MORE POSTSEASON FOOTBALL HONORS

The only Elkmont player that was selected for the Athens News Courier 2013 All County First Team was Rhett Bailey.  He was chosen as the athlete player on the Offense.

Rhett Bailey, Senior, Elkmont: Bailey did a little bit of everything for the Red Devils, lining up at receiver and quarterback. Bailey averaged 13 yards per carry and 22 yards per catch with one touchdown. 

Honorable mention:
Defensive line: Kody Clark
Linebacker: Jared Bailey 
 

Rhett Bailey, Senior, Elkmont: Bailey did a little bit of everything for the Red Devils, lining up at receiver and quarterback. Bailey averaged 13 yards per carry and 22 yards per catch with one touchdown. - See more at: http://www.enewscourier.com/archivesearch/x1956143693/Four-Tanner-players-lead-veteran-First-Team-offense#sthash.CGCJj1Ax.dpuf

Rhett Bailey, Senior, Elkmont: Bailey did a little bit of everything for the Red Devils, lining up at receiver and quarterback. Bailey averaged 13 yards per carry and 22 yards per catch with one touchdown. - See more at: http://www.enewscourier.com/archivesearch/x1956143693/Four-Tanner-players-lead-veteran-First-Team-offense#sthash.CGCJj1Ax.dpuf

To read the complete team, click on link:  News Courier

Roger Dale Harrison - Obituary

---

Mr. Roger Dale Harrison, 69 of Athens, AL passed away Thursday December 26, 2013 at his residence.


  Funeral service was Sunday, December 29, 2013, 2 pm at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Warren Glass officiating. Burial in the Roselawn Cemetery with visitation from 6-9 Saturday at Spry.

Born January 16, 1944 in Lauderdale County, Church of Christ, retired carpenter.

Preceded in death by:
Parents: Elton and Hettie Harrison
Brother: Louie Harrison

Survivors:
Wife: Volla Harrison, Athens
Daughter: Tammy Vaughn, Elkmont
Grandchildren:
Laura Vaughn, Elkmont
Mathew Vaughn, Elkmont
Great Granddaughter: Aubrey Vaughn, Elkmont
Brother: Lanson Harrison, Grassy, AL
Nieces and Nephews

MICHAEL DEAN DRAPER - OBITUARY

Michael Dean Draper, age 61 of Elkmont, AL, died Friday, December 27, 2013 at Athens Limestone Hospital. The funeral service was  Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. at McConnell Memorial Chapel with John Norman officiating. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation was Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home.

Mr. Draper was born October 11, 1952 to William Edward Draper and Dorothy Jewell Draper. He is preceded in death by his father. 

He is survived by his wife, Teresa L. Pressnell Draper, his mother Dorothy V. Jewell Draper of Athens, AL; one son, Christopher Daniel Draper and wife Dana of Elkmont, AL; one daughter, Dana Marie Draper of Ardmore, TN; one stepson, Robert Lynn Pack and wife Amanda of Elkmont, AL; one sister, Kathy Harper and husband Fred of Athens, AL; three brothers, Anthony M. Draper, Gregory A. Draper and wife Ann, and Brandon Heath Draper all of Athens; three grandchildren, Dallas Pack, Dylan Draper and Braedyn Draper.

Pallbearers will be Fred Harper, Freddie Craig, Archie Powers, Robert Pack, Heath Draper, and Gregory A. Draper.

DO YOU HAVE FLU?

There is a lot of flu visiting the homes of Elkmont this week.  This certainly shouldn't surprise anyone considering that Alabama is one of the four red (highest amount of flu cases) states right now.

Other ways to help

• Give fever-reducing medicines that are right for the person's age, after consulting a physician, including Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Aspirin.
• Keep the room comfortably cool.
• Make sure they are wearing light-weight clothing.
• Have them drink fluids, especially water.
• Considering sponging them with lukewarm water if they have a high fever.

Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration can occur if you do not drink enough fluids, or if you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, you can

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit or vegetable juices, soups and broths; Gatorade for adults and Pedialyte for kids.
• Do not drink caffeine or alcohol.
• Keep drinks the sick person likes close to them so they can take small sips often.
• Continue breastfeeding a child who is nursing.

