YOUNG LADY DEVILS WIN TWO

Not only are our high school volleyball teams good, our youth 10U team picked up two big wins yesterday.  The Elkmont 1, 10U Volleyball team beat Athens Bible School and Blue Springs.  Wishing them a fantastic season and they are off to a good start.  

LOIS ULEAN RIDDLE - OBITUARY

Lois Ulean Riddle, 80, of Elkmont, Alabama passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016, at Limestone Health Facility in Athens, Alabama.

Born Monday, March 9, 1936 in Hazel Green, Alabama she was the daughter of the late Lonnie Stafford and Odell Batts Stafford.  She was a life long resident of this area and was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Thomas Edgar Rozell, second husband, Leon Aaron Riddle, brothers, Sam and Solan Stafford, two sisters, Avoe Haygood and Louise Talley, daughter, Priscilla Riddle and granddaughter, Veronica Riddle.

Surviving are daughters, Janice Vickers of Elkmont, AL, Susan (Jackie) Whitt of Town Creek, AL, Dayna (Clayton) Turner of Elkmont, AL and Gail (Bradley) Puckett of Elkmont, AL, son, Roger (Tammy) Riddle of Ardmore, TN and Mark Riddle of Ardmore, TN, sisters, Helen Chandler of Hazel Green, AL and Linda Smart of Hazel Green, AL. seven grandchildren with two special grandsons, Bret and Ben Riddle, seven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, two step daughters and one step son.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 29, 2016 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with the Bro. Joel Logan and Bro. Ray Pettit officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Monday, August 29, 2016, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

MACKLIN H. HOGAN - OBITUARY

Macklin H. Hogan, 94 of Elkmont passed away on Thursday August 25, 2016 at Limestone Health Facility. Mr. Hogan was born April 23, 1922 in Elkmont, AL to Hardy Franklin and Dovey Hasting Hogan.

Mr. Hogan was preceded in death by his parents, Hardy and Dovey Hogan; wife of 55 years, Virginia Woodfin Hogan; sisters, Nettie Hogan Howell, Icy Hogan Pylant, Evelyn Hogan Eubanks, Roberta Hogan Stanford, Ruth Hogan McCowan, Louise Hogan Robinson; brothers, Howard Hogan, Marvin Hogan, and John Ross Hogan.

Mr. Hogan is survived by his wife Evelyn McMahan Hogan; three sons, Kenneth Macklin Hogan (Sue), David Allen Hogan (Diane), and Danny Ray Hogan (Carol); two daughters, Barbara Hogan Klepper (Steve), and Dana Hogan Besherse (Jeff); step-daughter, Susan Pylant (Larry); 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
 
Services for Mr. Hogan will be Monday, August 29, 2011, 11:00 AM at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Kenneth Hogan officiating. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Limestone Chapel. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

JV LADY DEVILS START OFF SEASON WITH A BANG

The 2016 volleyball season started last Thursday and Elkmont has already brought home a trophy.  Elkmont's JV team won the Athens Invitational Tournament this weekend! Way to go Lady Red Devils!  Their next match will be August 30 as they host Tanner and Giles County at 4:30 pm.

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

The Elkmont middle school volleyball team started their season yesterday at Athens.  The Lady Devils beat the Athens Eaglettes and lost to Danville.  The seventh grade team beat Athens as well.

 

MEET THE RUNNING RED DEVILS

The cross country team has been training all summer for the 2016 fall season. The Running Red Devils have become a power in the state cross country scene. Our teams aren't large but what Elkmont doesn't have in numbers, it makes up in talent.  

The men's team will be anchored by Chance Bailey and Chase Prater.  Both were selected to the
All State 4A team last year. With the new 3A classification, Elkmont should be high in the preseason rankings with these two leading the boys team. 

The Running Red Devils will be opening the season at the Pepsi Challenge in Molton, August 27. Look for articles throughout the fall from the cross country reporter to keep up with our teams. 

   

August 
27  Pepsi Challenge @ Lawrence Co. High; 8 am

30  Brooks Invitational @ McFarland Park; 4 pm

September 
03  Warrior Invitational @ Wilon High School; 8 am 

10  9/11 Heroes Run @ Athens; 7 am 

17  Fairview Invitational; 8 am

26  Cold Springs Kudzu Run; 8 am 

October 
01  Jesse Owens @ Oakville Indian Mounds; 8 am

13  Clements Invitational; 4pm

15  Bob Jones; 8 am

20  ABS Invitational @ Athens Sportsplex; 3 pm 

25   Elkmont Invitational; 4 pm

November 
03  Sectionals @ Wilson High School; all day 

12  State Meet @ Oakville Indian Mounds

VOLLEYBALL STARTS TODAY

Elkmont High School will be opening their 2016 season today.  Here are the Lady Devils who will be on the floor this year.  Wish them the best of fortune for a great season. Special thanks to Down Home Portraits for the photos.

VARSITY

JUNIOR VARSITY

MIDDLE SCHOOL

*schedule subject to change

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to some of our senior athletes at Elkmont. This picture I am holding is one of me, senior year. Thirty years that really seemed to pass in a flash. 

I wrote a letter to that eighteen year old young man to use during the talk. It has really had me thinking. Wouldn't it be great to be able to let yourself in on all of the things you thought you knew to be true then? 

How great it would be to tell yourself that every single decision you make at that age will have an impact on who you become. The people you choose to surround yourself with will help dictate choices you make in life. To know all of the good things that are coming your way and that the bad is temporary and while painful it makes you stronger. 

I'd like to tell him to be a better friend to some and to treat others with kindness. I'd like to tell him to listen to advice from his parents and to spend more time studying. I would like to tell him to be a leader and not "go along with the crowd". Just to let him know to be "still" at times and look at all of the beauty in the world. Tell him to appreciate life and not complain so much because the sad truth is not every young person gets to grow up. Most of all I would tell him that being a servant and living to lift others is not easy for him, but is a must to live a life in peace. 

Looking out at the kids I have taught and coached is a blessing. I would love to crawl in each of their minds and give them the tools I have learned I needed over this past thirty years. Not going to happen, I know. But I do hope they realize this life is a gift. It doesn't necessarily belong to us entirely, but we have total control over the way we use it. We can put it in the corner and let it sit. We can destroy it with self pity and turmoil because it isn't "wrapped" the way we thought it might be. Or we can open it up, share it with others, and appreciate it and give it back to the One it came from! Have a good one!

ELKMONT WEATHER THIS WEEK

Today is the last preview of fall weather on the Hilltop until September.  Be sure to get outside and enjoy the drier and cooler air. 

IF YOU NEED SOMETHING TO DO

Cue the sights, sounds and smells of the midway. The fair, with more than 20 rides and dozens of games, will set up at Limestone County’s Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena from Tuesday to Saturday.

Gates to the arena on Alabama 99 open at 5 p.m. each day.

Along with rides, the fair will feature a petting zoo, traditional dishes of corn dogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, chicken on a stick and funnel cakes and live entertainment with classic rock ‘n’ roll band The Flashbacks performing on Saturday, 7-9 p.m.

Cost is $3 for admission, free for children 2 and younger and $15 for ride armbands.

TCP HELPING FULL TUMMY PROJECT

IMMEDIATE NEED...so please bring donations as you have them. They will be delivered as it comes in to start filling bags now since school is starting.
 
We have been asked to help the Full Tummy Project for our less fortunate children.
We will begin right away and collect through August, at which time delivery will be to a local church for the items to be bagged and distributed.
The Full Tummy Project centers around a little brown bag of food items designed to supplement the nutritional needs of elementary age school children. Unfortunately many kids go hungry on weekends. These kids rely on school breakfasts, and lunches to feed them. The bags are put into the children's backpacks anonymously to carry home for the weekend.

What is packed in Full Tummy Project Little Brown Bags:
2 Breakfast Items
2 Drink Pouches
1 Package of Crackers
1 Treat
2 Meat Items
1 Fruit Item
2 Snack Items

What type of items should I buy:

 

Hey Folks ...😉 It's time again but after we complete this service project we plan on taking a break until the Thanksgiving and Christmas projects.  As always thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and donations.

