTA JOHNSON - OBITUARY

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Name: Roberta Johnson Dates: Birth date: October 19, 1917 Death date: May 26, 2012 Obituary: Roberta Johnson, 94 of Elkmont, Alabama died on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Ardmore on Main in Ardmore, Tennessee. Born Friday, October 19, 1917 in Elkmont, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Steven Fletcher Johnson and the late Mary Emma Hasting Johnson. She was a lifelong resident of the Ardmore/Elkmont area and a member of Boyd's Chapel Methodist Church. She loved cats and loved to talk to people. Survivors include seven nieces and nephews: Jimmy King, Betty Peterson, Barbara Hodges, Wanda Robinson, Gail Callahan, Sonny Johnson, and Tommy Johnson. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Mike Morelan officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.  Pallbearers will be Kenneth Robinson, Tommy Johnson, Jimmy Callahan, Doug Warner, Sonny Johnson, Ben Callahan, and Wesley Wight. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

DO YOU HAVE A SHOTGUN?

ATF to accept public comments prior to possible outlawing of some shotguns

 The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is taking a rare step of allowing public comments prior to issuing a decision on a study that could result in outlawing certain types of shotguns currently available to citizens.

 The ATF completed a study regarding the importability of certain shotguns. The basis for a possible ban is based on a loosely defined “Sporting Purpose” test. Using the vague definition almost all pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns could be banned as they are all capable of accepting a magazine, box or tube capable of holding more than 5 rounds. Other characteristics determined to be “military” by the ATF can also be used as a basis for a ban.

 Ironically, many shotguns with “military” features are currently being used in shooting competitions held by the USPSA, IDPA and IPSC. The rules could also result in obscure regulations where an individual would be unsure if he is violating them or not.

 The ATF is currently allowing public comments on the study until the end of the month. Those wishing to express concerns about the study can send an email to shotgunstudy@atf.gov

ELKMONT'S 2012 BOYS AND GIRLS STATE REPRESENTATIVES

Twenty-four Limestone County high school juniors in June will attend Boys and Girls State at the campuses of the University of Alabama and Troy State University, respectively.  This is the 75th year, or Diamond Anniversary, of Boys State in Alabama, which is a program of The American Legion. 

Fifteen Limestone County boys will attend the program at Tuscaloosa, under the directorship of Judge O.L. Johnson of Birmingham, his 50th year to direct the Boys State program.  Elkmont's Boys State Representative is Matthew Barnes.

Limestone County Boys State delegates are, from left front row, Jacob Hagwood, Athens Bible School; Ben Gilbert, Athens Bible School; Mitchell Mathis, East Limestone; Chandler Hancock, Athens Bible School; Mathew Barnes, Elkmont and Coty Snoddy, Athens High School; back row, Cecil Bowen, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy; Andrew Uselton, East Limestone; Max Hitt, Ardmore; Austin Turner, Ardmore; Matthew Clem, Elkmont; Bradley Morell, Athens High School; Nick Renfroe, East Limestone; Andrew Stewart, Athens Bible School; and not pictured, Kyle Casteel, West Limestone.

Girls State in Alabama enters its 66th year in 2012.  Elkmont's Girls State Representative is Brittany Carter.

Limestone County Girls State delegates are, from left front row, Rachael Stafford, West Limestone; Hollie Evans, Clements; Lily Mitchell, Tanner and Joyce DeWitt, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy; back row, Ally Pritchett, Ardmore; Bailey Speer, East Limestone; Lucy Scherff, Athens High School; Jordan Corneil, Athens Bible School and Brittney Carter, Elkmont.


Post 49 Coordinator, Bob Borden, and Auxiliary Coordinators Mary Duncan and Ruby McCartney all expressed satisfaction with the orientation and pizza party and the quality of the young people participating in this year's program.

"We have another really fine group of young people, and we are certainly pleased that there are 15 boys and nine girls who will be attending this year," Borden said.

Boys and Girls State will be conducted June 10-16.




To read complete article, click News Courier

MELVIN ALVIN WALLACE - OBITUARY

Mr. Melvin Alvin Wallace of Elkmont, Alabama died Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Athens Limestone Hospital.

Funeral service will be Monday, May 28, 2012, 2PM at New Oakland Baptist Church with Dwight Raburn officiating.  Burial in the New Oakland Cemetery visitation will be 1-2PM on Monday - at the church.

Born July 25, 1934 in Limestone County
Member of New Oakland Baptist Church
Retired Welder

Survivors:

Wife: Wilma Wallace - Elkmont, Alabama

Son: Michael Wallace and wife Vickie - Athens, AL

Daughter: Kathyrn Mitchell and husband David - Athens, AL

Sister: Willa Dean Sammett - Athens, AL

Granddaughter: Dana Siniard -Athens, AL
2 Great Grandsons

Pallbearers:

David Mitchell. Wayne McElyea, Joey McElyea, J. W. McKinney, Danny Adcock, Marty Romine

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SCHOOL BOARD MAKES STAFF CHANGES AT ELKMONT

Limestone County Schools issued pink slips Thursday to 45 certified, non-certified and substitute employees for various reasons, including one-year contract employees or loss of teacher units due to enrollment.