Help Reduce Body Aches and Tiredness

Body aches are also a common symptom of the flu. To help reduce body aches, headaches and tiredness, you may want to

• Give the sick person medicine. The same medicine you give them for a fever will also help with their other symptoms.
• Help change their position in bed when they are awake.
• Help them get out of bed to take a short walk around the room (only two or three times each day).
• Make sure it is quiet and calm in the room so they can relax.

Help with Stuffy Nose, Sore Throat and Dry Cough

To help with a stuffy nose, sore throat and dry cough, you may want to

• Use a clean, cool-mist humidifier or steam from a hot shower or bath. This helps keep the nose and throat moist.
• Ask anyone who smokes not to smoke in the house.
• Use breathing strips for people having trouble breathing through their nose. Be sure to follow package instructions.
• Use a saline spray or saltwater rinse in the nose. Only do this for older children or adults.
• Have the sick person sit up or keep their head raised to help reduce stuffiness. Crib mattresses and children's beds can be raised slightly.
• Gargle with salt water several times a day to help reduce a sore throat or cough. To make salt water, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/FluFacts/Caring-for-flu.aspx#sthash.ZUzEjf0f.dpuf

You should call a doctor if

• A person of any age has a fever for more than 3 days;
• A person under 3 months old has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher;
• A person 3 to 5 months old has a fever of 102 degrees or higher;
• A person over 5 years old has a fever of 104 degrees or higher.

Other ways to help 

• Give fever-reducing medicines that are right for the person's age, after consulting a physician, including Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Don't give aspirin to children under 12.
• Keep the room comfortably cool.
• Make sure they are wearing light-weight clothing.
• Have them drink fluids, especially water.
• Considering sponging them with lukewarm water if they have a high fever. 
• Might consider Oscillococcinum (homeopathic medicine) if you are treating the flu within the first 36 hours.  Hill Spirit found some at Walgreens.

Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration can occur if you do not drink enough fluids, or if you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, you can

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit or vegetable juices, soups and broths; Gatorade for adults and Pedialyte for kids.
• Do not drink caffeine or alcohol.
• Keep drinks the sick person likes close to them so they can take small sips often.
• Continue breastfeeding a child who is nursing.

Help Reduce Body Aches and Tiredness

Body aches are also a common symptom of the flu. To help reduce body aches, headaches and tiredness, you may want to

• Give the sick person medicine. The same medicine you give them for a fever will also help with their other symptoms. Don't give aspirin to children under 12.
• Help change their position in bed when they are awake.
• Help them get out of bed to take a short walk around the room (only two or three times each day).
• Make sure it is quiet and calm in the room so they can relax.

Help with Stuffy Nose, Sore Throat and Dry Cough

To help with a stuffy nose, sore throat and dry cough, you may want to

• Use a clean, cool-mist humidifier (use distilled water) or steam from a hot shower or bath. This helps keep the nose and throat moist.
• Ask anyone who smokes not to smoke in the house.
• Use a saline spray or saltwater rinse in the nose. Only do this for older children or adults. If you make your own rinse, be sure to use distilled water.
• Have the sick person sit up or keep their head raised to help reduce stuffiness. Crib mattresses and children's beds can be raised slightly.
• Gargle with salt water several times a day to help reduce a sore throat or cough. To make salt water, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water. 
•  SOURCE: HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL TEACHING HOSPITAL

Other ways to help

• Give fever-reducing medicines that are right for the person's age, after consulting a physician, including Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Aspirin.
• Keep the room comfortably cool.
• Make sure they are wearing light-weight clothing.
• Have them drink fluids, especially water.
• Considering sponging them with lukewarm water if they have a high fever.

Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration can occur if you do not drink enough fluids, or if you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, you can

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit or vegetable juices, soups and broths; Gatorade for adults and Pedialyte for kids.
• Do not drink caffeine or alcohol.
• Keep drinks the sick person likes close to them so they can take small sips often.
• Continue breastfeeding a child who is nursing.

Help Reduce Body Aches and Tiredness

Body aches are also a common symptom of the flu. To help reduce body aches, headaches and tiredness, you may want to

• Give the sick person medicine. The same medicine you give them for a fever will also help with their other symptoms.
• Help change their position in bed when they are awake.
• Help them get out of bed to take a short walk around the room (only two or three times each day).
• Make sure it is quiet and calm in the room so they can relax.