Drop off locations: Phebe A Durant @ Don Carter
24185 US HWY 72 E Athens

Mandy Hemmen @ Springleaf
800 US HWY 72 W Athens

You can also always message us for other pickup or drop off arrangements. Angie McElyea Brad Pierce Phebe Durant & Mandy Hemmen

 Thanks Everyone

LP & the Admins

HELEN VIRGINIA ABLES - OBITUARY

Helen Virginia Ables, age 80 of Prospect, TN passed away on Friday, August 19, 2016. Mrs. Ables was born March, 7 1936 in Limestone County to Gilbert and Nina Kimbrough Williams.

Mrs. Ables is survived by three daughters, Shirley Whitfield (Paul), Deborah Toth (David), and Cathy Ables; two sisters, Louise Hamley, Christine Smith (Cleatus); four grandchildren, Michael, Holly, Lori, and Donnie; six great-grandchildren, Madison, Dalton, Katelyn, Paul David, Bo, and Jacob, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Services for Mrs. Ables will be Monday, August 22, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Robert Lancaster officiating. Family will receive friends Sunday, August 21, 2016 4:00-8:00 PM at Limestone Chapel. Burial will be in Pettusville Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Michael Solomon, Donnie Lewonczyk, Dalton Carwile, Charlie Hamley, Eddie Shannon, Tim Fugatt, and J.B. Whitfield.

Mrs. Ables was a member of Pettusville Methodist Church, Elkmont.

TINA ANN BRACKLEY - OBITUARY

Tina Ann Brackley, age 44 of Anderson, AL passed away Monday, August 15, 2016. Mrs. Brackley was born February 18, 1972 in Limestone County, AL to Larry Glenn Thomas and Katherine Rice Thomas.

Graveside services will be Thursday, August 18, 2016 4:00 p.m., at Popular Creek Cemetery with Bro Dwight Rayburn officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home.
Mrs. Brackley was a Baptist.

Preceded in death by one brother, Jason Thomas; one sister, Donna Cox.

Survived by her husband, David Brackley of Ringgold, GA; one daughter, Brooke Day of Elkmont; one son, Alex Elmore of Athens; four grandchildren, Hayden Hendon, Brayden Hendon, Anniston Elmore and Laikyn Day; father, Larry Glenn Thomas of Anderson, AL; mother, Katherine White of Anderson; one sister, Cynthia Ray of Anderson, AL; one brother, Marcus Wilson of Anderson, AL.

Pallbearers will be Alex Elmore, Marcus Wilson, Christopher Thomas, Dewayne White, Jamie Vanhoozer and Nick Ray.

KALEY ELIZABETH GREER - OBITUARY

Kaley Elizabeth Greer, 16 of Athens, Alabama passed away on Monday, August 15, 2016 at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Kaley was born May 1, 2000 to Paul and Elizabeth Greer in Huntsville, Alabama.

Kaley was preceded in death by her uncle Eric Greer.

Kaley is survived by her parents, her brother John Paul Greer, grandparents John D. and Lavon Bailey, and Jerry and Brenda Greer, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends throughout the Ardmore and Elkmont communities.

Services for Kaley will be Friday, August 19, 2016 at 4:00 PM at Ardmore High School Gymnasium. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 3:00-8:00 PM at Sardis Springs Baptist Church. The burial will take place in Sardis Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Eli Vining, Jesse Vining, Austin Hodge, Blake Wallace, Jason Hogan, and Kenny Blythe II. Honorary pallbearer is Alec Greer and the Sardis Springs Youth Group.

Kaley had a smile that lit up a room. She was an active member of the Sardis Springs Baptist Church Youth Group, and a founding member of the Youth Choir. 

Kaley played volleyball and basketball as an Ardmore Lady Tiger. She was loved by many, and touched a lot of lives in her short time on this earth. 

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Autism Society of Alabama, 4217 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 or to the Sardis Springs Baptist Church Youth Fund.

SAVILLA DIANNE MISSILDINE - OBITUARY

Savilla Dianne Missildine, age 70 of Elkmont, passed away August 14, 2016 at Huntsville Hospital.
Mrs. Missildine was born April 20, 1946 in Jasper, AL to Walter L. Brown and Billie Burton Brown.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Wallace Henderson Missildine II.

Survivors include 2 sons, Wallace Henderson Missildine, III and wife Donna, David Paul Missildine, 1 daughter, Cindy Wiley and husband Gary, 6 Grandchildren, Melainie Duckworth, Bryant Missildine, Daniel Wiley, Candace Catlin, John Shettles, Toni Malnar, and 6 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Friday, August 19, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. She will lie in state from 10:30 to 11:30 at the church. Visitation will be Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham.

