HORSIN' AROUND WITH KAYLNN

I've been giving riding lessons lately and I was just thinking about my childhood.  It's funny how I learned to ride. My Popa had gotten out of the horse business already so it was a while before he started teaching me how to ride. 

I was the typical 4 year old that had one dream.. only to own a pony. My daddy and I had gone to Dog Day in Ardmoreand that's where I saw Forest, my first pony. He was the ugliest thing ever, but I loved him! Luckily my dad was a sucker and I talked him into it 😂 I was the happiest girl in the world. I still remember, just looking at my daddy, smiling all the way home. 

I didn't have a saddle so my parents found one for me to borrow. The Smiths let me use their pony saddle... which HAD NO HORN 😂😂 but I didn't care. I was so thankful and didn't have a choice, but learn how to ride. I learned a lot with that mean little fella.  **Remember this was a Dog Day pony so just use your imagination on his behavior.** 

It's really the small things that mean the most in life.
Now I look back and I'm so thankful for my parents, that mean little pony, and a broken saddle

RIDING WITH CHIEF DONNIE

On patrol in the neighborhood yesterday, I was flagged down by a lady who had fallen and may have fractured her foot. I radioed dispatch and advised them of the incident and that I needed a ambulance here on Eucalyptus St. 

Dispatch asked me, "HOW DO YOU SPELL It?" After a slight pause, I advised dispatch that I would drag the lady over to Oak St. "That's spelled O.A.K, just send the ambulance there."

ELKMONT'S BRYANT-JORDAN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE

Congratulations to Karley Menefee for winning the Elkmont High School Bryant-Jordan scholar athlete award.

She is and outstanding student selected and nominated by her teachers as the Elkmont High School representative for the Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Award.  A committee of school principals choose the area winners and a committee of school administrators in each region then select the regional winners. The overall and class winners will be selected by a statewide committee comprised of school administrators and state business leaders.

BARRY'S CORNER

I received a very surprising honor last night at the Limestone County tournament. It was the Champion award for supporting our counties special need children through the SOAR (Special Olympics Awareness Run).

This is a run that I and a great group of people participate in each year. This year will be year seven. I was very honored to receive it but I don't deserve the recognition alone. The men and women who run, drive the vans, have food for us at the school, donate money and time for this all deserve to be recognized! There are many people who help with this run each year. 

The real champions though are the athletes and their families. Running the victory lap to kick off the games is one of the most emotional and uplifting events of the year for me and our runners. The parents of these athletes deserve all of the praise. Most of these have done a days work to get the athletes ready and to the event before it even starts. 

Running is the very least we can do! I love this event! The look in the eyes of the participants as some run, some walk, some are pushed around that track is priceless. We all deserve that feeling of accomplishment. 75 miles or steps to a finish line......finishing is winning! 

I appreciate the recognition and dedicate it to all of the participants in the SOAR and the games! Such a great event!

Barry Pugh

COME RUN WITH US

SOAR will be April 6th this year. We will begin at East at 1:00 pm. We will be running all night again to each High School and finish the morning on the 7th at Athens High School at the Special Olympics. Stay and run all night or join us along the route. Each runner will raise a minimum of $100 to help pay for the bus that takes our athletes to state! Let me know who is in! Great run, great time with friends, and a great cause which ends with a lap around the track with a lot of heroes!

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE WEEKLY ADDRESS?

The Weekly Address of the President of the United States is the weekly discussion of current events in the United States by the President. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first U.S. president to speak directly to the people in his fireside chats.  Ronald Reagan revived the practice.

As the Internet became mainstream,  George W. Bush introduced an audio podcast feed and Barack Obama introduced a weekly video. Donald Trump has continued the weekly video address.

FIRST ADDRESS

MIDDLE SCHOOL "A" HONOR ROLL - SECOND QUARTER

January is almost gone. Where did the time go?  The semester is over and these hard working students have made the second  quarter "A " Honor Roll at Elkmont Middle School.