Help with Stuffy Nose, Sore Throat and Dry Cough

To help with a stuffy nose, sore throat and dry cough, you may want to

• Use a clean, cool-mist humidifier or steam from a hot shower or bath. This helps keep the nose and throat moist.
• Ask anyone who smokes not to smoke in the house.
• Use breathing strips for people having trouble breathing through their nose. Be sure to follow package instructions.
• Use a saline spray or saltwater rinse in the nose. Only do this for older children or adults.
• Have the sick person sit up or keep their head raised to help reduce stuffiness. Crib mattresses and children's beds can be raised slightly.
• Gargle with salt water several times a day to help reduce a sore throat or cough. To make salt water, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/FluFacts/Caring-for-flu.aspx#sthash.ZUzEjf0f.dpuf

Other ways to help

• Give fever-reducing medicines that are right for the person's age, after consulting a physician, including Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Aspirin.
• Keep the room comfortably cool.
• Make sure they are wearing light-weight clothing.
• Have them drink fluids, especially water.
• Considering sponging them with lukewarm water if they have a high fever.

Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration can occur if you do not drink enough fluids, or if you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, you can

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit or vegetable juices, soups and broths; Gatorade for adults and Pedialyte for kids.
• Do not drink caffeine or alcohol.
• Keep drinks the sick person likes close to them so they can take small sips often.
• Continue breastfeeding a child who is nursing.

Help Reduce Body Aches and Tiredness

Body aches are also a common symptom of the flu. To help reduce body aches, headaches and tiredness, you may want to

• Give the sick person medicine. The same medicine you give them for a fever will also help with their other symptoms.
• Help change their position in bed when they are awake.
• Help them get out of bed to take a short walk around the room (only two or three times each day).
• Make sure it is quiet and calm in the room so they can relax.

Help with Stuffy Nose, Sore Throat and Dry Cough

To help with a stuffy nose, sore throat and dry cough, you may want to

• Use a clean, cool-mist humidifier or steam from a hot shower or bath. This helps keep the nose and throat moist.
• Ask anyone who smokes not to smoke in the house.
• Use breathing strips for people having trouble breathing through their nose. Be sure to follow package instructions.
• Use a saline spray or saltwater rinse in the nose. Only do this for older children or adults.
• Have the sick person sit up or keep their head raised to help reduce stuffiness. Crib mattresses and children's beds can be raised slightly.
• Gargle with salt water several times a day to help reduce a sore throat or cough. To make salt water, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/FluFacts/Caring-for-flu.aspx#sthash.ZUzEjf0f.dpuf

ELKMONT CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT RESULTS

The final day of the Elkmont Christmas tournament saw the Elkmont Red Devils pick up their third win by beating Woodville.  The Devils burned the net up and collected their victory, 81 - 46. 


Elkmont vs Woodville:

Game Scoring: 
First Quarter:    Elkmont 25,      Woodville     11
             Half:     Elkmont 43,      Woodville    28
Third Quarter:   Elkmont 69,      Woodville    40
            Final:     Elkmont 81,      Woodville    46

Individual Scoring:
Jared Bailey         05
Brady Garris        08
 Eli Hobbs            29 
Colby Holt           11  
Aron Moss           03
Jordan Nelson      01
Trevor Patterson  02
Nathan Teeples    12

Unfortunately, they couldn't get the fourth win by beating Vinemont.  The Red Devils went toe to toe until the fourth quarter when Vinemont shut the door with a 69 - 50 win. Elkmont didn't get the championship trophy but they had a very successful tournament that will hopefully jump start the second part of their season.

Elkmont vs Vinemont:
Game Scoring:
First Quarter:     Elkmont 20,     Vinemont    18
             Half:     Elkmont 32,      Vinemont    36
Third Quarter:   Elkmont 45,      Vinemont    43
            Final:     Elkmont 50,      Vinemont    69

Individual Scoring:
Jared Bailey        15
Rhett Bailey        07
 Eli Hobbs           05 
Colby Holt          02
Jordan Nelson     06
Trevor Patterson 15

 
Other games played:

Clements vs Woodville           - Clements wins;   59 - 34

Lexington vs Athens Bible     - Lexington wins;  68 - 46

Paint Rock vs Richard Hardy - Paint Rock wins; 86 - 55

Richard Hardy vs Lexington   - Lexington wins; 77 - 11

Athens Bible vs Paint Rock    - ABS wins;          71 - 65

Vinemont vs Clements            - Clements wins;   68 - 61

Clements is our Elkmont Christmas Champion with Lexington coming in as a close second.  Congrads to the Colts.