Pallbearers will be Bryant Missildine, John Shettles, Daniel Wiley, Jonathan Duckworth, Bryan Hansen, and Benjamin Hansen.

ELIZABETH CAROLINE POSEY MITCHELL - OBITUARY

Mrs. Elizabeth Caroline Posey Mitchell, age 68 of Elkmont, AL died Friday at her residence.

She was born March 7, 1948 in Limestone Co. AL to Ulver & Lizzy Posey. She was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Hazel Green, AL.

Visitation will be Monday, August 15, 2016, 1 PM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will follow at 3 pm with Mike Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Hasting Cemetery.

Survivors include, Husband: Dennis Mitchell of Elkmont, AL, Daughter: Karen Tann & husband, Brian of Elkmont, AL, Son: Ronnie Mitchell & wife, Brandy of Elkmont, AL, Sister: Voncil Wales of Minor Hill, TN, Brother: James Posey of Elkmont, AL, Grandchildren: Emily Powers, Trey Powers, Lauren Stout, Victoria Mitchell, Austin Thompson & Jesse Thompson, Great Granddaughter: Gracelyn Powers.

FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS AT ELKMONT

During the August 9 meeting's first budget reading, Chief Schools Financial Officer Ann Swanner outlined $5.3 million worth of construction and renovation projects to come up within the next school year.

Elkmont doesn't have anything ongoing but is on the "in the future" list.  Several projects are being developed. 

1. $600,000 for new bathroom facilities
2. $1.5 million for an overhaul of the football stadium bleachers, which might involve moving and replacing the adjacent dressing rooms and bathrooms. 

Superintendent Tom Sisk said PH&J architect firm will present options in the near future for the stadium project. Greg Shoulders asked if the buildings that are potentially to be moved are required by the state and Wallace responded that all options the architect presents will fall in line with state code.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Watching the USA Men's swim team on the podium receiving their gold medals and the looks of emotion on the young men's faces are a true pleasure to watch. 

I am a firm believer that anyone can achieve that feeling when hard work and practice turn into the achievement of a goal. Whether it is walking that first mile or running that first marathon that feeling of accomplishment is just as strong! 

Get out there and get that feeling. Encourage others! Encourage your kids! Self worth goes a long way in young people's lives! I love the Olympics and what they stand for! Have a good one!

BRIDGET YVONNE WILLIAMS - OBITUARY

Bridget Yvonne Williams, age 42 of Athens, passed away Monday, August 1, 2016. Funeral service was Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 1 p.m. at McConnell Memorial Chapel with Steve Hargrove officiating. Visitation was on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Burial was at O'Neal Cemetery. 

 

Bridget was born January 6, 1974 to Ricky Williams and Shelia Stewart Williams. She was a homemaker. Preceded in death are her parents, grandparents, Milton and Neva Louise Stewart, and one brother, Richard Williams.

Survivors include:

Husband, Terry Eller of Athens; 3 sons, Xavier, Zachary, and Olanda Watkins, Jr. all of Athens; 2 daughters, Essence Williams and LaCreasha Watkins both of Guntersville; 1 brother, Coy Williams and wife Crystal of Elkmont; sisters, Samantha Watkins, Melissa Payne both of Huntsville; Diane Tucker of Athens; 1 granddaughter, Nevaeh Tatum of Guntersville and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers will be: 

Terry Eller, Christian Pack, Kevin Ray, Richard Williams, Jeremy Tucker, Justin Commiskey, Olanda Watkins, Jr., and Michael Haney.

ROBERT EDWARD HOPSON - OBITUARY

Robert Edward Hopson, Sr. age 83 of Elkmont, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Hopson was born July 5, 1933 in St, Joseph, MO to George Hopson and Helen Hopson.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Limestone Chapel Funeral Home assisting the family.

Survived by his wife, Barbara June Hopson; two sons, Robert Edward Hopson, Jr. and Mark William Hopson; one grandson, Aidan Hopson; one brother, John Hopson.

MARY SUE (MOO) COFFMAN - OBITUARY

Mary Sue (Moo) Coffman, 63 of Lester, died Friday, August 5 at Athens Limestone Hospital.

