KICKIN' DEVILS SMOKED THE INDIANS

Eight Red Devils scored goals on Friday night, resulting in an 11-1 victory over the New Hope Indians. 

Danny Valencia led the Red Devils Varsity Men's team with four goals. Matthew Lowrey, Benton McNatt, Alex Alvarado, Juan Mendoza, Mark Pena, Rafael Aguilar, and Ronaldo Aguilar also scored goals. 

Alex Alvarado's three assists led the team, with Juan Mendoza having two assists. Erick Wilkins and Luis Valencia each had one assist. Braden Long registered nine saves as goalie. 

 
Both the JV and Varsity boys play at West Limestone on Tuesday, February 28, with the JV game starting at 4:00 pm.  The varsity game will follow and will start around 6:30 pm.

JOHN "BUDDY" SYLVESTER - OBITUARY

John "Buddy" Sylvester 77, of Toney,AL died Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at his home. Buddy was born Saturday, February 25, 1939 in Huntsville, AL, he was the son of Curtis Sylvester and Katherine White Sylvester. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers, Woodrow and Jerry Sylvester. He was a Brick Mason and a member of Union Hill Baptist Church. He enjoyed woodworking and playing the Harmonica.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Katherine Sylvester, Toney, AL, Sons, Johnny Sylvester, Petersburg, TN, Tony Sylvester, Toney, AL, Daughters, Barbara Moore, Athens, AL, Cathy Turner, Moulton, AL, Brothers, James Sylvester, Toney, AL, Tommie Sylvester, Elkmont, AL, Jack Sylvester, Huntsville, AL, Donald Sylvester, Huntsville, AL, Sisters, Dorothy Edwards, Lewisburg, TN, Jolene Hallman, Hazel Green, AL, Juanita Baldwin, Hartselle, AL, 7 Grandchildren, 7 Step-Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren and 11 Step-Great-Grandchildren, and host of Friends.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Don Hillis officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

ELKMONT SWEEPS CLEMENTS IN AREA PLAY

Both of our soccer programs won their first area game Thursday. The Varsity Lady Devils won, 3-1. The Elkmont boys held the Clements Colts scoreless for the win.

The Kickin' Red Devils overcame a slow start to post its second win of the season in a decisive 7-0 victory over Clements. 

Daniel Valencia scored three goals and had one assist. Juan Mendoza added one goal and an assist. Goals by Ronaldo Aguilar, Luis Valencia, and Nehemias Vicente rounded out the scoring for Red Devils.

With Elkmont keeping the ball on Clements' side of the field for most of the night, it was a quiet night for the defense. Braden Long did register five saves in his debut as goalie. 

Elkmont travels to New Hope for a 5:00 pm match today.

Howard Cornelius "Boots" Pepper - OBITUARY

Howard Cornelius "Boots" Pepper, 87 of Cullman, Alabama died on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.  Born Monday, June 17, 1929 in Athens, Alabama, he was the son of the late FL Pepper and the late Lillie Jones Pepper. He was a member of Sincoe Baptist Church in Cullman, AL. He loved bluegrass music and selling Christmas trees. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Annie Lewter Pepper, son: Ray Ervin, and grandson: Nicholas Pepper.

Surviving are sons, Timothy C. Pepper of Decatur, AL, Jeffery Lynn Pepper of Cullman, AL and EJ Ervin of Elkmont, AL, daughters, Cindy Stidham of Cullman, AL, Pamela Williams of Huntsville, AL and Debbie Darsey of Gulfport, MS, brother, Harold Pepper of Athens, AL, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one gr-gr-grandchild.
 
Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Dale Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

AFTER SCHOOL FUN ON FEB 28

MEET THE KICKIN' DEVILS

Today, two more players from the Elkmont Soccer team are featured.

Our varsity boys team beat West Limestone in their opening match, 4-0.  Their game today has been cancelled. Looking for a fantastic season this spring.

