LIMESTONE STORM IN STATE TOURNAMENT

The Limestone Storm, 7 year old Dizzy Dean team, placed second in their region qualifying them to play in the State Tournament.  The tournament held in Albertville will be played July 3-7. 

The Limestone Storm 7 and under All Star team is made up of twelve players from different Limestone county youth baseball teams. 

The Elkmont players on the roster are:

 Holt Kennedy

Tae Jackson 

Hayden Hill

Coaches from Elkmont are Joshua Kennedy and Nick Hill.

Many of us have friends and kinfolk in West Limestone so this is a list of West players on the roster. Most of these have Elkmont addresses 

West Limestone Players:

 Braxston Burdge

Brady Riddlehoover 

Skyler Adams 

 Colten Lewter

Lindsey Lane Player (Elkmont address) 

                     Will Abernathy 

MEET THE OUTSTANDING FEMALE STUDENT FROM ALABAMA GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL

Upcoming Elkmont senior, Adriel McMahan,  recently attended the Alabama Governor's School. She not only had an amazing 2 weeks full or learning, public service, and fun; but was also nominated for (by her peers and staff) and won Outstanding Female Student for the 2015 Alabama Governor's School Class.  

She is the daughter of Brandy and Brandon McMahan.  The Hill Spirit wanted to recognize this outstanding achievement.  We are blessed to have such amazing young people here in Elkmont.

Alabama Governor's School is a summer residential honors program for gifted high school seniors. Students from varied backgrounds and regions of Alabama interact with professors and professionals from many disciplines.  AGS offers stimulating academic and extracurricular activities that stress fieldwork, problem solving, and application. 

Adriel participated in Magazine Writing: Editing, Design, and Publication where she was selected as the editor of the AGS yearbook which will be printed and mailed to all participants. 

She also had a wild time in Walk on the Wild Side as they explored Birmingham's varied habitats and the creatures that live in them.

SIXTH ANNUAL SMOKIN' RAILROAD WINNERS

After nearly a year of working and planning, the Elkmont Lions Club held the 6th Smokin' Railroad Street BBQ Cookoff in downtown Elkmont. Thirty teams from across Alabama and a few teams from Tennessee entered this year's competition. Several established teams made a first time appearance.  Joining the mix of competitors were also those that made this event their debut competition. Some of the best eating around could be found at Smokin' Railroad.

We had a few craft vendors and Citizens Bank and Trust along with Athens State College came and set up. We hope that everyone that came out had a good time and maybe got a BBQ sample from some of the competitors.  Those taster's tickets are a great buy.  We also want to thank all our sponsors and the Town of Elkmont for their support as well. Without the help and support of all these sponsors, this event wouldn't have been possible.

Our plan for music on Friday night got a little damp as heavy showers came in just about the time for the music to start, they moved inside the Red Caboose for a while to pick and grin. Thanks Daniel Jones for providing music for us. 

 
Sixth Smokin' Railroad Street BBQ Cookoff Winners

Grand Champion - South Ryland 

*Jimmy Roberts, head cook

 Reserve Grand - Slingin' Pig Meat 

*Travis Prince, head cook 

Pork Division: 

First Place - Puck Daddy's Killer Que 

Second Place - Jack of All Que 

  Third Place - Creek Bank Smokers


Chicken Division: 

First Place - Slingin' Pig Meat 

Second Place - Hawg Dawg Q'n 

Third Place - Pit Row BBQ

Ribs Divison: 

First Place - South Ryland

Second Place -  Bull & Bones BBQ

Third Place - Red, White and Q  

People's Choice:

View to a Grill

The money raised from the annual

Smokin' Railroad BBQ Cookoff 
helps the Lions Club:

*to provide exams and glasses for children in the Elkmont school district
*to continue the two $1500 scholarships we give each year to two Elkmont High School Seniors
*to help with community projects such as upgrading the Caboose and Morris Park  

Again, The Elkmont Lions Club would like to express our appreciation to everyone whom helped in making this year a big success.  We would like to invite you to mark your calendar for another great BBQ Cookoff next June. 

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE ?

June 29, 2015 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Public Safety Employee Withdrawals – Trade Promotion Authority – Cloture House: IPAB Repeal – Passage House: EPA Carbon Emission Rules -- Passage Editor's Note: Both chambers are in recess until Tuesday, July 7, 2015.

Recent Senate Votes

Public Safety Employee Withdrawals – Trade Promotion Authority – Cloture - Vote Agreed to (60-37, 3 Not Voting) The Senate agreed to a motion to invoke cloture on a motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill. The House amendment would grant Trade Promotion Authority, under which implementing legislation for trade agreements negotiated by the administration would be considered by Congress under expedited procedures and could not be amended. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO

Recent House Votes

IPAB Repeal – Passage - Vote Passed (244-154, 35 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would repeal the provisions of the 2010 health care overhaul that created the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), which is designed to recommend cost-cutting measures if Medicare spending exceeds a target growth rate. The cost of repealing IPAB would be offset by rescinding an estimated $8.8 billion from the Prevention and Public Health Fund created under the 2010 health care overhaul. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES EPA Carbon Emission Rules -- Passage - Vote Passed (247-180, 6 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would postpone the dates by when states and existing fossil-fuel power plants must comply with current or future EPA rules to reduce carbon emissions until all judicial challenges are completed, and it allows state governors to opt out of developing an emissions reduction plan or complying with a federal plan for existing plants if he or she determines that the requirement would have an adverse effect on electricity ratepayers. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

