HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

Editor's Note: The House and Senate are not doing legislative business in their respective chambers this week.

Recent Senate Votes

Branstad Nomination - Vote Confirmed (82-13, 5 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Terry Branstad to be U.S. ambassador to China. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Sullivan Nomination - Vote Confirmed (94-6) The Senate confirmed the nomination of John Sullivan to be deputy secretary of State. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Thapar Nomination - Vote Confirmed (52-44, 4 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed Amul R. Thapar of Kentucky to be a judge for the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES

Recent House Votes

Pesticides Regulations - Vote Passed (256-165, 9 Not Voting) The bill would generally prohibit EPA and states from requiring that entities applying pesticides near navigable waters must first obtain a permit under the Clean Water Act, if the application is authorized under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Prosecution of Child Pornography - Vote Passed (368-51, 11 Not Voting) The bill would make the production of child pornography a crime whenever a minor is engaged in sexually explicit conduct, regardless of whether the conduct was initiated for the purposes of producing such content. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Child Abuse Reporting - Vote Passed (415-3, 12 Not Voting) The bill would require adults authorized to interact with minors or amateur athletes to report any suspected incidents of child abuse, including sexual abuse, to the sport's governing body, and it would allow victims of abuse to seek damages in court. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

RUGH QUALLS - OBITUARY

Ruth Qualls, 92, of Elkmont,AL died Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Limestone Health Facility, Athens, Alabama. Born Friday, March 06, 1925 in Elkmont, AL, She was the daughter of Eugene Clem and Laura Ella Clem. She was born in Elkmont and lived in Michigan for many years, then came back home to Elkmont. She was a member of Ardmore Main Street Church of Christ. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading her Bible, and always enjoyed having friends and family over.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Kenneth Qualls, Brothers, Lawrence Clem, and John Henry Clem, twin sister, Trudell Cryar, Sisters, Mamie Eaves, Lois Brock, and Buna Scoggins.
She is survived by, Son, Joe(Stacey) Qualls, Elkmont, AL, Daughters, Wanda (Jim) Kerschbaum, Collierville, TN, and Brenda (Derry) Bickers, Hartford, MI, 5 Grandchildren, Amanda Qualls, Rhonda Brumley, Michael Brumley, David Kerschbaum, Christine White, 4 Great Grandchildren, Raeanna Brumley, Samantha Brumley, Riley Kerschbaum, Finn Kerschbaum, 2 Great Great Grandchildren, James Blankenship, and Aliyah Blankenship.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, at 11:00 AM with Bro. Rex Kilpatrick officiating. Burial will be in Sylone Cemetery, Elkmont, AL.

RAY GENE TERRY - OBITUARY

 
Ray Gene Terry, age 85, a native of Hillsboro, Alabama passed away May 28, 2017. He graduated from Hazelwood High School in 1950. He then entered the United States Air Force where he served for four years. After his service, Ray Gene worked for Hayes Aircraft and then Redstone Arsenal where he retired after thirty years. He then worked as a consultant for COLSA for ten years. As an avid Alabama football fan, Ray Gene also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of Truth Baptist Church where he served, as a Deacon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Winnie Murl Lansdell of Town Creek, Alabama. They reside in Elkmont, Alabama. His four children Pamela (Elon) Maddox, Belinda Terry, Kenny Ray (Alison) Terry, Angela (Robin) Christopher and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by parents Ralph and Lucy Terry, brother Randall Terry, sister Mary Helen Terry and granddaughter Meredith Leann Maddox.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2017 10:00 a.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home located at 32 US-31, Athens, Alabama 35611 at with a service immediately following at 11:00am performed by Brother Donald Terry. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Seth Robinson, Elon W. Maddox, Jr., Elon W. Maddox III, Lucas Terry, Cole Pittman and Reid Terry.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Kindred Hospice and all of the friends and family that have provided their support.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Summer begins! Did a little floating in the pool today, grilled some pork chops and ended it by sitting on the porch in the lamp light watching the lightning bugs and the neighborhood kids playing across the street. 

