A TASTE OF ELKMONT - BELLE CHEVRE CHEESECAKE

Goat cheese: It’s not just for topping on a cracker, anymore. OK, that’s not quite how the folks at Belle Chevre, an award-winning Alabama cheese-maker, put things. But that’s what we thought after we sampled their chevre cheesecake ($34.95). It’s got the creaminess of a great cheesecake and the subtle tang of a great goat cheese – quite the combo, in other words. For Cyber Monday, Belle Chevre (chevre is the French term for goat cheese) is offering the cheesecake at a 30% discount.

GET IN THE CHRISTMAS MOOD WITH BELLE CHEVRE

JOHN CARNE COOPER - OBITUARY

John Carne Cooper, age 78 of Toney died Tuesday at his residence. Mr. Cooper was born August 12, 1935 in Covington, Tennessee. He was retired from the City of Athens, and a member of New Oakland Baptist Church, Elkmont.

Services will be Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 2 PM at Spry Funeral Home, Chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 5-9 PM at the funeral home, burial will be in Bottom Cemetery with Dwight Rayburn and Anthony Anderson officiating.

Survivors include, Wife, Carolyn S. Cooper of Toney, Daughter, Mary Ann Benson of Toney, Sons, John W. Cooper of Toney, Howard G. Cooper of Athens, Jack Cooper of Elkmont. Granddaughters, Alissa Cooper of Ardmore, AL, Katelin Benson of Toney. Grandsons,  Adam W. Cooper of South Carolina, Brandon M. Cooper of Toney, Joshua Cooper of Athens, Zachry Cooper of Athens. Great Grandson, Tobi C. Cooper of Ardmore, AL. Sister, Mildred Grant of Tupelo, Mississippi, several Nieces and Nephews.

Preceded in death by Sisters, Mazie Mashburn and Ruby Lepard by Brothers, Thomas Cooper and Lewayne Cooper.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Vibbert, Adam Cooper, Brandon Cooper, Joshua Cooper, Zachry Cooper, and Tobi Cooper.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

NOVEMBER 

28

No School - Thanksgiving Break

HAPPY   THANKSGIVING

29 
No School - Thanksgiving Break

Black Friday - the day for crazy shoppers.


30  

The day that the state of Alabama stands still

IRON BOWL   ALABAMA @ AUBURN

U.S. National Weather Service Alerts for Elkmont, AL

Special Weather Statement
Now - Tuesday, Nov 26, 3:15pm
 

...WINTRY PRECIPITATION EXPECTED TONIGHT ACROSS THE TENNESSEE VALLEY...
 
PERIODS OF RAIN WILL OCCUR TODAY AS A STRENGTHENING AREA OF LOW PRESSURE TRACKS FROM THE GULF COAST TO CENTRAL GEORGIA. AS COLDER AIR GETS PULLED IN BEHIND THE SYSTEM...RAIN WILL BRIEFLY MIX WITH SLEET AND SNOW BEFORE CHANGING TO ALL SNOW THIS EVENING. EXPECT THIS CHANGEOVER TO OCCUR BETWEEN 6 AND 9 PM THIS EVENING FOR AREAS WEST OF I-65...AND BETWEEN 9 PM AND MIDNIGHT FOR AREAS EAST OF I-65. THE DURATION OF SNOWFALL WILL BE RELATIVELY SHORT...HOWEVER A QUICK DUSTING TO UP TO AN INCH OF SNOW ACCUMULATION IS POSSIBLE BEFORE THE SNOW TAPERS OFF WEST TO EAST AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA AND SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE...SUCH AS THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU ALONG WITH SAND AND LOOKOUT MOUNTAINS...COULD SEE LOCALLY HIGHER SNOW ACCUMULATIONS.
 
DUE TO RELATIVELY WARM GROUND TEMPERATURES...ANY SNOW OR SLEET THAT INITIALLY FALLS SHOULD MELT ON THE ROADS. HOWEVER...AS TEMPERATURES DROP TO NEAR OR SLIGHTLY BELOW FREEZING THROUGH THE NIGHT...SOME ICY AND SLICK SPOTS WILL DEVELOP...ESPECIALLY BRIDGES...OVERPASSES AND LESS TRAVELED SECONDARY ROADS. EVEN AFTER THE PRECIPITATION ENDS...RESIDUAL MOISTURE ON ROADS COULD RESULT IN THE FORMATION OF BLACK ICE THAT COULD LINGER THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING. TEMPERATURES ARE ONLY EXPECTED TO WARM TO THE LOWER TO MID 30S ON WEDNESDAY.
 