SIXTH

Beddingfield, Ella Paige

Broadway, Abbie Kaitlyn

Cagle, Allye Kathryn

Fielding, Hunter Jacob

Guth, Lily Frances

Newton, Aaron Connor

Pressnell, Grayson Kendall

SEVENTH 

Allen, Houston Rowe

Christ, Meredith Jane

Crutcher, Abbie Grace

Gilliland, Micheal Geoffrey

Hamlin, Van Douglas

Harwell, Alyssa Paige

Hernandez, Daisy Munoz

Hosner, Bo Joshua

Norwood, Olivia Florence

Woodfin, Mason Glenn

EIGHTH

Burrows, Joshua Blake

Hernandez, Millie

McNatt, Casey Reece

Payne, Jeffrey Ronald JR

Robinson, Preston Hesekiah

Sutherland, Jedidiah James

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL "A" HONOR ROLL - SECOND QUARTER

It's hard to believe but school is now in the second semester.  That means report cards have been issued and the honor roll for the last nine weeks is here.  We are excited to tell you about all the wonderful students that made the "A " Honor Roll at Elkmont Elementary School for the second quarter.  The "A" Honor roll is made up of straight A students.

FOURTH

Adams, Isabella Elise
Bailey, Ty Dawson
Batrum, Mercedes Lynn
Brown, Gabriela Lashae
Burroughs, Colin Eli
Chambers, McKenzie Avery
Conley, Jade Skye
Crutcher, Meleah Ann
Davis, Darby Carrielene
Guthrie, Jake Heath
Hobbs, James Corder
Hobbs, Jessie Curtis
Horton, LaTanya Carishae
Hosner, Layla Nicole
King, Jayce Houston
Lane, Morgan Turien-Sue
Lide, Jordan Tyler
Monroe, Mallory Grace
Osborne, Olivia Stephanie
Pylant, Benjamin Jackson
Ridgeway, Brooklyn Paige
Smith, Landon Parker
Steelman, Brayden Wayne
Thompson, River Linley
Tippett, Lucas Hunter
Vaughan, Aubrey Elizabeth
Vining, Oakly Blue
Williams, Briley Virginia

 
FIFTH

Altibali, Roba

Beneros, Moises David

Fisher, Taylor Jordan

Fleming, Ryan Nicholas

Fleming, William Grayson

Gilbert, Molly Elise

Hamlin, Thea Angelene

Johnson, Jasmine Claire

Kennedy, Makayla Jade

Liverett, Karlie Grace

McNatt, Lexie Faith

Miller, Bryson Reid

Newton, Brianna Michelle

Smith, Hannah Kaitlyn

Terry, Austin Heath

Thompson, Chase Edward

Vinson, Emily MaKynna

Watkins, Carter Wilson

Wiggins, Ashley Dawn

Wilbourn, Katie Lyn

 

LINDA W. WHITE - OBITUARY

 
Linda S. White, 68, of Hazel Green, passed away Wednesday, January 25. Mrs. White was preceded in death by eight siblings. 

Survivors include her husband, John M. White; daughter, Angie Rozell (Steve); three grandsons: Steven Jones, Michael Jones, and Travis Rozell; two sister, Faye DeJong and Tee Locke; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members who called her “Mom.”  Elkmont connection is this is Mike Keyes' (wife - Theresa) aunt on his mother's side.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 29 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home. Chapel service will follow at 2:00 with Rev. Mike McFarlen officiating. Burial will be at Hampton Cove Cemetery.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK ?

28
ELKMONT SCHOOL 
*Limestone County Tournament
*MS Lady Devils vs West @ 11am
*MS Red Devils vs West@ 12:15


*Baseball Work Day @ high school field; 10:30 am

*Youth Basketball Games  

Baseball/Softball Youth League Signups:
*10am - 2 pm; old gym
*don't forget to being copy of birth certificate (proof of age)
*online registration link

29  CHURCH DAY  
*Count Your Blessings, One By One

BARRY'S CORNER

I remember being young and hearing the young calf crying in the pasture. Daddy would always say "he's looking for his mama". 

I remember being young and I knew when "Match Game" was over it was time. I'd go stand by the door until she showed up. I was "looking for mama."

I see students in the car line who may be getting a little a scared when their car is not in the front of the line. They are looking for mama. 

 
I see people caring for the body, treasuring the moments, holding on to the memories, seemingly the roles have reversed.....and many of them are "looking for their mama". 

 
A Mama's love is special. It can wrap us up and make us feel safe. It can take us "home" with just a look from those eyes. Mama's are truly special. No one can take their place! Have a good one!

RICKEY WADE BROOKS - OBITUARY

Rickey Wade Brooks, age 60, of Elkmont passed away Monday, January 23, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital. Mr. Brooks was born May 18, 1956 in Giles County, TN to J.B. Brooks and Ruby Martin Brooks.