Brought back a lot of memories of "security light kickball" with little brown bats dipping down at us and the grass just beginning to get damp. Childhood memories that creep up on me and make me smile. Calming, sweet peace in those memories and the moments spent on the porch. 

Peace that came with a price. Peace that teeters on a line and was kept by watchmen who paid the ultimate price. Thankful for all of the men and women who have given their life to let me enjoy mine! Have a safe Memorial Day!

HAROLD LAWSON RYAN - OBITUARY

Harold Lawson Ryan, 87 of Athens, died Saturday at his residence. Mr. Ryan was born November 5, 1929 in Lawrence County to Lester Ausbin Ryan and Verna Mae (Scoggins) Ryan. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Athens, AL.

He served in the United States Air Force. Then later went on to school and became a Chemical Engineer where he retired from Enersolv in Decatur, AL.  

Mr. Ryan was beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. His family was his priority. He was a faithful Christian and loved his church family. He was a charter member of Friendship United Methodist Church of Athens.

Services will be 10AM Monday, May 29, 2017 at Friendship United Methodist Church with Steve Dorning and Tony Johnson officiating, burial at Limestone Memorial Gardens, visitation is from 9AM until 10AM Monday at church, Spry Funeral Home is directing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 55 years, Doris Lorraine Hatfield Ryan.

Survivors: Son: Robert (Phoenix) Ryan, Daughters: Kathleen (Gary) McMeans and Mary Beth Hamilton, all of Athens. Grandchildren: Dana (Timmy) Meredith of Athens, Laney (Billy) Mitchell of Fayetteville, TN, Michael Bates of Athens, Jamie (Amber) Hamilton of Elkmont and Derek Glosson, Great-Grandchildren: Peyton Mereddith of Athens, Addi, Lexi and Mila Mitchell of Fayetteville, TN, Ariel Malone and Autumn Hamilton, both of Elkmont, AL.

Pallbearers will be Gary McMeans, Billy Mitchell, John Romine, Timmy Meredith, Jamie Hamilton and Michael Bates.

The family wishes to express great appreciation to all of the caregivers during his illness and to Hospice of Limestone County for their special care.

PATRICIA ANN LAWRENCE SOPER - OBITUARY

Patricia Ann Lawrence Soper, age 76 of Elkmont, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at her residence. Ms. Soper was born May 28, 1940 in Walker County, AL to Arthur Lawrence and Annie Lou Pruitt Lawrence.
 Ms. Soper graduated from Carbon Hill High School in 1958. She was retired from the Telephone Company in Rockville, MD in 1990.
 
Graveside services will be Friday, May 26, 2017 11:00 a.m., at Carbon Hill Memorial Cemetery with Marshall and Cecil Norman officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home.

Preceded in death by her parents; great-niece, Bailey Bowman.

Survived by three sisters, Billie Fairley and husband, Jim of Madison, AL, Betty Dobbins of Auburn, AL and Arthurene Brooking and husband, Woody of Richmond, VA; three nieces, Kimberly Reese and husband, Paul of Athens, AL, Terri Bowman and husband, Mark of Richmond, VA and Pam Morell and husband, Johnny of Madison, AL; two nephews, Patrick Dobbins and wife, Debbie of Opelika, AL and Mike Fairley and wife, Nanette of Madison, AL; four great-nieces, Kelley Hayes and husband, Brian of Madison, AL, McKenzie Lynn of Jackson, TN,
Hannah Smothers, and husband, Hunter of Dothan, AL and Elizabeth Morrow and husband, Caleb of Madison, AL; two great-nephews, Garrett Fairley, Samuel Lynn both of Athens, AL; one great-great-niece, Lydia Green of Madison, AL; three great-great-nephews, Gunner Green, Logan Hayes both of Madison, AL and Hanley Smothers of Dothan, AL.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Dobbins, Johnny Morell, Jamie Liverett, Brian Hayes and Paul Reese.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN ELKMONT?