THOUGH THIS IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE A MAJOR WINTER WEATHER EVENT FOR NORTH ALABAMA AND SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE AT THIS TIME...MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION IF YOU MUST TRAVEL TONIGHT INTO EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING.

REMEMBER OUR FIREFIGHTERS - DON'T BURN TODAY OR SUNDAY

U.S. National Weather Service Alerts for Elkmont, AL

• 

  Red Flag Warning

  Now - Sunday, Nov 24, 5:00pm

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM CST SUNDAY FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR NORTHERN ALABAMA...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HUNTSVILLE HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM CST SUNDAY.

* AFFECTED AREA... LAUDERDALE...COLBERT...FRANKLIN AL... LAWRENCE...LIMESTONE...MADISON...MORGAN...MARSHALL... JACKSON...DEKALB...AND CULLMAN COUNTIES.

* TIMING...11 AM TO 5 PM CST SUNDAY.
* WIND...NORTHEASTERLY 20 FOOT WINDS WILL BE AROUND 20 MPH DURING THE MORNING HOURS...DROPPING TO 10 TO 15 MPH THROUGH THE AFTERNOON HOURS.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...LOWERING TO AROUND 20 TO 25 PERCENT THROUGH THE AFTERNOON.
* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP WILL LIKELY SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

NOVEMBER

23
Elkmont Middle School Basketball @ Athens Bible School
Girls' game start at 9 am; Boys' game follows


Elkmont Youth Basketball
7 & 8 Boys
Owens 3 vs Elkmont 1 @ noon; Elkmont Old Gym 

1 1 & 12 Boys
Elkmont 1 vs Ardmore 2 @ noon; Ardmore Old Gym

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

WHAT ABOUT ELKMONT'S STORM SHELTER?

Update:
Construction has finally started on a the Elkmont storm shelter.  It is located next to the gray metal building on Sandlin Road across from Ridge Road.  Aviagen has purchased the grey building.  The shelter and a future fire station will be built next to it.  Hopefully it will be finished by Spring 2014 in time for the severe weather season; it depends on the weather.

Photos of a good start:

 

 Photos by Robby Newport

July 2013:
As you have read in this blog in 2011, Elkmont is in line for a community safe room or storm shelter.  This is to be built on Sandlin Road.You may have wondered what its status is.  It is still in the pipeline but...... since building Elkmont's storm shelter involves the federal government (federal grant), don't count on it being done anytime soon.  Using federal grants is a very lengthy process due to the red tape and application process nor will this funding cover the total cost of the project.

Elkmont's shelter was applied for in 2009.  When the grant was applied for the cost of the shelter was included.  Since then prices have increased and of course lots of new requirements have been added which has increased the cost of Elkmont's safe room.

The Limestone County Emergency Management Agency director, Rita White, stated:

"It's not like going and building a house because there all sorts of federal sand state guidelines.  For example, since we applied for any of these shelters, we not have to have a certified contractor for each project.  We get a lots of calls about shelters but it's a lot more complicated than just building a shelter in a location.  We would love to get these done, and we want to finish these projects more than anybody. "

28 TIPS FOR EVERY MARRIAGE - THREE

FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE WEATHER

The current JAMSTEC 
(one of the weather models weather people use)  forecast for winter:

In addition it has a cold spring again, which is the analog to the mid and late 1950s where springs were cold.



source site: Weatherbell

MAKING THANKSGIVING PLANS?

MARGIE L. HIGGINS LAMBERT - OBITUARY

Margie L. Higgins Lambert, 80 of Athens passed away Tuesday at ECM Hospital in Florence.

She was born March 20, 1933 in Lauderdale County. She was a member of the Eastside Church of Christ in Athens and a homemaker.

Visitation will be Saturday November 23, 2013 from noon till 1:45 at Spry Funeral Home with services to follow at 2pm in the Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Mitch Davis, Bob Watson and Steve Klein officiating. Burial will be in the Roselawn Cemetery.

Survivors include:

Husband, Bill Lambert of Athens

Son. Tim Lambert of Elkmont

Daughters:

Stephanie Watson of Athens

Kerry Clem of Athens

Julie Davis of Springhill, TN

She is also survived by 19 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.