Services will be Thursday, January 26, 2017 11:00 a.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Boyles officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 25, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hastings Cemetery.

Mr. Brooks was retired from General Motors, and was raised in the Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Ruby Brooks; nephew, Jeremy Lewter.

Survived by one son, Daniel Brooks and wife, Tammy of New Market, AL; two daughters, Katrina LeCroix and husband, Steven of Athens and Kimberly Smart and husband, Jamie of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Jaden Brooks, Landon LeCroix, Sadie Beth LeCroix, Laura Leigh LeCroix, Cameron Mathewson, Kristen Smart and Chase Smart; one sister, Lissa Murrah and husband, Mike of Nashville, TN; great-nephew, Joshua Meloon; great-niece, ShyAnn Kelley; Cindy Wise the love of his life.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Martin, Barry Martin, Randy Smith, Bryan Clark, Royce Russell and Mike Murrah.

JIMMY WILLIAMS - OBITUARY

Jimmy Williams of Athens passed away Saturday January 21, 2017 at his home. He was born June 7th 1936th to the late John Buford and the late Dena Jane (Anderson) Williams of Elkmont.

Services will be Thursday, January 26, 2017 2:00 p.m., at Limestone Chapel
Funeral Home with Everett Conn officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 25, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Yvonne Ruth Williams, and three children, Dena Haislep (Athens), James Williams Jr (Athens), and Joe Williams (Toney). He had 9 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, all of which he loved dearly.

He graduated from Elkmont High School in 1955. Jimmy took an early retirement from Teledyne Wah Chang in Huntsville to pursue his dream of owning a business in Home Gardening and Landscaping, He and Yvonne opened Jimmy’s Greenhouse and Garden Center in the spring of 1970 serving the East Limestone community. He was a member of Jones Rd Church of Christ and attended church services regularly.

LAUGHING WITH DONNA

One Sunday a pastor told his congregation that the church needed some extra money and asked the people to prayerfully consider giving a little extra in the offering plate. He said that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns.

After the offering plates were passed, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had placed a $1,000 bill in offering. He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation and said he'd like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate.

And there sat our Rosie all the way in the back shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front. Slowly she made her way to the pastor. He told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much and in thanksgiving asked her to pick out three hymns.
Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation, pointed to the three most handsome men in the building and said, "I'll take him and him and him!"

MISS CONGENTIALITY..YOUR NAME IS BRIANNE

This past week has been one I will never forget. From rehearsals every night to backstage bonding with 11 of the best young women on campus, it was a remarkable experience. 

I was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality, which is something I did not see coming but am honored to receive. This award was voted on by the other eleven contestants that are now great friends of mine.

Besides this award, your support is something I cherish. The outpouring of love from my hometown brought tears to my eyes. You are all wonderful people! I can not say
thank you enough for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers sent to me through out all of this. 

If I could send a personal thank you to everyone, I
would. I can not wait to get back home and repay my great community through service and support like you have graciously given to me.

Sincerely,
Brianne Hargrove
Miss UNA's Miss Congeniality 2017

BARRY'S CORNER

I have been surrounded by strong women all of my life. Women who have loved, laughed, and made me who I am. I was taught to respect women and to treat them with respect. 

 
I work with some of the strongest women around in the education field. 

I was blessed with a beautiful daughter who has become a strong woman who inspires me everyday and impresses me with the grace with which she lives her life. 

I have a wife that through her strength moves me to strive to be a better man and know that through her strength contentment in my life is achieved. 

March if you want. Shout from microphones and carry signs if you must. 

In my life the subtle actions, the quiet strength, the guidance I find in their accomplishments resounds louder than anything! Thank you to all of these women and the lives that they have touched! Have a good one!

LIMESTONE COUNTY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT STARTS

Each year the county teams get together and play for the various county championships.  This year's braggin' rights are on the line.  If you are interested in catching a game or two, here is the schedule so you can make your favorite team's game.

The Elkmont Varsity Red Devils are on a winning streak, winning seven out of their last eight games.  They almost kept the run going last night but were a few points short of upsetting the West Limestone Wildcats.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

21
*Hound Dog Half Marathon @ 8 am 
**RESCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 18** 

Youth Basketball Games  

ELKMONT SCHOOL
*Limestone County Tournament

*Baseball Work Day @ high school field; 10:30 am - postponed until next Saturday.