MAY

26
ELKMONT SCHOOL
*Summer Vacation Begins

SENIOR CENTER   *Limestone Health Facility to call bingo with prizes, dominoes, billiards, TV, joker and other games, 8:30 a.m 

Rustic Rooster's Community Yard Sale!!
If you are Elkmont folk, you are invited to set up. If you want to participate, please message Rustic Rooster.

27 
Youth Football/Cheerleader Signups
*Athens Water Department 9am -noon

Rustic Rooster's Community Yard Sale!!
If you are Elkmont folk, you are invited to set up. If you want to participate, please message Rustic Rooster.

28
CHURCH DAY
*Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

SENIOR CLASS OF 2017

Another year has come and gone and it is time to say goodbye to our Elkmont Seniors.  Their graduation is tonight @ 6 pm in the new gym. Doors open at 5 pm.
  
Shout out to Decatur Daily for sharing.  If you would like to buy a photo, click on their LINK

 

First Row (left to right):
Karley Menefee, Alex Green, Hope Hice, Alyssa Smith, Jordan Burdge, Stephanie Peek, Olivia Spencer, Tori Pressnell and Taylor Thomas

Second Row (left to right):
Christina Stacy, Kaitlynn Norman, Rachel Hammond, Carrie Rochell, Emma Bates, Allie Williams, Gracen Clinard, Chloe Murphy, Bailee Appleton and Leigha Smith

Third Row (left to right):
Audrey Houston, Madison Jones, Brianna Barnett, Haleigh Lankster, Paola Laguanas, Sammantha Williams, Mikayla Vallejo, Alyssa Emerson and Diana Sanchez

First Row (left to right):
Aliza Leon, Will Hudson, Kelly McNeill, Christian Keller, Arika Miller, Hunter Phillips, Joe Haley, Luke Little and Brace Birdwell

Second Row (left to right):
Daniel Valencia, Alex Alvarado, Colby McNatt, Jay Mullis, Benton Ferguson, Noah Sharp, Gage Hewett, and Sara Craig

Third Row (left to right):
Cody McGee, Jackson Cook, Bryce Tyler, Braxton Hand, Brady Garris, Dustin Sims, David Tucker, Brookelynn Soper, and Charles Rector

Fourth Row (left to right):
Alexis Magoon, Gabriel Gulley, Grant Murphy, Ethan Shoes, Johnathan Craig, Tiyler Walts, Tyler Tucker, and Phillip Holloway

Fifth Row (left to right):
Connor Norman, Zeb Pankey, Matthew Tallent, Tyler Waldrep, Hunter Dubois, Matthew Putman, and Will Davis

NOAH SHARP MAKES THE BIG TIME

The Athens Courier has a fantastic article about our amazing Noah Sharp.  Pick up a hard copy today or click on this link: ELKMONT SENIOR WINS GOLD


HIGHLIGHTS:
The first time Noah Sharp jumped over a hurdle, it was in a competitive track meet. Just over two years later, the Elkmont senior stood on a podium as the 3A state champion in the 300-meter hurdles competition.



"He really didn't have any training in the event he won,” said Elkmont track coach Barry Pugh. “The only time he ever saw a real hurdle was at the meets. It's a feat in itself that he was able to win. He just had a knack for it, we watched some YouTube videos and that's about it.”

VOTE ELKMONT - APPLEBEE'S ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

This should be the last Applebee's contest for this school year.  They won't start back up until the last week of August.  We have done well as a community, winning all but one of  the Applebee's Neighborhood Athlete of the Week! 

We have a chance to go out with a bang.  Haven Kirby has been selected this week as a contestant. So warm up the mouse, it's time to vote. The winner will be announced on Saturday's Tailgate Talk and picks up a gift card from Applebee's! Last day to vote is May 26.

Link for voting:

HAVEN KIRBY

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Dexter posted this..and yes I did mow
my name in the back yard. I thought planes landing in Huntsville could see it. I think I was around 13. Getting things cleaned up at mom's. Going to rent her house. 

I look at this picture and man, if I could just climb inside and live one more day in that house at that time I would. You see the clothes hanging on the line. That tells the tale of a mama who lovingly and without comment or complaint washed our clothes and hung them to dry daily. 
 