There are some games with photos provided by Down Home Portraits.  Look for the the blue links.  If you are interested in ordering prints, please message them at the above link.

REMINDER: IF YOU LIKE YOUR LIGHT BULB, YOU CAN'T KEEP IT

The Hill Spirit wants to share some info ...You might want to stock up on light bulbs if you like your old light bulb.  
 Incandescent light bulbs, which have been in use in the United States for more than a century, are on their way out.  The federal government has prohibited their manufacture and import starting today.  You can still purchase the incandescent bulbs as long as supplies last, and they remain in stock at many home-product retailers around the country. However, once those are gone, that is it.

In 2007, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed into law an energy bill that placed impossible efficiency requirements on ordinary incandescent bulbs in an attempt to have them completely eliminated by 2014. The law phased out 100-watt and 75-watt incandescent bulbs last year.  Almost all of our regular light bulb factories are dead and those jobs were lost.

Some may read this and think: Chill out—it’s just a light bulb. But it’s not just a light bulb. Take a look at the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program. Basically anything that uses electricity or water in your home or business is subject to what they think you should have.

To read more, click Here

DECATUR DAILY 2013 ALL AREA BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

We are very proud of our Cross Country High School program here in Elkmont. The Elkmont Running Devils Cross Country boys and girls teams had fantastic seasons.  The boys had two runners selected to the Decatur Daily 2013 All Area Cross Country Team,  Adam McMahan and Tyler Helms.  Congrads to these dedicated runners for making the All Area team, which recognizes their efforts this fall.

                                                                       Adam McMahan

                                         Tyler Helms

Special thanks to Robby Newport and Down Home Portraits for photos.

FIRST DAY OF ELKMONT CHRISTMAS TOURNEY

The Elkmont Varsity Boys Christmas Tournament tipped off today with wins for the Red Devils.

Elkmont played Richard Hardy High School at noon and came away with a big win, 72- 26.  Five Red Devils were in double figures with Trevor Patterson being the high scorer with 16.
Game Photos Link:  Elkmont vs Richard Hardy
 

Game Scoring:
First Quarter:    Elkmont  20,      Richard Hardy   0
             Half:     Elkmont 33,      Richard Hardy  10
Third Quarter:   Elkmont 64,      Richard Hardy  23
            Final:     Elkmont 72,      Richard Hardy  26

Individual Scoring:

Jared Bailey        10
Brady Garris       12
 Eli Hobbs           13  
Colby Holt          07
Trevor Patterson 16  
Nathan Teeples   14 

Elkmont closed out the first day of the Christmas tournament with their second win of the day.  They beat Paint Rock after splitting the game wide open in the third quarter by scoring 25 points while allowing only six points defensively.  The Red Devils finished up the game with a score of 78 - 55.  
Photo link: Elkmont vs Paint Rock

Game Scoring:
First Quarter:    Elkmont 19,      Paint Rock   13
             Half:     Elkmont 34,      Paint Rock   30
Third Quarter:   Elkmont 59,      Paint Rock   36
            Final:     Elkmont 75,      Paint Rock   55

Individual Scoring:

Jared Bailey        08
Brady Garris       04
 Eli Hobbs           13  
Colby Holt          11
Aron Moss          02
Jordan Nelson     09
Trevor Patterson 15
Nathan Teeples   13

Elkmont will play Vinemont @ 1:30 and Woodville @ 5 pm today.

Other games: click on links for game photos Clements vs Athens Bible School: Clements wins, 56 - 25
Woodville vs  Vinemont :  Vinemont wins, 65 - 36
Lexington vs Paint Rock:   Lexington wins, 104 - 21
Athens Bible vs Woodville: ABS wins in OT, 68 - 64
Clements vs Richard Hardy:  Clements wins, 75 - 25
Lexington vs Vinemont: Lexington wins in OT, 73 - 63

Down Home Portraits covered the tournament and will be there for the second day as well.  If you are interested in ordering prints, message them on facebook. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

DECEMBER

27
Elkmont Christmas Tournament - Varsity Boys
Noon: Elkmont vs Richard Hardy
8 PM: Elkmont vs Paint Rock  
* complete bracket on basketball blog