Revival 
Majestic Chapel, at 21315 Hays Mill Road, Elkmont, is holding a revival Jan. 18-21. Tobey Lacewell of Huntland, Tennessee, is featured Jan. 18-19, and Ryan Wilburn of Danville and the Heartfelt Trio singers are featured Jan. 20-21. The public is invited. More information: Pastor Mike Webster 256-431-8038 
22   
CHURCH DAY  
*Count Your Blessings, One By One

HOW DID YOUR FEDERAL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

January 18, 2017

In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District:

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Fiscal 2017 Budget Resolution-Klobuchar Amendment Concerning Drug Importation
• Senate: Fiscal 2017 Budget Resolution
• Senate: Gen. James Mattis Secretary of Defense Waiver
• House: Private Market Investors
• House: Regulatory Accountability
• House: SEC Cost-Benefit Analyses
• House: CFTC Reauthorization
• House: Fiscal 2017 Budget Resolution
• House: Gen. James Mattis Secretary of Defense Waiver

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: GAO Access and Oversight

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Editor's Note: The House is out of session until Jan. 20 when they will meet for a pro forma session.

Recent Senate Votes

Fiscal 2017 Budget Resolution-Klobuchar Amendment Concerning Drug Importation - Vote Rejected (46-52, 2 Not Voting) The amendment would establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to lower prescription drug prices for Americans by importing drugs from Canada. Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO Sen. Jeff Sessions voted Not Voting Fiscal 2017 Budget Resolution - Vote Agreed to (51-48, 1 Not Voting) The concurrent resolution would trigger the budget reconciliation process and enable the subsequent consideration of reconciliation legislation to repeal major portions of the 2010 health law. The measure would provide instructions to two Senate and two House committees to cut a minimum of $1 billion each during the next 10 years as part of budget reconciliation. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES Gen. James Mattis Secretary of Defense Waiver - Vote Passed (81-17, 2 Not Voting) The bill would provide for an exception to a limitation against appointment of persons as secretary of Defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Jeff Sessions voted YES

Recent House Votes

Private Market Investors - Vote Passed (344-73, 17 Not Voting) The bill would expand the circumstances under which events where businesses offer unregistered securities in the private market would not be considered "general solicitations" that otherwise require the issuer to verify that the individuals attending the events are accredited investors. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Regulatory Accountability - Vote Passed (238-183, 13 Not Voting) The bill would modify the federal rule-making process with a focus on reducing the possible economic costs of federal regulations, allowing more legal challenges to rules and increasing transparency. Among its provisions, it would require agencies to estimate the cost of proposed regulations and consider lower-cost alternatives, creating additional steps that agencies must follow when proposing "major" or "high impact" rules, including an opportunity for the public to challenge agency justifications and findings. It also automatically would postpone the implementation of new federal rules costing $1 billion or more until all legal challenges are resolved, and it effectively would overturn two Supreme Court decisions that require courts to give substantial deference to an agency's interpretation of a rule or underlying law. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES SEC Cost-Benefit Analyses - Vote Passed (243-184, 7 Not Voting) The bill would require the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct cost-benefit analyses of new regulatory proposals and existing rules, and to modify or rescind those found to have a negative impact. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES CFTC Reauthorization - Vote Passed (239-182, 13 Not Voting) The bill would reauthorize operations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission through fiscal 2021 and amend the 2010 financial regulatory overhaul law to modify and clarify how the CFTC is to regulate derivatives and swaps. Among its provisions, it would ease certain regulatory requirements to ensure that some "end users" of derivatives are not regulated as swaps dealers, require the CFTC to conduct cost-benefit analyses of its proposed rules and allow for the development of rules regarding the interaction of U.S. swaps rules to international requirements. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Fiscal 2017 Budget Resolution - Vote Passed (227-198, 10 Not Voting) The concurrent resolution would trigger the budget reconciliation process and enable the subsequent consideration of reconciliation legislation to repeal major portions of the 2010 health law. The measure would provide instructions to two Senate and two House committees to cut a minimum of $1 billion each during the next 10 years as part of budget reconciliation. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Gen. James Mattis Secretary of Defense Waiver - Vote Passed (268-151, 1 Present, 14 Not Voting) The bill that would provide for an exception to a limitation against appointment of persons as secretary of Defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES