WHO CAN WIN THIS NOVEMBER

This is the last of the election posts except for a reminder to vote tomorrow.  Hill Spirit has had heard many people comment that they would vote for Trump because they felt he was the only one that could beat Hillary Clinton in November.  This isn't true, there are several Republican candidates who can accomplish this.  Polls bear this out.  Don't let this often given reason to vote for Trump keep you from voting from the candidate that you like the best. 

Link to Polls: Do I Have to Vote for Trump

WHAT IS ON THE BALLOT? AMENDMENT 1

is to support the reform act recently passed that requires Circuit Clerks and District Attorneys to pay into their retirement system.  Hill Spirit normally votes no on amendments but this one will require circuit clerks and district attorneys to pay into their state retirement if we vote YES.  If this doesn't pass, they will continue to get a free ride unlike other state employees.

The way it is worded on the ballot is misleading. Makes it seem like an entirely new retirement system. When in reality, they are replacing a larger one with a smaller one.

WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?

The general election is the first Tuesday of November and the nation will elect the new president.  Your vote is a drop in the bucket and your choice is either the Democrat or Republican.  However,  the primary is when your vote matters. You can help chose the type of candidate who will represent your party. The easy way to choose is to start with the question, "Is the government the solution or the problem?  Be honest with yourself and find the candidate that matches your answer. It is so easy to find out what these people stand for.  You have a computer to find out how they have conducted themselves and what they believe throughout their life rather than just by what they say today. Here is a sliding scale of where they rank.

GOVERNMENT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEMS
Bernie Sanders  (D)
Donald Trump    (R)
Hillary Clinton    (D)
John Kasich        (R)
Marco Rubio       (R)
Ben Carson        (R)
Ted Cruz            (R)
GOVERNMENT IS THE PROBLEM

Hill Spirit is a constitutionalist.  A constitutionalist believes that the powers given to the federal government are spelled out in the Constitution and anything else belongs to the states and their citizens.  The powers in Washington DC shouldn't decide what the people of Alabama should do in most cases.  Who will be selecting the next Supreme Court justice and perhaps up to 3 more is another big concern. For these reasons, Ted Cruz gets Hill Spirit's vote.

This is supposed to be a negative video against Cruz but it is actually the best video in Hill Spirit's opinion. It explains the differences between Cruz and Trump in bold colors.



Robert Reich is a political commentator on programs including Hardball with Chris Matthews, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, CNBC's Kudlow & Company, and APM's Marketplace. Not a Ted Cruz fan.

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FOR OUR U.S. SENATOR

We have several elections this year.  The first will be a primary on March 1.  Richard Shelby, age 81, has been our Senator for 37 years and is being challenged by four other candidates. Facebook links to candidates are in RED.

Marcus Bowman worked in Washington as a legislative analyst and a research consultant.
"The biggest difference between myself and Senator Shelby is that I would be a vocal voice up in Washington D.C. I think he likes to point out that he votes the right way on a lot of issues, especially now that he has competition on the ballot. But I think I would be a voice up in Washington D.C . for conservative values, for conservative principals."

Jonathan McConnell was a Marine and now has a company defending ships off the coast of Somalia.
"I'm energetic," said McConnell. "I have a lot of accomplishments in my life. Senator Shelby says he fights Obama every day. I don't want him fighting Obama every day. I want him fighting Mitch McConnell. The problem is the republican establishment that keeps ramming everything down the American people's throat. They could have repealed Obamacare."

John Martin is another veteran running. He worked for the U.S. Army 40 years. "I would be on the air a lot," Martin explained. "I would be the guy getting the attention just as Jeff Sessions does, be the guy getting the attention because he's working hard. He has great ideas, innovative ideas and he's banning Senators together to accomplish those ideas."