The Grandsons will be pallbearers.

WEATHER NEXT WEEK STILL LOOKING COLD

Source site: Weatherbell

WHAT MO BROOKS DID TODAY

BI-PARTISAN CYBER-SECURITY EXPERTS UNANIMOUSLY AGREE HEALTHCARE.GOV UNSAFE FOR AMERICANS TO USE

For video of the Q&A, click HERE.

 Washington, D.C. – Today, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing titled “Is My Data on Healthcare.gov Secure?”  According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the ObamaCare website, HealthCare.gov, was not fully security tested before it went public last month, thus exposing Americans who use HealthCare.gov to identity theft and other cyber-attack risks.Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) pressed a bi-partisan panel of cyber-security experts to state whether they would personally advise Americans to use, or not use, HealthCare.gov in light of its security flaws.They unanimously agreed that they would not advise Americans to use HealthCare.gov because the cyber-security risks could result in identity theft or other financial losses for HealthCare.gov users.

The witnesses who testified today were:

Mr. Morgan Wright, Chief Executive Officer, Crowd Sourced Investigations, LLC

Dr. Fred Chang, Bobby B. Lyle Centennial Distinguished Chair in Cyber Security, Southern Methodist University

Dr. Avi Rubin, Director, Health and Medical Security Laboratory Technical Director, Information Security Institute, Johns Hopkins University (JHU)

Mr. David Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, TrustedSEC, LLC

Congressman Brooks said, “By coercing Americans into using HealthCare.gov, regardless of cyber-security threats, this Administration puts the political need for a successful rollout of socialized medicine ahead of hardworking Americans who will suffer the consequences.”

Brooks concluded, “I find it appalling and outrageous that this Administration desperately persists in coercing American citizens into using a website that does not work while exposing users to unlimited identity theft and financial loss risks.  At a minimum, this Administration should reimburse American citizens for cyber-security losses incurred by their having done nothing more than obey ObamaCare law. To date, this Administration has not offered to compensate American citizens for identity theft and other financial losses caused by HealthCare.gov cyber-security failings.  No words can adequately express the depth of concern I have about a ‘Big Brother’ policy that forcibly puts so many American families at risk for uncompensated financial loss.”

Partial Transcript:

Congressman Brooks:  “Given healthcare.gov security issues and assuming for the moment that you would be personally responsible for all damages incurred, if any, from your advice, would any of you advise an American citizen to use this website as the security issues now exist? Yes or No.”

Mr. Kennedy: “No sir not at this time.”

Mr. Wright:  “Same answer.”

Dr. Chang:  “Same answer.”

Dr. Rubin: “Yeah I wouldn’t, yeah.”

Congressman Brooks:  “So it is a unanimous no- don’t use the website because of the security risk?”

Dr. Rubin: “I would say that the security would have to be studied a lot more carefully before I would agree to that.”

Congressman Brooks:  “Thank you for your insight. I hope the American people are listening, and with that Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time.”

HOW DID YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATORS VOTE?

November 18, 2013 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Nomination of Cornelia “Nina” Pillard to US Court of Appeals – Cloture House: Health Care Reform Implementation Delay – Passage Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Drug Quality and Security Senate: Fiscal 2014 Defense Authorization House: Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform

Recent Senate Votes

Nomination of Cornelia “Nina” Pillard to US Court of Appeals – Cloture - Vote Rejected (56-41, 1 Present, 2 Not Voting) President Barack Obama’s nominee for the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, legal scholar Cornelia “Nina” Pillard, failed to reach the 60-vote threshold to invoke cloture for a final vote. Pillard is currently a professor at Georgetown University and has argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court in the past. Only two Senate Republicans – Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine – voted with Democrats in favor of the Pillard nomination. Republicans have blocked nominations to the Court three times this year, Caitlin J. Halligan in March, Patricia Millett in October and Pillard. Republicans are continuing to argue that the circuit’s workload does not warrant filling any of the three vacant seats. After the vote, Senate Democrats revisited the idea of changing Senate rules to forbid filibusters of executive nominations. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., promised to bring the nomination of another potential member of the court, Robert L. Wilkins, to the floor shortly. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO

Recent House Votes

Health Care Reform Implementation Delay – Passage - Vote Passed (261-157, 12 Not Voting) Amidst the Obama Administration's struggles to launch the new online federal insurance exchange, 39 Democrats crossed party lines Friday to pass a bill that would allow Americans to keep their current medical plans through 2014. The measure would effectively delay key coverage requirements imposed on health care plans by 2010 reform measures. The bill allows insurers to continue to sell plans to individual consumers that went into effect at the beginning of this calendar year through 2014 outside of the health care exchange established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Beginning in 2014, the law mandates that individuals buy government-approved coverage plans that meet a more rigorous standard of quality than many insurers currently offer. The legislation, sponsored by Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., was a response to the cancellation of a raft of health plans not in compliance with the law's requirement that policies offer a comprehensive set of benefits. The cancellations prompted an outcry and raised questions about repeated assurances, from Obama and other Democrats, that Americans who liked their health insurance plans would be able to keep them under the new law. The Senate isn't expected to take up the measure, and the White House on Nov. 14 threatened a veto if it got that far. Democratic Senators, however, are sponsoring similar measures that would allow consumers to retain their current coverage. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

Upcoming Votes

Drug Quality and Security - H.R.3204 This week, the Senate could hold a final vote on a bill to reform compounding drug pharmacies that passed cloture last week. Fiscal 2014 Defense Authorization - S.1197 The chamber will also consider legislation to authorize the defense programs for fiscal 2014 that may force a weekend session. Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform - H.R.1900 The House will take up a measure to speed up the permit process for oil and gas drilling and natural gas pipeline construction.

KATHRYN WEECE ANDERSON - OBITUARY

The Graveside Services for Kathryn Anderson, age 90, of Elkmont, AL; will be Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, in Prospect, TN with Tim Anderson officiating.Visitation will be Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home.

Mrs. Anderson passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013 at her residence.

She was born February 17, 1923 in Giles County, TN to Aaron and Essie Weece. She was a homemaker, who enjoyed cooking, gardening, flowers, and reading. She was of the Church of Christ faith.

Mrs. Anderson is preceded in death by her husband Lester Anderson, three brothers Edward Weece, Woodrow Weece and Billy Weece; two sisters Ruby Rolin and Odell Smith.
Mrs. Anderson is survived by her two daughters Sherry Davis of Elkmont, AL and Cathy Worsham of Pulaski, TN; one sister Doris Weece of Ardmore, AL; four grandchildren Renea Davis Clem of Elkmont, AL; Scott Davis of NYC, NY; Scarlet Mitchell Hardy, Ooltewah, TN; Heidi Worsham Lovelady, of Cornersville, TN; four great-grandchildren Lillie Hardy, Jack Thomas Hardy, Davis Clem, and Landon Lovelady; and a special caregiver Becky Wallace.

Pallbearers will be Mike Adams, Andrew Bates, Herman Bates, Richard Christensen, Scott Davis, and Tommy Hardy.

Honorary Pallbearers will be granddaughters Renea Davis Clem, Scarlet Mitchell Hardy, and Heidi Worsham Lovelady, Ray Davis and Glen Worsham

MAKING CHEESE THE BELLE CHEVRE WAY

Sunday, November 24, 2013
3:00pm

Join us at our brand new creamery in the heart of Elkmont, Alabama.

In this class, one of Belle Chevre’s expert cheese makers will demonstrate how easy it is to make your own cheese. This fun class will show even the most kitchen-wary how fun, easy, and inexpensive it is to make your own goat cheese.

Come learn from some nationally recognized artisans and spend a fabulous Sunday afternoon with us.

Belle Chevre
26910 Bethel Road, Elkmont, Alabama 35620

DECATUR DAILY PRESEASON LOOK AT ELKMONT LADY DEVILS

Elkmont Red Devils

Coach: Steve Bates

Last season: 5-21

Area: Class 3A, Area 15 
West Morgan, Madison Academy and Westminster Christian

The skinny: The Red Devils will be young with no seniors on the roster and only two juniors — Bailee Gooch and Cally Glass. Bates sees lots of potential with six sophomores and eight freshmen in the program.

To read about other teams in the area, visit the Decatur Daily website.  Link: Team Previews 

 

Game coverage and more basketball news can be found on the Elkmont Basketball Blog.