LAUGHING WITH DONNA

A man asked his wife what she'd like for her birthday. "I'd love to be six again," she replied.
 
On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear--everything there was! Wow!
 
Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down. Right to McDonald's they went, where her husband ordered her a Big Mac along with extra fries and a refreshing chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie - the latest Star Wars epic, and hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi Cola, and M&Ms. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed.

He leaned over and lovingly asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being six again?" One eye opened. The wife said, "You idiot, I meant my dress size!"

YOU AREN'T THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS THE FLU

With the early onset of very cold weather back in December, the Flu season got off to an earlier start than last year and now has the entire U.S. gripped in widespread flu. This is the most widespread nationwide outbreak in 9 years! If you're healthy...count your blessings as there are a lot of sick folks out  there.  

weathertrends

KICKIN' RED DEVILS HOLD WILDCATS SCORELESS

The Varsity soccer team began its season with a convincing win over West Limestone. Ahead 1-0 at halftime, the Red Devils wore down the Wildcats in the second half, winning by a final score of 4-0. 

Senior captain Daniel Valencia scored two goals. Senior Captain Alex Alvarado added one goal and an assist. Juan Mendoza brought the crowd to its feet with a goal from close to midfield, rounding out the Red Devils' scoring. 

On the defensive side of the field, Santiago Altamirano, Rafael Aguilar, and Ronaldo Aguilar performed their usual magic. Goalie Tee Boyd registered seven saves. 

The February 21 game against Muscle Shoals has been cancelled. Elkmont's next game is an important area game at Clements on February 23 at 6:30 p.m.

HOUND DOG ON THE PORCH

The second running of the Hound Dog Half is in the books. Ludivine is tired and sleeping on the porch. Make plans to join us next year. Results Link

Great race this morning! We live in a very special place if you haven't realized it. 

I heard over and ever again on the course today how beautiful this part of Alabama is and how pretty the trail is and how lucky we are to have it. 

I was running a stretch on the trail, realizing how blessed I am to be out of the boot and while a little slower I am at least getting to be out there. 

I was thinking about all the wonderful people who helped to make a fantastic event. The great parents and grandparents who were volunteering their time for the race. The Elkmont police, Donnie Joe Johns, and the Sheriff's Department for coming out. The clubs from school and the Ardmore track team for working the water stops. The sponsors and the community for all of their support! 

 
I was looking over at some of the hillsides and I couldn't help but think that 100 years ago someone was probably riding a train along that same path looking out of the window. Can't help but wonder... what was he thinking? 

We are all just here for a little while and the relationships, the effort, and the love we show for each other really matters. Runners and their supporters are the best group of people around! Great to see old friends and to make some new ones today! 

Thankful for Ludivine, the lovable hound dog! Been a fun year!

Barry Pugh

Down Home Portraits Link 

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Okay.....I have a problem with "try me" signs. I do pretty well if I stay away from the toy section where you "squeeze my hand to hear me talk" or from the lady at the grocery store who has the "try these pizza poppers." 

"Try me signs" seem to just jump out and dare me to do it.


Last night Leigh and I ate at Bridge Street and went into Bath and Body works. (I only go in there for the men's section of the body spray.....kind of a grown up version of Axe) . The "try me" signs were every where. I was looking for some good smelling lotion for Leigh 😜 and I was squirting and smelling and trying everything in sight. 

I smelled like an old lady at church before it was over. This guy, who really, really, really, liked his job took Leigh to find some (Girllllllll....we got new essential oils in the front) lotion. 

I was trying everything in sight and I came upon some lemon lime luxury something and I squirted a big ole' dollop on my hand. 

Now I had two cans ( buy three get 50 free......you know the drill) of my grown up Axe and my phone and wallet. This dollop of lemon lime goodness turned out to be exfoliating body scrub! I rubbed it in thinking it would go away......nope.....it just got heavier and more creamier. My hands were completely covered! 