Shadrack Mcgill was a small business owner and former state senator. He says "I honor Senator Shelby for the good that he has done but at the age of 81, he deserves to take a rest from the mess this nation is in. I will bring a new energy and boldness to Washington like Alabama has never seen before. I will not rest until COMMON CORE, OBAMA CARE, EPA and the LIBERAL AGENDA, have been stripped from our nation. If elected God's Word, our Constitution and the voice of the People will be my guide. God bless The USA!"

AN EARLY SPRING WEEK IS FINALLY HERE

SEVERE WEATHER IS AROUND THE CORNER - WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PREPARE?

Preparedness is like Laundry and Dishes

Most people do not like doing laundry or dishes, (just ask your kids), but they are a necessary part of life and we all love the feeling of accomplishment when they’re done. BUT it doesn’t take long before they need to be done again. You just finished but now there are 3 loads of unfolded laundry that have taken over your living room, and a new pile of dishes overflowing out of the sink.

Looking at a checklist for preparedness can give you that same overwhelming feeling. How on earth do you accomplish all of it!?! You can let it pile up or you can do a little bit consistently and stay on top of it.

Link to complete article

A DIFFERENT WAY TO GROW YOUR SALAD

This is a simple, weed-free way to grow lettuce, spinach and even radishes. Take a 2 cubic feet bag of potting soil (such as Miracle Grow), shake it to loosen the soil, poke holes (be generous) in the back side for drainage. Lay the bag on a smooth surface that will allow drainage, cut out the top, leaving about a 4 or 5 inch border. 

Lightly rake through the soil to even it out and loosen it even more, then carefully, and evenly sprinkle the seeds around. You can put the salad green seeds in an old spice bottle with large shaker holes. Add cornmeal or sand and shake it to mix well. Sprinkle the seeds. The cornmeal or sand helps you see where the seeds are and helps with spacing.

If doing radish seeds or spinach, just make lines the depth mentioned on the seed pack, plant the seeds and cover with soil. For salad greens I sprinkled a lite covering of soil over the cornmeal and seeds and then spray-misted to water them in. 

Put the bags on metal sawhorses and grates to make them waist level. This keeps the bags cooler during hot weather and you didn't have to bend over when cutting your salad. 

When harvesting, just use a pair of scissors and cut what you need - don't pull the plants out. Same goes for spinach - they will grow back almost magically overnight, and you can't tell where you cut. 

Spray mist the seeds and young plants at first when watering, until they are established, then you can water more vigorously as the plants mature. You will probably need to water more often, since the depth of the bags are not as deep as a regular in-ground garden.  Keep the bags moist, but not sopping wet.

RONALD JAMES VARNAGATAS - OBITUARIES

Ronald James Varnagatas Sr., 76 of Athens died Wednesday at his residence.

There will be a Memorial Service at a later date, Spry Funeral will be assisting the family. Mr. Varnagatas was born July 4, 1939 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Athens, a Veteran of U.S. Marine Corp and he retired from Steelcase.

Survivors: Wife: Sandra Varnagatas, Athens; Sons: Ronald James Varnagatas Jr., Athens, Scott William Varnagatas, Elkmont, Michael Victor Varnagata, Athens and Mark Clay Jones, Elkmont; Grandchildren: Jill Marie Varnagatas, William Tyler Varnagatas; Sisters: Janice Ballard, Grand Rapids, MI, Peggy Smith, Grand Rapids, MI; Brothers: Victor Varnagatas, Rockford, MI, David Varnagatas, Chicago, IL.

Preceded in death by Parents: Victor and Wilma Varnagatas and Sister: Elaine White.

GRANT PHILLIPS HARGROVE - OBIRTUARY

Grant Phillips Hargrove age 33 of Elkmont, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Hargrove was born September 1, 1982 in Limestone County, AL to Donald Grant Hargrove and Frances Doise Phillips Hargrove.

Services will be Saturday, February 27, 2016 2:00 p.m., at Berea Baptist Church with Pat Lawrence officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

Mr. Hargrove was a member of Berea Baptist Church. He was an employee at Avigen in Elkmont and was a 2001 graduate of Clements High School.

