ELKMONT BAND CAMP MAKES THE PAPER

The Athens News Courier came by to see how the Elkmont band camp was doing this week.  If you would like a hard copy for scrapbooks, drop by the newspaper office in Athens and buy a Thursday paper.

Catherine Dunnam of the Elkmont color guard works her magic Wednesday during Elkmont High School’s band camp. Classes for county schools begin Aug. 5 and Elkmont's first football game is Aug. 28 against Ardmore. Heavy rain and thunderstorms pelted Limestone County Wednesday morning, making for a more pleasant practice environment, including cooler temperatures and lower humidity. 

LOOK FOR A BLUE MOON TONIGHT

Friday evening is going to be absolutely wonderful for a walk in the moonlight.  A blue moon means two full moons in one month.  July 31 will be our second full moon sighting.  The air will be cool with a slight north breeze, which in July is as unusual as a blue moon.  

Don't stay inside tomorrow night watching TV; get out and watch one of nature's wonders. You won't have another chance until 2018.

Full Moon Names: 

 

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE?

July 27, 2015 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Surface Transportation Reauthorization 'Shell' – Cloture House: Coal Combustion Residuals – Passage House: Genetically Engineered Food – Passage House: Sanctuary Cities – Passage Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 House: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act House: TSA PreCheck Expansion Act House: Fiscal 2016 Defense Authorization Recent Senate Votes Surface Transportation Reauthorization 'Shell' – Cloture - Vote Agreed to (67-26, 7 Not Voting) The Senate agreed to a motion to invoke cloture on amendment no. 2327 to the McConnell, R-Ky., substitute amendment, as modified, that would reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. The McConnell substitute amendment would provide a six-year authorization of surface transportation programs, with enough offsets to cover three years of shortfalls in the Highway Trust Fund. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted Not Voting Recent House Votes Coal Combustion Residuals – Passage - Vote Passed (258-166, 9 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would establish minimum federal standards regarding the disposal and storage of coal combustion residuals (CCR) that would codify parts of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rule regarding coal ash, while superseding other elements of the rule. Additionally, the bill would permit states to create their own coal ash permit programs, but would provide for EPA oversight of the bill's standards in cases when a state lacks its own program or fails to meet the standards set in the bill. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Genetically Engineered Food – Passage - Vote Passed (275-150, 8 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would require the Agriculture Department to establish a voluntary national genetically engineered (GE) food certification program under which food producers could label their product as including or not including genetically modified ingredients. The program created under the bill would pre-empt related state and local laws and prohibits mandatory labeling of GE or non-GE food. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Sanctuary Cities – Passage - Vote Passed (241-179, 13 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would withhold certain federal law enforcement grants to state and local governments that bar their officials from taking certain immigration-related actions, such as gathering or maintaining information on the immigration or citizenship status of individuals or sharing such information with federal immigration authorities. The withheld federal law enforcement grants include the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (which allows states to enter into a contractual arrangement with the federal government for compensation for the incarceration of undocumented criminal immigrants), the Community-Oriented Policing Services program (COPS, which helps support the hiring of police officers at the state and local level) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne-JAG, which supports a range of programs, including prosecutions and courts). Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Upcoming Votes Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 - H.R.22 The bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt employees with health coverage under TRICARE or the Veterans Administration from being taken into account for purposes of determining the employers to which the employer mandate applies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act - H.R.675 The bill would increase, effective as of December 1, 2015, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes. TSA PreCheck Expansion Act - H.R.2843 The bill would require certain improvements in the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck expedited screening program, and for other purposes. Fiscal 2016 Defense Authorization - H.R.1735 The bill would reauthorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

MAXINE HOBBS HOLT - OBITUARY

Maxine H. Holt, age 83 of Gallatin, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2015. Mrs. Holt was born May 22, 1932 in Limestone County, AL, daughter of the late Max and Viola Usery Hobbs. Mrs. Holt was a member of Gallatin Church of Christ and longtime member of Neelys Bend Church of Christ. 

She is survived by husband of 63 years, Billy Holt of Gallatin; sons, Anthony Holt of Gallatin and Mac Holt (Jeannette) of Hendersonville; brother, Joda Hobbs of Elkmont, AL; sisters, Jane Delop of Ardmore, TN and Saundra Royer (Ray) of Decatur, AL; grandchildren, Andrew Holt, Justin Holt, Erric Holt and Scarlett Holt. They aren't all listed but lots of kinfolk in Elkmont.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 29th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, July 30th from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, July 30th at 11:30 a.m. from the chapel of Family Heritage Funeral Home with Brother Mike Tidwell and Ed Mayberry officiating. Interment will follow in Gallatin Cemetery with Andrew Holt, Justin Holt, Erric Holt, Jay Hobbs, Elie Hobbs and Hunter Royer serving as pallbearers.  