DECATUR DAILY PRESEASON LOOK AT THE ELKMONT RED DEVILS

Elkmont

League: Class 3A, Area 15

Coach: Jason Wright, first season

Last season: 4-24, lost in Area 15 semifinals Returning starters: 3

Area opponents:   
Madison Academy, West Morgan, Westminster Christian

The skinny: With a group of players who have been labeled as "coachable and determined" by new coach Jason Wright, Elkmont has its sights set on a turnaround season. Senior guard Rhett Bailey is a gifted athlete who gives the Red Devils lineup as a boost, and Trevor Patterson is a player to keep an eye on. But Elkmont, and its young team, have a tough path to the postseason, with Madison Academy and West Morgan both in Area 15.

To read about other teams in the area, visit the Decatur Daily website.  Link: Team Previews 

Game coverage and more basketball news can be found on the Elkmont Basketball Blog.

Beat the Winter Blues

 

More than 20 million people in the United States suffer from what we sometimes call the "winter blues." Many more of us experience some of the moods associated with it to some degree or another. Signs may include lack of energy, moodiness, sadness, and lack of motivation. As winter approaches, be prepared to combat this seasonal distress. There are lots of things you can do to fight the winter blues, keep your spirits up, and your energy level high. Here are a few tips:

   

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is common in the warmer months of the year. Exposure to the sun, outside air, and increased circulation associated with outside activity help keep us happy and healthy. In the winter, most people have a tendency to sit inside and lead a more sedentary life because it's cold. This negatively affects a person's health as their heart rate stays low, circulation gets sluggish, and they spend too much time exposed to allergens indoors.  If the sun is out, get out and enjoy it, even if you have to wrap up a bit.

Consider spending some time each week shoveling snow, going for a brisk walk, or going to a gym to keep your body active. If you do have to be indoors, maintain an exercise routine that may include video or TV exercise programs, weightlifting and stretching.  An active intimate life as well as time with friends and family are also helpful.  Regular activity through the winter helps to regulate mood and keep hormones in balance.

 

Try Natural Supplements

There are plenty of readily available natural remedies to help fight off winter blues and stabilize moods. As an added bonus, these natural supplements come without dangerous side effects. Check out a few options available from Western Botanicals:

• St. John's Wort: This is a natural herb with yellow flowers. Available in either capsule or tincture, this herb is believed to work by allowing more serotonin to linger in the brain. Some people even use the cut herb to make a soothing tea.

• Earth's Nutrition: Nutrition is always important. As you seek to increase energy and vitality, try this formula full of organically grown whole foods and super-foods. It is specifically formulated to supply you with natural food sources of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and essential trace nutrients.

• Rhodiola Root: Rhodiola root goes by a lot of different names including Golden Root and Arctic Root. This herb can enhance vitality, improve mood, and generally help people to feel better and feel happier. 

• Nerve Calm Formula: Nerve-calm formula is a Western Botanicals original formula designed to help reduce stress and anxiety. Being calm and less anxious are key to improving a person's health through the winter and staving off seasonally affected mood. 

• Ginseng: The ginseng family has been long-known for providing energy and vitality. Some types of ginseng reduce fatigue while others help reduce stress. Western Botanicals offers a Ginseng-Plus Formula that combines a variety of different types of ginseng to give people the full benefits of the ginseng family.   

• Peppermint: Peppermint is an essential oil known for increasing energy. On the days where you are feeling sluggish or low on energy, try peppermint oil. It boosts awareness and energy levels naturally and is side-effect free to provide the boost you need to stay active and productive despite the winter weather. Apply peppermint essential oil to the back of the neck and shoulders throughout the day to keep energy up.

   

Find a Winter Activity

Another great way to fight off seasonal sadness is to find a reason to love the winter. Take up a winter activity that has you looking forward to the winter months in the same way you look forward to the summer months. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snow-shoeing, ice skating...the possibilities are endless. Find something you love to do, introduce your friends to it, and learn to love the season. A favorite pursuit will help you stay active and produce the right brain chemicals to keep "the blues" out of your life.

   

So yes, winter is coming--there's not a lot we can do about that. But we can do a lot about how it affects us. Don't forget to stay active, find a natural mood-boosting, or energy-boosting supplement to add to your diet, and find an activity to help you love the season.

Source site: Western Botanicals

ELKMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL LADY DEVILS WIN BY THREE

The East Limestone Indians came to the Hilltop, November 14, to play the Elkmont Middle School teams and the Junior Varsity girls.  

Our Middle School Lady Devils picked up their first win by beating East Limestone, 24 - 21.  