Survived by one son, Jacob Grant Hargrove of Elkmont; mother of his child, Shauna Mize Hargrove of Elkmont; parents, Donnie and Frances Hargrove of Athens; one sister, Kerry Craig and husband, Jeremy of Athens; one niece, Kassidy and one nephew, Joshua Craig both of Athens.

Pallbearers will be Paul Ramsey, Kevin Tyler, Kevin Holland, Wesley Beddingfield, Kenny Phillips, Joe Wade Laxson, Mark Jones and Joshua Craig. Honorary pallbearer will be Tom McRutrey.

Memorials may be made to Hargrove Memorial Fund that has been set up for Jake at Redstone Federal Credit Union ( you can donate at any branch ) or donate to a Wildlife Charity.

ELKMONT DIFFERENCE MAKER

The Athens News Courier has a great article about Lisa Burroughs in its February 20 edition. 

Here are the Highlights:
Lisa Burroughs never thought she'd be a Girl Scout troop leader when her daughter signed up to be a Daisy Scout in 2009.

Now, Lisa leads Troop 1134 which has girls from Piney Chapel, Elkmont, Cedar Hill, Ardmore, Owens and West Limestone. They meet at New Bethel Baptist Church twice a month.

The troop,known for its cookie fundraiser (Hill Spirit loves thin mints), uses its funds to do things some of girls wouldn't have the opportunity to do.  They go to zoos, state parks, caves, summer camps and experience lots of outdoor activities.
 
Lisa Quotes:
"I just get a a kick out of helping girls overcome their fears. That's my pay - to be able to see them succeed.  I love being able to see the looks on their faces. They're being able to do things they might not have been able to do otherwise.  People ask if I get tired of this and I really don't."  

 

TOM LOGAN AND KAYLA TURNER ARE GETTING MARRIED

Kyell Darrell and Kimberly Martul Turner of Huntsville announce the engagement of their daughter Kayla Leigh Turner to Thomas James Logan, son of James Edward and Therese Donaldson Logan of Elkmont.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Richard and Pauline Martul of Chicago, Illinois and Horace and Sheila Payne Turner of Huntsville.  She is a a 2010 graduate of Grisson High School and a 2014 graduate of Auburn University where she received a bachelor's degree in bio-medical sciences.  She is pursuing acceptance into a pharmaceutical program.

 
The prospective groom is the grandson of Joyce Polley Logan of Madisonville, Kentucky and the late Jewell Wyatt Logan. Tom is also the grandson of Sandra Grace Donaldson and the late Roy Eugene Donaldson of Nebo, Kentucky. He is a 2009 graduate of Elkmont High School and a 2014 graduate of Auburn University where he received a bachelor's degree in agriculture economics.  He is employed by the Azteca Milling Company in Henderson, Kentucky.

 
The wedding is planned for June 4 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville.

Tom and Kayla's Wedding Site Link

PAINTING BUNNIES WITH HEATHER

Don't miss out on my next paint class on March 5th @ 2:00 PM on Maples Farm! I'll be instructing how to paint this adorable bunny on an 18x18" burlap pillow case. $30 per painter and you must prepay to reserve your spot by February 27th. Hope to see you there!
Facebook Link: BLACK COW ART STUDIO

LOVE HAT DAY

Hill Spirit always thinks of the big Kentucky Derby hats when a hat day event happens at Elkmont.

BUNNY SLIPPER DAY

Temperatures will be falling all day with a brisk wind that will make sure it won't be a good day to be outside. Be of good cheer, Saturday is predicted to be sunny and about 60.

8

 

KATHERINE (KAY) WEBSTER - OBITUARY

Katherine (Kay) Webster, 66 of Athens died Sunday at Huntsville Hospital.