Graveside Services were at 2pm Sunday at New Salem Cemetery, A. Ray Blankenship officiated.

Visitation was from 6-9pm Saturday at Spry Funeral Home.

Mrs. Coffman was born August 23, 1952 in Davidson County, Tennessee. She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Salem. Mrs. Coffman was a homemaker.

Survivors: Daughter: Stephanie Diane Griggs of Lester; Grandchildren: Shawn Griggs and Madison Griggs; Sister: Brenda J. Daniel Wood of Elkmont.

Preceded in death by: Parents: Clay and Elizabeth Smith; Brother: Donald Clay Smith.

RED CABOOSE AND BLESSED BY GRACE

Elkmont has the Gin House on 127 and Momma D's by the I-65.  Now, a new restaurant will be coming to downtown Elkmont.  Blessed By Grace BBQ and Soul Food (BBG) recently opened a location next to the railroad tracks on Thatch Road.  It has been so well received that the owners have decided a second location at the Red Caboose is worth trying as well.

BBG is owned by Pastor Mitchell and his lovely wife Lakisha.  Mitchell learned to create wonderful Alabama barbecue from his family and then practiced as a cook at Big Bob Gibson's BBQ.  His secret is the his family recipes.  Great grand-daddy shared his recipes and Dad's white sauce as well as Della's dressing rounded out the collection. 

BBG will have its grand opening, August 13. They will be open from 11am - 7pm every day. However, you can visit early and sample their menu this Friday and Saturday from 11am - 5 pm.  The BBG is part of the lunch for the Piney Chapel Tractor Parade tomorrow.

Stop by and welcome our newest business owners to Elkmont.

DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR ELKMONT MOM

The Athens News Courier has an article today seeking donations to help the Bridgett Williams' family.  
Link to Article

An effort is underway in Limestone County to raise money to cover the funeral expenses for a mother killed in a two-vehicle accident Monday morning northeast of Athens.

Family and friends of the late Bridgett Yvonne Williams, 42, of Elkmont, have set up a gofundme online crowd-funding account in hopes of raising $3,000 to cover her final expenses. Williams left behind four children, Essence, Lacreasha, Xavier and Zachary; and one granddaughter, Naveah.
“She had no burial insurance and her babies need your help,” Sheila Miller said on the gofundme page for Williams. “We are asking for prayers and any donations.”

In just one day, some $740 had already been raised by 13 donors. Those who would like to leave a message or donate, can find the gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/2h2bzahw.

ELKMONT WEATHER TODAY

The rain yesterday split and went around the Hilltop.  Today, storms are floating down from Tennessee once again. We have a good chance that rain will fall before lunch.

WEEK BY WEATHERTRENDS 
This week we start off with another building 4-day heat-wave primarily for the Central U.S. with 90F-100F temps. Nationally this first week of August is the hottest in 4 years. National rainfall is near average and similar to the past couple years. A cool front will push the heat-dome down toward the weekend for a couple day cool down. Very likely we get our 5th named storm of the season (Earl) that should stay in the Caribbean before making landfall in Cancun Mexico area.

ELKMONT WEATHER TODAY

The official forecast says that there is a 30% chance of rain.  However, Hill Spirit thinks that us on the Hilltop have a better chance than the tv channels are predicting.

There are storms floating down from the northwest (southern Illinois and Missouri) again today.  Some are already in western Tennessee.  Look for rain this afternoon.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Year 24 starts today! Hard to believe. The kids become a part of you over all of the years. Like a lot of educators, there is not a day that goes by that I don't run into former students. Memories always flood in when I see them and usually a smile creeps up on my face. 

Teaching and coaching really has defined who I am and how I am perceived. Can't imagine never being Coach Pugh. For some I know it is a career they strive for all of their lives. For me it was a realization after starting college that I wanted to work with kids and hopefully teach them to enjoy physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. I have worked with the best...taught the best...coached the best and watched as some tough kids achieved and became their best. 

Not many careers are this rewarding. Kids are the most honest, kindest, most real, non-judging, important people around. So glad I get to surround myself with them daily. Every day is not perfect and every day is very different but one thing remains. Relationships and love for the job keep teachers and coaches pushing and nudging to create productive citizens! God bless all of my friends and fellow educators as this new year begins! You are all special!