Leigh was still over with "Mister I love my job" and I had to find some form of liquid to get this off of me! I scooped up my grown up Axe and phone and wallet with my arms and was trying to hide my hands, which now resembled Mickey Mouse's, and figure out what to do! 

I remembered seeing a sink when I was smelling the "Summer Shimmer" so I scooted my way over as to not drop what was cradled between my right elbow and left eyebrow! 

I get almost to the sink and dropped my wallet. I have to pick it up and now it looks like a powdered doughnut. I finally make it to the sink, after many stares, and washed it off. I also had to wash off the grown up Axe and my wallet! 

Lesson learned! Read the bottle no matter how loud the "try me" sign is yelling! My hands sure were soft though! Have a good one!

THOMAS WAYNE EAVES - OBITUARY

 
Thomas Wayne Eaves, 68 of Ardmore, Alabama died on Friday, February 17, 2017, at Athens-Limestone Hospital. Born Saturday, October 16, 1948 in Ardmore, Alabama, he was the son of the late Jesse Eaves and the late Mamie Clem Eaves. He was a member of the Church of Christ and was an avid Alabama Football fan.

Surviving is special caregivers: Amanda Biggerstaff and Linda Quillen, an Aunt: Ruth Qualls, several cousins and special friends: Steve Biggerstaff and Katie Biggerstaff.

A Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Monday at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Carl Witty officiating. Burial will be in Sylone Cemetery, Elkmont, AL.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

NANCY LEE STANFORD WILLIAMS LUDWIG - OBITUARY

Nancy Lee Sanford Williams Ludwig, 88, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017 in Athens, Alabama. Mrs. Ludwig was born on January 6, 1929 in Huntsville, Alabama. She married Robert Vaughan Williams of Athens on June 16, 1948 and they moved to the Williams family farm in Elkmont, Alabama. They were blessed with four children and 31 years of marriage before Mr. Williams’ passing in 1979. In 1993, Mrs. Ludwig moved back to her family home in downtown Huntsville and later married David Ludwig on January 6, 2001. They enjoyed traveling and an active social life before Mr. Ludwig’s passing in 2012. Mrs. Ludwig then returned to Athens to be near her family. Mrs. Ludwig was a warm and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family and preparing family dinners. She especially enjoyed the youngest family members, always remaining “young at heart”.

Preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Nell Turner Sanford of Huntsville; her husband, Robert Vaughan Williams of Athens; her husband, David Ludwig of Huntsville, her two brothers, John William Sanford of Huntsville and Thomas H. Sanford, Jr. of Alexandria, Louisiana and her son-in-law, William Leslie Nelson.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Williams Nelson of Athens and Leigh Williams Houlder and her husband, Steve of Newnan, GA; by her two sons, Robert V. Williams, of Huntsville and his wife, Susan, and John H. Williams and his wife, Lesa, of Elkmont; 8 grandchildren, Gayle Nelson Brown and husband, Jason, Leslianna Nelson Garlington and husband, Andy, Kathryn Houlder Senger and husband, Robert, Adele Houlder, J.R. Williams, Kaitlyn Williams Bell and husband, Austin, Kasey Williams and Allie Williams; 8 great-grandchildren, Nancy Grace Brown, Nelson Brown, Gray Garlington, Eli Garlington, Kara Senger, Rob Senger, A.J. Bell and Lizzie Bell.

Visitation was held at 10:00 until 10:45 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home, with the graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 17, at Athens City Cemetery, Jason Brown officiated. The interment immediately followed.