Services will be 1PM Thursday at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Robert Hall, Guy McDaniel officiating, burial in Bonner Town Cemetery visitation is from 6-9PM Wednesday at Spry Funeral Home.

Mrs. Webster was born April 12, 1949 in Limestone County, she was a member of O’Neal Church of Christ and she was a homemaker.

Survivors: 
Husband: 
John T. Webster of Athens

Daughter: 
Melvia Webster of Athens

Sisters: 
Billie Sue Bates of Athens  
Helen Carter of Elkmont 
Alice Ann Carter of Athens
Nancy Morris of Elkmont 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Pallbearers: 
Kenneth Daly, Junior Carter, Joe Dowd, David Dowd, John Carter, Chris Pressnell 

Honorary Pallbearers: Hugo Bates, Henry Carter.

RICKY EUGENE HICKS SENIOR - OBITUARY

Ricky Eugene Hicks, Sr., 60 of Ardmore, Alabama, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016, at Athens-Limestone Hospital in Athens, Alabama.
Born Friday, December 16, 1955, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Carlton Eugene Hicks and Margaret Noveolla Ingle Hicks. He was preceded in death by his step-dad Lonnie Kelley, two uncles, and many cousins.

He was a resident of this area for twenty years moving here from LaFayette, GA. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed tractor riding, dogs, guns, and fishing with his grandkids.

Surviving are wife, Debbie Hicks, Ardmore, AL; son, Ricky (Christina) Hicks of Warner Robins, GA; daughters, Stephanie Hicks of Athens, AL, Samantha Hicks of Decatur, AL; sisters, Stacey Hicks of East Ridge, TN, Tracy Hicks of East Ridge, TN, sister-in-law, Connie Wynn of Ardmore, AL; mother-in-law, Mary Jo Strickland of Elkmont, AL; father-in-law, Grady Frank Nelson of Chickamauga, GA; brother-in-law, Grady "Buddy" (Denise) Nelson, Jr. of Kensington, GA; six grandchildren, Dominique, Amber, Christian, January, Jonathan, and Abigail; and his FBI brothers.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 23, 2015, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL with Ricky Hicks, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery, Athens, AL.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, February 22, 2016, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local Hospice organization.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

HEADS UP! Special Olympic run will be April 7th, starting at 2pm at East Limestone High School and run to every County High school through the night on April 8. Finish at the AHS track Friday morning. Donation of $100 dollars (but not limited to that amount) required by participants. All checks payable to Family and Friends of Special Athletes of Limestone County. 75+ miles of fun! Lots of food, stories, and laughs plus a great cause! Let me know who's in! 
FACEBOOK LINK: Barry

FLOOD WATCH LATER TODAY UNTIL WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

Very saturated ground conditions currently exist across the Tennessee Valley. Moderate to heavy rainfall associated with thunderstorms will lead to one to two inches of rain with locally higher amounts. These rainfall amounts could result in flooding across the Tennessee Valley. A Flood Watch is in effect from 3 PM this afternoon through 3 PM Wednesday.

MELANIE MAPLES LOVES NUMBERS

We all know that Elkmont's Melanie Maples is wonderful but now anyone who reads the Decatur paper knows too. 
She was recognized in the Decatur Daily, February 22. It is a great article about all she does to help the Decatur Schools keep their books in order and save money as well. There is a link to the full article at the end of this post. 
 

Melanie Maples has been successfully keeping Decatur City Schools financially sound for almost a decade and half while also devising ways to accomplish the district's education goals.

As chief schools financial officer, Maples is one of the main reasons the school system has withstood the repeated hits of proration and the recession in the past decade.

“I consider Melanie the finest CSFO in the state,” said Ed Nichols, one of three superintendents Maples has worked for in her 14 years with the school system.

School board President Karen Duke called Maples “phenomenal. She just knows where the money is coming from and where it is. She knows how to get the biggest bang for the buck.”