28
Elkmont Christmas Tournament - Varsity Boys
1:30 PM: Elkmont vs Vinemont
5:00 PM: Elkmont vs Woodville
*complete bracket on basketball blog



Elkmont Youth Basketball - 9/10 boys
Christmas Tournament - Old Gym

*Don't see your team - send your schedule in:
elkmont1@charter.net or message Hill Spirit on facebook

KATTIE IREATHA BROWN - OBITUARY

Name:
Kattie Ireatha Brown
 
Dates:
Birth date: May 8, 1953
Death date: December 22, 2013
 
Obituary:

Kattie Ireatha Brown, 60 of Toney, Alabama died on Sunday, December 22, 2013, at her home.  Born Friday, May 8, 1953 in Harvest, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Arnie William Jackson and the late Ruth Irene Griffin Jackson. She was a lifelong resident of Madison County and a member of Heavens Way Baptist Church. She loved to do word finds and watching cooking shows. She especially enjoyed to cook for big dinners. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law: JD Saint.

Surviving are her husband: Hudson Wayne Brown of Toney, AL; a son, Terry Ray (Tina Lynn) Brown of Hazel Green, AL; daughters, Wilma Jean Brown of Toney, AL and Belinda Kay Brown of Ardmore, AL; sisters, Ruth (Delmer) Jones of Elkmont, AL and Ruby Saint of Athens, AL; and grandchildren, Kayla Brown and Mackenzie Brown.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at Heavens Way Ind. Baptist Church located at 3777 Ready Section Road Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Aaron Dunnavant, Bro. Doran Smith, and Bro. Doug Colwell officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.
The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 PM on Monday, December 23, 2013, at Heavens Way Ind. Baptist Church, 3777 Ready Section Road, Ardmore, Alabama.

REGARDLESS WHO WINS - IT'S ELKMONT!!

For twenty four minutes, friends became foes at noon on Saturday, December 21,  as Elkmont 1 played Elkmont 2 in the boys 9/10 age group.  Both teams left it all on the floor, with Elkmont 2 winning 29-10. At the end of the game, each player had a bruise on his elbow, a strawberry on his knee, and a smile on his face.  The game was so fast- paced that, at half-time, the referee asked jokingly if IVs were available! 

Ty Roberts led Elkmont 2 with eight points, and Jedidiah Sutherland led Elkmont 1 with six.   Both teams will participate in the 9/10 Christmas tournament hosted by Elkmont, December 27.

DECATUR DAILY ALL AREA 1A - 3A FOOTBALL TEAM

 The Decatur Daily has released it's 2013 All Area 1A - 3A football team.  The Elkmont Red Devils had one player make the first team.  We also had two more players make the honorable mention team.  Congrads to our football players who were recognized for their 2013 accomplishments. 

For complete All Area Team: Decatur Daily

First Team Offense:
K: Alexis Hernadez, Elkmont, Jr.: Was a steady presence in Elkmont’s special teams.


Honorable Mention:

Jared Bailey (RB, Jr.)

Zeb Pankey (RB, Fr.).

DECATUR DAILY ALL AREA VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The Decatur Daily has released it's 2013 All Area Volleyball Team.  This year Elkmont had two players make the honorable mention selections.  Congrads to our Lady Devils.

Bailee Gooch

Baylee Young

For complete All Area Team, click on Decatur Daily

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May you and your family be blessed on this special day.

U.S. National Weather Service Alerts for Elkmont, AL - WIND ADVISORY

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 3 AM CST SUNDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HUNTSVILLE HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 3 AM CST SUNDAY. 

* TIMING AND AREAS AFFECTED...FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING FOR ALL OF NORTH ALABAMA AND SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE. 

* WINDS...SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS WILL CLIMB TO 20 TO 30 MPH THROUGH THE PERIOD...WITH HIGHER GUSTS TO 35 MPH POSSIBLE. STRONGER WINDS WILL BE EXPECTED IN HIGHER TERRAIN LOCATIONS. 

* IMPACTS...DRIVING MAY BECOME DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES...AND ON EAST WEST ORIENTED ROADWAYS. LIGHT UNSECURED OUTDOOR OBJECTS SUCH AS PATIO FURNITURE...TRASH CANS AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS WILL BE BLOWN AROUND. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 25 MPH...OR GUSTS OF AT LEAST 35 MPH...ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE AFFECTED AREA. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. IN ADDITION...ENSURE ALL LOOSE OUTDOOR OBJECTS REMAIN SECURE... INCLUDING PATIO FURNITURE...TRASH CANS AND OUTDOOR DECORATIONS.