HOW DID YOUR FEDERAL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

Senator Jeff Sessions is now our Attorney General of the United States. May he be led by the Lord as he takes on this difficult task. Luther Strange has been appointed to fill Sessions' Senate seat by Governor Bentley . He started voting at the end of last week. We will have to see how he responds to the pressure cooker called Washington D.C

 Recent Senate Votes

Prohibit Sen. Elizabeth Warren to Speak on Senate Floor When Debating Sen. Sessions Nomination to be U.S. Attorney General - Vote Sustained (49-43, 8 Not Voting) The Senate voted to sustain the ruling of the presiding officer (Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines) in which he prohibited Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren from speaking on the Senate floor for the remainder of the debate concerning Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions' nomination to be U.S. attorney general. The presiding officer ruled that Sen. Warren violated Senate rule 19 prohibiting senators from "imputing" one another. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted no data Confirmation of Sen. Jeff Sessions to be U.S. Attorney General - Vote Confirmed (52-47, 1 Present) Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted no data Confirmation of Rep. Tom Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services - Vote Confirmed (52-47, 1 Not Voting) Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES

Recent House Votes

Disapprove BLM Land Use Planning Rule - Vote Passed (234-186, 12 Not Voting) The joint resolution would disapprove the rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on Dec. 12, 2016, which modified the process under which BLM develops plans for the use of the public lands it manages, including by considering a wider variety of issues and possible impacts. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Disapprove State Education Accountability Rule - Vote Passed (234-190, 8 Not Voting) The joint resolution would disapprove the rule issued by the Education Department on Nov. 29, 2016 which addresses implementation of a state's accountability systems when receiving federal education funding under the Elementary and Secondary School Act (ESEA). Among other things, the rule requires states to identify low-performing schools for comprehensive or targeted support and improvement, and requires that each state's statewide plan use multiple indicators of student success that are the same for all public schools (including charter schools). Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Disapprove Teacher Education Program Rule - Vote Passed (240-181, 11 Not Voting) The joint resolution would disapprove the rule issued by the Education Department on Oct. 31, 2016, relating to teacher preparation programs that require states to annually evaluate the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education and to publicly report this information, including the job placement and retention rates of graduates. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

Upcoming Votes

Nomination of Steven Mnuchin to be Secretary of the Treasury - PN26 The Senate is expected to take up the nomination of Steven Mnuchin to be secretary of the Treasury. Nomination of David Shulkin to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs - PN39 The Senate is expected to take up the nomination of David Shulkin to be secretary of Veterans Affairs. Texas-Oklahoma Border Lands - HR428 The bill would require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to pay for a private survey to identify the south boundary line along the Red River separating Texas and Oklahoma with regards to land title and ownership, with the states of Texas and Oklahoma to determine which lands are federal lands and which are private. Disapprove Unemployment Benefit Drug Testing Rule - HJRES42 The resolution would disapprove the rule issued by the Labor Department on Aug. 1, 2016, that defines the occupations for which states can require individuals applying for unemployment benefits to undergo drug testing. Disapprove State Retirement Plan ERISA Exemption Rule - HJRES66 The measure would disapprove the rule issued by the Labor Department on Aug. 30, 2016, that exempts state-administered retirement plans for workers at private sector businesses and nonprofit entities that don't offer retirement plans from certain restrictions and requirements under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Disapprove Local Government Retirement Plan ERISA Exemption Rule - HJRES67 The measure would disapprove the rule issued by the Labor Department on Dec. 20, 2016, that exempts local government-administered retirement plans for workers at private sector businesses and nonprofit entities from certain restrictions and requirements under ERISA. Disapprove Alaska Predator Control Rule - HJRES69 The resolution would disapprove the rule issued by the Interior Department on Aug. 5, 2016, that prohibits certain predator control practices in national wildlife refuges in Alaska (such as the taking of mother bears and their cubs, the killing of wolves and their pups at den sites, and aerial shooting). Disapprove HHS Planned Parenthood Funding Rule - HJRES43 The resolution would disapprove the rule issued by the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) on Dec. 19, 2016, that modifies eligibility requirements for Title X grants for family planning services to specify that states awarding funds cannot prohibit a health care provider from participating for reasons other than its ability to provide Title X services.