In previous years, contracts were terminated or not renewed, in part, because school officials had to plan for the upcoming school year before the state Legislature had agreed on an education budget. As a result, officials had to conservatively estimate how much money the schools might receive, cut employees accordingly and then rehire some of them once the state budget was approved.

• Agreed not to renew contracts for the following certified employees, effective May 25:

 Deborah Craft, special education collaborative teacher at Elkmont High School;

• Agreed not to renew the following certified employees hired for one year or for the rest of the year only, effective May 25:  Anna Marie Baker, business education at Elkmont

• Agreed not to renew the following substitutes hired for one year or for the rest of the year only, effective May 25:  Melissa Christ, elementary teacher at Elkmont

Also, Thursday, board members took action on the following personnel items:

• Approved contracts with the following: Jay Hobbs, non-employee softball assistant coach at Elkmont.

• Agreed to transfer Alicia Bates from elementary teacher to ISS/attendance aide at Elkmont.

Click NEWS COURIER to read complete article

UNA ROTC SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

Elkmont High School had its Class Award Day, May 21.  The senior class amassed 1.24 million dollars in scholarships and awards.  


One scholarship winner was Daniel Logan, son of Jim and Therese Logan.  He was awarded a four year Army ROTC Scholarship to the University of North Alabama  for having achieved a meritorious record in academic studies, extracurricular participation, and athletic activities; and having demonstrated exceptional leadership potential, as well as an expressed desire to serve as an officer in the United States Army.  

The process for applying for this scholarship begins by going to the website online at:  http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html

Once on this site he began his scholarship application and completed a Cadet Background and Experiences Form.

The scholarship selection process not only focuses on academics but looks at the student as a Scholar, Athlete, and Leader (SAL).  Daniel possesses all three of these requirements.

Daniel was one of two high school seniors to receive a National 4 Year Army ROTC Scholarship to the University of North Alabama with estimated value of $46,000.

Scholarship Benefits at UNA include:
Full tuition and fees paid for up to four years
$600.00 per semester text book stipend
$300.00 per month living expense stipend (goes up to $500.00 as a senior cadet)
University provided room and board grant (amount varies based on allocation)
Paid Summer training and internship opportunities
Study-abroad opportunities if qualified
Overall value of a 4 year Army ROTC scholarship at UNA  = approx $46,000.00

Contributor:

Major Leslie Relkin

University of North Alabama

Recruiting and Enrollment Officer

Lion Battalion - Army ROTC

NEW SUPERINTENDENT FOR ELKMONT

ATHENS — Limestone County school board members plan to offer the superintendent's job to Dr. Thomas Sisk, human resources supervisor for Baldwin County Schools in Bay Minette.

Sisk, 47, said Thursday morning from Foley he was “ecstatic” about the news and he intends to accept the position.

Click HERE to read complete article

ROBERT EUGENE AMERSON, SR. - OBITUARY

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Name: Robert Eugene Amerson, Sr. Dates: Birth date: February 16, 1942 Death date: May 22, 2012 Obituary: Robert Eugene Amerson, Sr. age 70 of Prospect, TN passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Athens-Limestone Hospital. Mr. Amerson was born February 16, 1942 in Elkmont, AL to Elijah Forrest Amerson, Sr. and Mary Ruth Elizabeth Carr Amerson. Services for Mr. Amerson are Friday, May 25, 2012 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery with Kasey Harbin, Greg Legg and Mike Merritt officiating. He was a member of the Church of Christ and a retired truck driver. He is survived by his son, Robert E. Amerson, Jr. and wife Donna of Prospect, TN; daughter, Valorie Sporleder and husband Ronald of Broken Bow, OK; grandchildren, LaShay Amerson Hosford, David Shannon Amerson, Erich Otts, Trent Otts, Logan Dansby, Austin Dansby and Zereta Sporleder; brothers, Elijah Forrest Amerson, Jr. of Elkmont, George Will Amerson and wife Mary of Elkmont, Hubert Lee Amerson and wife Sherry of Elkmont, Thomas J. Amerson and wife Debbie of Athens and Rickey W. Amerson of Athens; sisters, Virginia Amerson Lauderdale Atkinson of Elkmont, Lucille Amerson Blackwell of Athens, Tera Amerson Hamby of Pulaski, TN, Mary Amerson Webb and husband L.E. of Athens, Brenda Amerson Kennemer of Athens and Patricia Amerson Reece of Elkmont. He is preceded in death by his wife Linda Hamley Amerson, parents Elijah and Ruth Amerson, daughter Vanessa Amerson, sister Emma Jean Amerson Smith and brother Edgar Amerson. Pallbearers are Dennis Baugher, Gary Amerson, Justin Wilson, Terry Dale Amerson, Shawn Amerson and Joel Robinson. Honorary pallbearers are Wade Hamby, Tommy Amerson, Rickey Amerson, Hubert Amerson and Lee Amerson. Family and friend will gather at the Elkmont Depot following the funeral. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Athens-Limestone Hospital.