ANNIE ODELL WILBANKS - OBITUARY

Our cherished Annie Odell Wilbanks, 83 of Taft, Tennessee left this walk of life on Saturday, June 27, 2015, as always with her sweetheart and partner of 64 years, Jerry M. Wilbanks by her side.
Born Tuesday, July 7, 1931 in Decatur, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Atha Lee Jones and the late Annie Lee Williams Jones. She was a member of Mable Hill Baptist Church. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Bruce, Woodrow, Marvin, and Elzie Jones, and sisters: Mary Broadway, Betty Lee, and Margie Adcock.
 
Surviving are her husband: Jerry Wilburn of Blanche, TN, brother, Elmer C. (Jane) Jones of Elkmont, AL, sisters, Katie Mae Crawford of Huntsville, AL and Dorothy Smith of Hazel Green, AL, and one sister-in-law: Bobbie Williamson.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Dr. Mike Clark officiating. Burial will be in Blanche Cemetery, Blanche, TN.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, June 29, 2015, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

BENNETT SPRINGER - OBITUARY

Bennett Springer, age 79 of Athens, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Springer was born January 10, 1936 in Limestone County, AL to Lonnie Lee Springer and Mable Ramsey Springer.

Services will be Saturday, June 27, 2015 1:00 p.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Tim Anderson officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Springer was a member of Clements Baptist Church.

Preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Mable Springer; two sisters, Myrtice Cooper and Judy King.

Survived by his wife, Mary Springer of Athens; one daughter, Sandra Brock and husband, Dale of Elkmont; three sons, Tim Springer and wife Judy, of Athens, Marshall Springer and wife, Sharon of Alaska and Bobby Joe Springer of Athens; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ronnie Max Springer and wife, Brenda, Johnny Springer and wife, Gail and Marty Springer all of Athens; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Zach Chambers, Ian Springer, Isaiah Bell Chambers, Bayley Kornemann, Chris Brock and Martin Ezell. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Springer, Johnny Springer and Marty Springer.

HERMAN EUGENE PATTERSON - OBITUARY

Herman Eugene Patterson, 70 of Elkmont, died Wednesday at Huntsville Hospital. He was born April 21, 1945 in Limestone County, a member of the Methodist Church and retired from Kroger and a Farmer.


Services was Friday at Spry Funeral Home, Chapel, with Don Osborne officiating, burial in Wallace Cemetery in Rogersville, visitation was Thursday at Spry Funeral Home.

Survivors:
Daughters: 
Samantha Kerr and husband Lloyd of Athens
Susan Lyons of Madison
Son: Tracy Patterson and wife Mandy of Elkmont
Brother: Felix Patterson of Elkmont Eight Grandchildren.

Preceded in death by Wife: Paulette McLemore Patterson; Two Sisters; One Brother.

Pallbearers: Garrett Millien, Brett Kerr, Lloyd Kerr, Michael Patterson, Dusty Green, Keeley Sykes.

YOUTH FOOTBALL MEETING

Attention parents of children 4-13 years of age: If your child is interested in playing football or cheering for Elkmont Youth League, there will be a meeting at the Elkmont baseball field concession stand on June 28, 2015 @ 1:00 pm. The purpose for the meeting is to see about how many children will be participating this year, discuss sign-up dates, and to inform you of new changes starting this year. If you are able to, please make plans to be there.

WATCHING THE SKIES TONIGHT

POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER NOTICE FROM LIMESTONE COUNTY EMA FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT:

We are monitoring a potential severe weather event later tonight into early tomorrow (Saturday) morning as a cold front approaches the Tennessee Valley. We are currently under a slight risk by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) with a great deal of uncertainty on the extent of impacts:
 
Impacts:
1) Strong to damaging wind gusts between 50-60 MPH, large hail, heavy rainfall: Discrete thunderstorms may develop across the entire area this afternoon and evening prior to the front arrival early tomorrow morning.
 
2) Damaging wind gusts up to 60 MPH, large hail, and heavy rainfall. A squall line is expected to develop late tonight
 
Timing:
1) This afternoon/evening: Discrete thunderstorms possible area wide.
 
2) After midnight tonight through 8 AM Saturday morning: Squall line ahead of main cold front.

 
STORM SHELTER INFO LINK

BILLY DREXEL MCGUIRE - OBITUARY

Billy Drexel McGuire, 72 of Athens, died Tuesday at Athens Limestone Hospital.
 He was born February 14, 1943 in Limestone County and was a retired Auto Mechanic.

Services will be 11AM Friday at Spry Funeral Home, Chapel with Ralph Henderson officiating, burial in New Salem Cemetery, visitation is from 6-9PM Thursday at Spry Funeral Home. 