GLEN EUGENE JACOBS, JR. - OBITUARY

Name:
Glen Eugene Jacobs, Jr.

Dates:
Birth date: August 6, 1987
Death date: December 13, 2013

Obituary: 
Glen Eugene Jacobs, Jr. age 26 of Elkmont, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2013 in Limestone County. Mr. Jacobs was born August 6, 1987 in Wisconsin to Glen Eugene Jacobs, Sr. and Karla Spohr Jacobs.

Services for Mr. Jacobs are Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 18, 2013 from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery with Robert Ristau officiating.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his parents, Glen Eugene Sr. and Karla Jacobs; sister, Sarah Lee Jacobs; half-brother, Jason Jacobs; half-sisters, Kristine Jacobs, Carrie Huettl and Melissa Acheson; grandmother, Alene Mackay; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many other family and friends.

Pallbearers are Glen Jacobs, Sr., Derek Standridge, Brandon Thompson, Gilbert Martinez, Ryan Williams, and Phillip McMahan.

HOW DID YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATORS VOTE LAST WEEK?

December 16, 2013 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Millett Nomination – confirmation House: Budget Agreement – passage House: Defense authorization – passage Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Fiscal 2014 Budget Compromise Editor's Note: The House is in recess until January.

Recent Senate Votes

Millett Nomination – confirmation - Vote Confirmed (56-38, 6 Not Voting) In the first vote on President Barack Obama’s nominees to the federal judiciary since the chamber changed its filibuster rules, the Senate confirmed Patricia Ann Millett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on December 10. Her confirmation required a simple majority under the new cloture rules adopted on November 21, which apply to all nominees except for those to the Supreme Court. Millett’s nomination received two votes from the Republican caucus – Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – while five Republicans did not cast a vote. Her confirmation was the first of 11 votes mustered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. during the week of Dec. 9. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO

Recent House Votes

Budget Agreement – passage - Vote Passed (332-94) Before leaving for the rest of the year, the House passed legislation based on talks between House and Senate conferees that establishes a budget for fiscal 2014 and increases discretionary spending caps for fiscal 2014 and 2015 that would be offset by increases in passenger air travel fees and federal employee pension contributions and a two-year extension of sequester cuts to Medicare. The agreement raises the spending cap for this year to $1.012 trillion from the sequester level of $967 billion established in 2011. The bill modifies oil and gas programs to reduce spending by $4.5 billion over a decade and federal student loan debt collection that would save $5 billion. The compromise passed the House comfortably with 169 Republicans and 163 Democrats in support. The Senate is expected to vote on it this week. Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO Defense authorization – passage - Vote Passed (350-69, 13 Not Voting) In one of its final acts of the year, the House passed the defense bill (HR 3304) by a vote of 350-69, authorizing $625.1 billion, which would account for more than half of the federal government’s discretionary spending in fiscal 2014. Including mandatory spending, the defense bill authorizes $632.8 billion. To save time in the waning days of the session, the defense authorization agreement was simply loaded onto a small House bill the Senate already had passed. The authorization bill’s is roughly $3.1 billion less than the fiscal 2013 enacted level. Of that, it would authorize $526.8 billion for the Defense Department’s base budget, $80.7 billion for overseas contingency operations — mainly the war in Afghanistan — and $17.6 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department. In addition, the measure would make several statutory changes aimed at reducing sexual assaults in the military. It also would continue the existing ban on transferring detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba to the United States. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

Upcoming Votes

Fiscal 2014 Budget Compromise - H.J.RES.59 The Senate will take up the House passed budget compromise on Tuesday.

ELKMONT CHRISTMAS PARADE IN PICTURES

The weather was cloudy and misty but spirits were bright as the Elkmont Christmas Parade rolled through downtown Elkmont. 

The Grand Marshall this year was Jim Hughes.

Officer Donnie always leads the way - followed by the Elkmont High School Band

The lovely Miss Jensen Pugh
Elkmont's Miss Merry Christmas

Floats come next

The tractors...

 Of course, Santa and the Elkmont Fire Department followed by their vanguard of horses ends the parade.  The Elkmont Lions Club always do a wonderful job of organizing our parade and the residents of Elkmont greatly appreciate their efforts.