Elkmont Scoring:
Malena Butler        8 pts
Bailey Vining          5 pts
Autumn Davis        2 pts
Anna Grace Wells  9 pts  

Pictures by Down Home Portraits are on facebook.  Link: EHS MSG vs East Limestone

Other games are covered on the Elkmont Basketball Blog.

LIVING SOCIAL BARGAIN AT THE BAKERY

Get a bargain from Living Social: Link
This Thach Road bakery is famous for satisfying sweet teeth with decadent treats like the Reese's Peanut Butter Cupcake, featuring moist chocolate cake and rich peanut butter frosting. Try some holiday specialties with this deal.

• $10 for $20 to spend on holiday baked goods
• Delight in cupcake flavors like Peppermint Patty and Salted Caramel
• Give them a call to place your order in advance
 
The Bakery at Elkmont's Website | Facebook
PAID VALUE EXPIRES ON November 14, 2018
PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON April 2, 2014

MO BROOKS IN THE NEWS

Alabama’s junior U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions has led the charge against so-called comprehensive immigration reform over the last several months, but he got a big hand earlier this week from fellow Alabamian, Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, who took amnesty supporters to task during an interview with Breitbart News.

Brooks warned that a flood of immigrants into the workforce would debilitate the U.S. economy and devastate American workers around the country. And Brooks didn’t restrict his criticism to just Democrats and liberal groups — he spread the blame around, even placing some of it on his fellow Republicans.

Here are the targets of Brooks’ criticism and the quotes he used to make his case:

The target: Gang of Eight

The bipartisan group of U.S. Senators commonly known as the Gang of Eight has been at the forefront of the push to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Although they got a bill through the Democrat-controlled Senate, it has failed to gain traction in the Republican-controlled house. Republican rockstar Marco Rubio saw his polling numbers plummet because of his involvement in the effort. Blowback from the conservative base has been fierce.

Rep. Brooks took the Gang of Eight to task right out of the gate.

The quote:
“The Senate Gang of Eight bill is yet another tragedy for the American worker.”

The target: Democrats

Democrats, including the president, have been the driving force behind the push for amnesty. And as usual, they’ve made it a racially-charged issue. Rep. Brooks blasted Democrats for their race-baiting tactics and accused them of not actually having minority workers’ best interest in mind.

The quote
“The Democrats don’t give a flip about the economic status of minority voters after the impact of 44 million legalized or imported foreigners. They’ll talk the game. They’ll drive the cries of racism in order to get voters on an emotional level while at the same time undermining the ability of American minority workers to support their own families.”

The target: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Big business’s support of comprehensive immigration reform has turned into a huge wedge issue in Republican primaries when the U.S. Chamber and grassroots groups find themselves backing opposing candidates. Rep. Brooks called the Chamber out for caring more about profits than they do about American workers.

The quote:
“The Chamber of Commerce cares not one twit about how many Americans lose jobs if an immigration bill improves their profit margins.”

The target: President Obama

President Obama recently renewed his call for comprehensive immigration reform. Because of his complete unwillingness to negotiate during the debt ceiling debate, a lot of folks inside the beltway say the president’s second term agenda is dead. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to stop trying. Rep. Brooks said the president has neglected his responsibility to enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books.

The quote:
“There would be no illegal alien problem today if the President of the United States would do his job and enforce the laws that are already on the books.”

The target: Republicans

Republicans like House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan have argued that immigration reform may be necessary to address labor shortages that could potentially arise in the future. Rep. Brooks said that argument is not supported by any data.

The quote:
“The argument advanced about future labor forces is not supported by data, it is purely hypothetical, and the net result is to hurt American citizens.”

SOURCE: National Politics

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE THIS WEEK?

November 11, 2013 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Employment Nondiscrimination – Passage Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Drug Quality and Security House: Health Plans

Recent Senate Votes

Employment Nondiscrimination – Passage - Vote Passed (64-32, 4 Not Voting) Senators passed a bill prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity on Thursday after a week of negotiations and close procedural votes. The bill would bar employers from firing, refusing to promote or refusing to hire workers because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Similar bills have been introduced over recent years, and one passed the House in 2007 before dying in the Senate. This current piece of legislation extends equal employment protection to transgendered individuals for the first time. The bill exempts employers not subject to existing workplace discrimination laws concerning employees’ religions, primarily churches and religious schools. Before the final vote, ten Republicans joined the Democratic caucus in securing the three-fifths vote majority required to invoke cloture. The House is unlikely to vote on the bill. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted Not Voting

Upcoming Votes

Drug Quality and Security - H.R.3204 The Senate returns Tuesday to consider legislation that updates regulations of pharmacies that compound drugs. Health Plans - H.R.3350 The House is scheduled to debate a bill that allows individuals to keep their health coverage plans, even if they have received cancellation notices. The plans may not meet minimum coverage requirements established in the 2010 health care overhaul, but would be “grandfathered” for another year through 2014.