Survivors: Wife: Betty Lou McGuire of Athens; Sons: Drexel McGuire of Athens, Bruce McGuire of Athens; Daughters: Christy McGuire of Athens, Sandy Owens of Hartselle; Nine Grandchildren; Five Great Grandchildren; Sister: Exie Pepper of Athens; Nieces and Nephews.
Preceded in death by Parents: Neil & Ronia McGuire; Brothers: Edward McGuire, Bootie McGuire; Sister: Lillian Faulk. 

Pallbearers: Kris Owens, Blake Wales, Jeff Phillips, Kevin Parsons, Scotty Green, Kevin McGuire. Honorary
Pallbearers: Briar Kimbrell, James Thornton, Horace Owens, Tommy Phillips.

JUDITH ELAINE ZIEGLER - OBITUARY

Judith Elaine Ziegler, age 70, of Athens, AL joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her one true love Roger E. Ziegler, in heaven on June 22, 2015.
A devoted wife and mother, Judy lived her life for God, her husband and daughter, family and friends. Her gentle, kind, loving manner allowed her to befriend all she met, though in the past year she was limited in her abilities to serve others, her giving nature continued to shine through. 

Judy was born in Ocala, Florida November 12, 1944, to the late Claude Simmons and Nannie Perry Simmons. She was a member of Mt Pisgah Baptist Church in Athens for over 20 years. Judy is preceded in death by the love of her life Roger E. Ziegler; her parents Claude Simmons and Nannie Perry Simmons; brothers Bruce and Jerald. 

She is survived by her beloved daughter Traci E. Ziegler of Athens, AL; sister Janie (Wayne) Ziegler of Mulberry, FL; brother Terrell (Kathy) Simmons of Maryville, TN; brother Roger (Willa) Simmons of Ocala, FL; brother Keith (Nancy) Simmons of Hope, Ark; sisters-in-law Jeanne Ziegler of Ocala, FL; and Marilyn Ziegler of Cheyenne, WY; Dianna Simmons of Ocala, FL; and Carolyn Simmons of Elkmont, AL; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and grandkids.

Visitation will be Thursday; 6-9 P.M. at McConnell Funeral Home in Athens, AL. Funeral Services will be Friday, June 26, 2015 at 11 A.M. at Mt. Pisgah Baptist church on Alabama 99 with Dr. Juaken Dumas officiating. She will lie in state from 10-11 A.M. 

Believing there is some good in all, Judy lived her life "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. "Eph. 4:2

In lieu of flowers the family request donations are made in Judy's memory to Disabled Veterans of America or to the American Cancer Society .

HOW DID YOUR POLITICIANS VOTE?

June 22, 2015 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Fiscal 2016 Defense Authorization - Passage Senate: Fiscal 2016 Defense Appropriations – Cloture House: U.S. Citizens in Iran - Passage House: Fiscal 2016 Intelligence Authorization – Passage House: Iraq Troop Withdraw – Passage Upcoming Congressional Bills House: Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act House: Fiscal 2016 Interior-Environment Appropriations

Recent Senate Votes

Fiscal 2016 Defense Authorization - Passage - Vote Passed (71-25, 4 Not Voting) The Senate passed a bill that would authorize approximately $612 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs in fiscal 2016, including $88.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding. Excluding Overseas Contingency Operations funding, the bill would authorize, within the Senate Armed Services Committee's jurisdiction, approximately: $134.1 billion for operations and maintenance, roughly $112.2 billion for procurement,$ 135.5 billion for military personnel, $8.3 billion for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure, roughly $70.9 billion for research, development, testing and evaluation, and $32.2 billion for the Defense Health Program. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES Fiscal 2016 Defense Appropriations – Cloture - Vote Rejected (50-45, 5 Not Voting) The Senate rejected a motion to invoke cloture on a motion to proceed to the intended legislative vehicle for the bill that would provide nearly $576 billion in discretionary spending for defense programs in fiscal 2016, including $86.9 billion for the Overseas Contingency Operations account. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES

Recent House Votes

U.S. Citizens in Iran - Passage - Vote Passed (391-0, 42 Not Voting) The House agreed to a motion to suspend the rules and pass a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Iran should immediately release U.S. citizens Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati and Saeed Abedini and provide all known information on the whereabouts of Robert Levinson. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Fiscal 2016 Intelligence Authorization – Passage - Vote Passed (247-178, 8 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would authorize classified amounts in FY 2016 for 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. government, including the Office of the National Intelligence Director, the CIA and the National Security Agency (NSA), as well as foreign intelligence activities of the Defense Department, FBI, State Department, Homeland Security Department and other agencies. The measure covers general intelligence operations, including signals intelligence, clandestine human intelligence programs and analysis, and covert action programs, as well as research and development and projects to improve information dissemination. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Iraq Troop Withdraw – Passage - Vote Failed (139-288, 1 Present, 5 Not Voting) The House rejected a concurrent resolution that would direct the president to withdraw U.S. forces deployed to Iraq in support of operations against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, other than armed forces required to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel within 30 days of enactment. Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO

Upcoming Votes

Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act - H.R.1190 The bill would repeal the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act providing for the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Fiscal 2016 Interior-Environment Appropriations - H.R.2822 The bill would make appropriations for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.