Memorials may be made to Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, 2200 Children’s Way, Nashville, TN 37232. Online condolences may be submitted at familyheritagefh.com. Family Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ANNUAL WATER HYDRANT TEST

The Elkmont fire department has been out testing fire hydrants in the city limits and you may see a drop in pressure for a couple of minutes. We will be testing the next few days.  We want to make sure everything is working if we are needed for a fire. When you see the water on the road or going down the ditch, it will be from these tests and not a water line break.

BACK TO SCHOOL? TIME TO UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

Do you have an emergency binder? Have you updated yours lately? Back to school time is a perfect time because you have all your kids' documents out for registration, etc.

How to Create an Emergency Binder

If you have to evacuate in a hurry, having a single binder with all your important documents and emergency plan in place is critical.

DICKEY KEITH NAVE - OBITUARY

Dickey Keith Nave, 54 of Athens died Sunday in

Athens. Mr. Nave was born September 24, 1960 in Limestone County, he was a former Chief Stewart of I.A.M. Union and a member of Boiler Makers Union. They may not be listed but there are lots of Elkmont kinfolk. Services will be 11AM Thursday in the Chapel of Spry Funeral Home with Casey Harbin officiating, burial in Wallace Cemetery, visitation is from 6-9PM Wednesday at Spry Funeral Home.

Survivors: Wife: Sharon Lynn Nave, Athens; Sons: Shain Nave (Jennifer), Athens, Shawn Nave (Nicole) Athens; Father: Clayton Nave, Athens; Sister-in-Law: Vicki Brown, Elkmont. Grandchildren: Andrew Nave, Ethan Nave, Rheygan Nave; Brother: Clay Nave, Pulaski, TN; Several Nieces, Nephews, Aunts & Uncles.

Pallbearers: Randy Davis, Mike McElyea, Robbie Miller, Mark Miller, Josh Miller, Cody Brown (Elkmont), Matthew Nave, William Chaney.

ROBERT E. "BOBBY" COGGINS JR - OBITUARY

Robert E. “Bobby” Coggins Jr. age 72 of Athens passed away Friday July 24, 2015. He was born on March 10, 1943 to Robert Ed Coggins Sr. and Mary Holt Coggins.

His services will be Tuesday July 28, 2015 at 2:00PM at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Kasey Harbin will be officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday July 27, 2015 from 6:00-9:00PM at the funeral home.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary Coggins.

He is survived by his daughter: Mary Kathryn Bailey (Jason), son: Robert Keith Coggins, and brothers Jimmy Coggins and Billy Coggins (Sharon). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Hunter Day and Kaitlyn Day (went to Elkmont School) , one niece: Beth Coggins. Also nephews: Pierre Coggins, Jamie Coggins, Chris Coggins, and Justin Coggins.

Bobby was a member of the Church of Christ. He was also a high school teacher and coach with the Athens Board of Education for 38 years.

Pallbearers for Mr. Coggins will be Donnie Black, Roger Leopard, Hunter Day, Bill Tribble, Justin Coggins, and Ed Carter.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the ALS Foundation in honor of Mr. Coggins. The number is 1-888-949-2577 or you can visit alsa.org/donate.

BACK TO SCHOOL IDEAS

Hill Spirit remembers when little Hill Spirits ran around the house, always in motion, never still.  However, time passes and they grew up but there is still that feeling that it is time to shop for backpacks, new shoes and crayons.  Came across some great ideas for those of you where little feet are still at home and back to school activities still happen. 

LINK TO TOP TEN BACK TO SCHOOL IDEAS

EARLY MORNING SERVICE BEING ADDED

The United Methodist Church in Elkmont is growing...and they have exciting news to share with us.

Praise God we are growing and we are beginning a new early morning service on July 26 @ 8:30 am! God is doing GREAT things at Elkmont UMC! 

If you would like to visit with this community minded, service oriented Elkmont congregation, the church is located at 25444 Children Street.  It is next to the Bird's Nest in downtown Elkmont.

DO I HAVE TO ....

School will start August 5. So not looking forward to back to school shopping? The Elkmont PTO is offering to do your shopping for you. 