Melanie grew up in the Elkmont area and attended Elkmont High School. She said she fell in love with numbers and accounting during a bookkeeping class with teacher Ida B. Terry.  She married her high school sweetheart, Tommy Maples, and lives on the old Maples farm that has been in his family for 200 years. They raise Angus cattle and fantastic  children.  Her four children (Ben, Josh, Will and Sara) are working in or studying agriculture in college. She also has one granddaughter, Jane.

Duke said Maple’s farm background may be one of the reasons she has done well in managing the school system’s money.
“She’s been close to the dirt. Melanie has a very honest, open way of looking at things. She has to make some decisions on the farm.”

Melanie says  she feels like she’s in the perfect job.

“I enjoy the details, the numbers and putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together," she said. "I also enjoy I work with in the central office and the schools.”

DECATUR DAILY LINK: MAPLES CONSERVATIVE APPROACH

MAKE A STOP AT THE RED CABOOSE

The Red Caboose has another great show this Saturday night, February 27. 

Jim's music career goes back decades. Jim has his own music venue, Jim Parkers Songwriters Showcase, at the Huntsville VBCC. Jim has super talent as a Songwriter/Entertainer.

Danny Wells has his own music production company in Nashville. He has several great hits to his credit including those recorded by George Strait and many others. One of these was the song of the year, Check Yes Or No.
 

Erin Enderlin has written songs recorded by artists such as Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Terri Clark, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Bryan, Joey + Rory, Tyler Farr, Jess Moskaluke, Roger Creager, Josh Grider, and Kyle Park.  The award winning singles “Monday Morning Church” and “Last Call” and the critically acclaimed, "You Don’t Know Jack” are all from this talented songwriter.

Tickets to this show are $25.00 at the door and great snacks and drinks are included. Doors open at 6:00 pm; showtime is 7:00 pm. Children under 12 get in free. What a lineup!!!!.

Beginning February 27, Belle Chevre is bringing back by popular demand its Saturday Supper series of exclusive dinners in Elkmont. Fantastic five course meals of innovative Southern cuisine. Please call 256.732.3577 to reserve your very limited spot.

ELKMONT GETS FIRST SEASON WIN

Elkmont Soccer registered its first win of the season, beating Mars Hill 6-2. Daniel Valencia was on fire, scoring two goals and getting one assist.  

Juan Mendoza, Tee Boyd, Benton McNatt, and Luis Valencia each added a goal. Alex Alvarado, Juan Mendoza, Santiago Altamirano, and Erick Wilkins also had assists.  Eliseo Nava finished with four saves.  

With a record of 1-1-1, Elkmont Boys' next game is at Clements at 6:00 pm on February 22. The Girls' team plays at 4:00 pm.

ZACH MILLER IS WITH THE BLUE ANGELS

He Wore Red First

It doesn't seem like time can move that fast but Hill Spirit remembers when Zach was playing for the Red Devils on the Hilltop.   We are so proud of all our Elkmont folk who are serving in the armed forces.
 
Zach Miller spent one semester at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 2006 before deciding college just wasn't for him. His grandmother would kill him if she knew he'd been talking to a Navy recruiter, so he told his grandfather about his plans instead. He could go, as long as the Navy put him to work doing something useful.  Fast forward 10 years and Miller is now a mechanic in what is perhaps the military's most famous flying group: The Blue Angels.



Zach says, “It's an awesome experience,”  “I never really thought I'd have the opportunity. It's crazy kind of how it worked out. It's more fast-paced than anything I have ever done with the Navy.”


Miller is scheduled to travel with the Blue Angels to 10 shows this year. The closest show to Limestone County will be June 4-5 in Smyrna, Tennessee. His sons are ecstatic about their dad's new job and Miller said he's excited to interact with his and other children during his travels.
“That's like, one of the most fulfilling experiences I'll take away from this,” he said.

Source: Athens News Courier

Complete Article Link: Flying High