GEORGIA ALLENE CHOATE - OBITUARY

Name:
Georgia Allene Choate

Dates:
Birth date: March 11, 1944
Death date: November 13, 2013

Obituary: 
Georgia Allene Choate age 69 of Elkmont, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at her residence. Mrs. Choate was born March 11, 1944 in Pickett County, TN to Dreadmon Clark and Mary Harden Clark.

Services will be Sunday, November 17, 2013 2:00 p.m., at Jennings Funeral Home in Jamestown, TN. Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home and also visitation Saturday, November 16, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., at Jennings Funeral Home in Jamestown, TN. Burial will be in Mt. Era Cemetery in Pickett County, TN.

Preceded in death by her parents, Dreadmon and Mary Clark; husband, George L. Choate.
Survived by one son, Brian Lee Choate of Alameda, CA; Daughter-in-law, Latisha Duenas of Alameda, CA; daughter, Pam Steele and husband, Maalac of Elkmont; sister, Charlene Smith and husband Jerry of Indianapolis, IN; two brothers, JQ Clark and wife Christine of Jamestown, TN and Jimmie Lee Clark and wife, Joan of Byrdstown, TN; several nieces and nephews.

SNOW FOR THANKSGIVING?

Does this mean we might get snow for Thanksgiving?  If not snow, it looks like it will be cold.  Great conditions for you deer hunters and Black Friday shoppers.

Forecast temps for the next 16 days:  Looks like this weekend will be the last warm days of the month.

 

Source site: Weatherbell

WHAT OUR ELKMONT FIREFIGHTERS HAVE TO DEAL WITH

Our volunteer fire department is wonderful.  The fire fighters train, work and give of their time to help keep our Elkmont community safe.  They were called to backup the Oak Grove fire department for a possible trailer fire.  There was heavy smoke and little fire at the scene. This was not your "good citizens home" as it was reported to be a possible meth house.  That changed the whole ballgame for the firefighters since now they had to shift into a different mode due to the toxic chemicals and all that could be in there. After the flames and smoke cleared, meth materials could be seen that the Elkmont volunteers had learned about in their drug training courses. Elkmont had 3 trucks and 13 people to respond.

The presence of Meth drugs at a fire makes the situation worse for fire fighters. These labs can explode when our firefighters go in. The toxic fumes from these fires can kill our brave volunteers, just as easily as the possible explosions  This time of year seems to bring on an increase in these kind of fires. Please pray for your fire fighters and the EMTs because they do this because they love it and their community of Elkmont. It takes a different kind of person to get out when its 20 degrees outside and 2 am to fight a fire or help people at a wreck.

Limestone County Sheriff's Report

On 11/12/2013, Deputy Nick Daniel was on routine patrol when he noticed a house trailer on fire at 26827 Clem Rd. Deputy Daniel pulled into the driveway and noticed a male, later identified as Randall Swafford Jr., pulling his mother, Debra Palvik out of the residence. Deputy Daniel went to assist and as he approached the residence he could smell the odor of a meth lab. After both Swafford and Palvik were clear of the residence and safe Deputy Daniel began to investigate and discovered a "one pot" meth lab burning in the front yard. He then asked Swafford if there was a meth lab inside the residence and he stated that he didn't know. Deputy Daniel performed a pat down of Swafford and found a bundle of coffee filters in Swafford's back pocket. Deputy Daniel contacted Narcotics Investigator Lt. Josh McLaughlin about his findings. 

When Lt McLaughlin arrived he and Daniel checked the rest of the property and found a plastic bag containing several meth precursors. McLaughlin spoke with the firefighters on scene and they advised that there appeared to be a meth lab in the bedroom of the residence. After the house was safe to enter McLaughlin and Daniel went inside and located a meth lab, several more precursors, and drug paraphernalia in the room where the fire started. Swafford was placed into custody and arrested for unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.