Here are the prices for the back to school supply bundles:
1st Grade: $21.50
2nd Grade: $27.75
3rd Grade: $27.00
4th Grade: $25.25
5th Grade: $31.00
6th Grade: 30.00

If you would like to purchase a bundle, please message Elkmont PTO, the grade and if your child is a boy or girl. ELKMONT PTO LINK

RUNNING FOR CHATTANOOGA IN THE VILLAGE

People all across the country have been joining in to show their support for Team Semper Run's mission. Elkmont has also been adding miles to the effort. They finished up their run on Thursday with over 158 miles.  Their group of runners/walkers has grown since their first run this week.  

Thursday

FIRST RUN

The runners who ran earlier this week logged in 101 miles.

#‎RUNFORCHATTANOOGA‬. Meet at the Elkmont Rural Village for a walk/run to support fallen soldiers @ 7 pm. Wear red,white, blue. Bring US flags to run with if you would like. We will post our miles to the cause.

MORE ABOUT RUN FOR CHATTANOOGA:
As a team made up of Active Duty Marines and Family Members and a team that runs to support injured, critically-ill and wounded Service Members, the recent events in Chattanooga really hit close to home for us.

Please join #TeamSemperRun on their mission to show an outpouring of support for those that have lost their lives, their families, friends, our Military Community and the local community.

Grab your friends, grab your flags, put on some red, white and blue (silkies too if you have some), and hit the pavement. WALK, RUN, ROLL, CRAWL, RIDE (YES, motorcycles and bikes welcomed) whatever it takes to let the families know that we are beside them during this difficult time.

Post your photos and miles here from now until 8/31 and tag it at #RUNFORCHATTANOOGA or #RIDEFORCHATTANOOGA

"We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and Freedom will prevail."

CHARLOTTE "CHARLIE" MARLOW - OBITUARY

Charlotte "Charlie" Marlow, 50 of Ardmore, Tennessee died on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Huntsville Hospital. Born Sunday, October 4, 1964, in Wiesbaden Germany, she was the daughter of the late Luther Leon Marlow and the late Reba Jean Clem Marlow. She has lived most of her life in the Ardmore area.

Surviving are brothers, Jack Marlow of Athens, AL and Jimmy (Laurie) Marlow of Toney, AL, sisters, Debbie (Phillip) Griffin of Athens, AL, Pam (Melvin) Sanders of Veto, AL, and Missy Scott of Ardmore, TN, and her beloved dogs: P. Willy and Beaty Bop.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Jeff Drake officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2015, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

July 20, 2015 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: No Child Left Behind Overhaul - Passage House: Veterans Loans - Passage House: Transportation Funding and California Drought – Passage House: California Drought – Passage Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Hire More Heroes Act House: Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act House: Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act

Recent Senate Votes

No Child Left Behind Overhaul - Passage - Vote Passed (81-17, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed a bill that would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the law that authorizes federal spending on kindergarten through high school. It would let states decide how to judge schools' success and wouldn't require any type of teacher evaluation. It would require states to continue testing students annually, but would leave it up to states to decide what weight those scores have when rating schools. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES

Recent House Votes

Veterans Loans - Passage - Vote Passed (410-1, 22 Not Voting) The House agreed to a motion to suspend the rules and pass a bill that would permanently waive the guarantee fee for veterans and their spouses applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) express loans, beginning Oct. 1, 2015. The bill defines eligibility for the waiver based on the veteran status of the loan applicant, rather than whether the business is considered a veteran-owned small business. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Transportation Funding and California Drought – Passage - Vote Passed (312-119, 2 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would reauthorize federal-aid highway and transit programs through Dec. 18, 2015 and would transfer $8.1 billion in funding from the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund to cover projected trust fund shortfalls over that time. The measure completely offsets the cost of the proposed funding transfer by extending for two years the current budgetary treatment of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) fees as mandatory savings and through several tax compliance provisions. Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO California Drought – Passage - Vote Passed (245-176, 12 Not Voting) The House passed a bill that would require that more water from Northern California be pumped south for agricultural uses in the Central Valley in times of drought, and would require the Interior and Commerce departments to approve any emergency projects or operations that would quickly provide additional water to those users. The bill would also implement a coordinated environmental review process to expedite the environmental review of certain water projects, such as dams and water storage facilities. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

Upcoming Votes

Hire More Heroes Act - H.R.22 The bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt employees with health coverage under TRICARE or the Veterans Administration from being taken into account for purposes of determining the employers to which the employer mandate applies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act - H.R.1557 The bill would amend the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 to strengthen Federal antidiscrimination laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and expand accountability within the Federal government, and for other purposes. Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act - H.R.1599 The bill would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to food produced from, containing, or consisting of a bioengineered organism, the labeling of natural foods, and for other purposes.