I am sure there are some pinto beans cooking on the stove and corn bread and fresh garden vegetables adding to the great smell inside. The volleyball net tells the tale of great friends coming over on Sunday nights after church for volleyball in the back yard. So much fun and laughter. 

Somewhere in that picture (taking it I suppose) is a young boy who felt safe, loved and taken care of. Who could walk inside that house and play in that yard and know that he mattered and was important to the people who lived there. Change is hard. Knowing that time is over even harder. 

Thankful for parents who gave me the chance to fall in love with my home! It will always be with me no matter who lives inside the walls! Just a memory away.....have a good one!

ELKMONT LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP GO TO.....

The Lions Club is a national service organization; their motto is "WE SERVE".  Our Elkmont Lions Club is a fantastic example of being active in their community. Several years ago, the Elkmont Lions Club decided to honor a student at Elkmont High School with a scholarship. Since community service is their primary interest, it was the most important qualification in the selection process.  If candidates had equal service hours, secondary qualifications were considered.   

After many hours and your great support of our projects, we were able to offer two scholarships to our graduating 2017 Seniors. This year we were happy to award the scholarships to Karley Menefee and Noah Sharp   Both of these young people are exceptional examples of our young people and volunteering in community service.  They have many, many hours of service - not only in this community, but in school, church, and other organizations. Their grades are also exceptional and we forward to seeing what they become in the future.

The Lions Club will be looking to present a scholarship next May to another community minded senior.  If you are in high school, you can start to qualify now by volunteering.  You can help your community, school, church or other organizations. Keep a log of those hours so the number is easy to obtain for the Lions Club Scholarship in addition to other scholarship applications. We can help these awards to continue by supporting our Elkmont Lions Club's projects. The next Lion event is the Smokin' Railroad Street BBQ Cook-off, June 9-10.
 

RED DEVILS STILL RUNNING

Some of the our team already racing last Saturday at the Spencer Black 5K. Lots of hardware in the pic. Chase and Van had already left but Chase Prater was overall male and overall winner of the race. Great to see him back after his injury! Claudia Allen was overall female. Thanks to all who came out and the parents who stepped in to help time. I'm a lucky man to have such a great team and great parental support! EHS XC looking great!

BARRY PUGH

WHAT'S GOING ON IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

20
Sheriff's Rodeo
The 35th annual Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo is Saturday, May 20, at the Sheriff's Rodeo Arena on Alabama 99. Gates open at 6 p.m. and events start at 8. Adult tickets are $15 and tickets for children 12 and under are $10. Tickets are now on sale at the Sheriff's Office at 101 W. Elm St. in Athens, at Preston's Western Wear at 1703 U.S. 72 East in Athens, or online at www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com. More information: 256-232-0111.



21 CHURCH DAY
*Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

*Homecoming. Westside Church of Christ at 25704 Smithfield Road, Elkmont will host homecoming Sunday, May 21. Morning worship begins at 10 a.m., followed by Bible study at 11:15, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and afternoon worship at 2:30. Tim Smith, pulpit minister at Inner City Church of Christ in Huntsville, will be the guest speaker. More information: 256-431-6425.

LUCILLE ATKINSON - OBITUARY

Lucille Atkinson, age 90 of Athens, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017 at her residence. Mrs. Atkinson was born November 24, 1926 in Limestone County, AL to Herman Hargrove and Frances Alice Williams Hargrove. Preceded in death by her parents; husband, of 64 years Grady Atkinson; sisters, Williene Newby and Mary Thompson.
 
Services will be Sunday, May 21, 2017 2:00 p.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Steve Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in New Garden Cemetery.

Survived by two sons, Ray Atkinson of Elkmont and Stanley Atkinson; two grandchildren, Stacey Atkinson and Chris Atkinson.

Pallbearers will be Leonard Watson, Sam McMeans, Steve Bates, Ronnie Sandlin, Garry Sandlin and Mike Sandlin.

LISA KAY MALONE - OBITUARY

Lisa Kay Malone, 47 of Elkmont, died Monday at Athens Limestone Hospital. Lisa was born March 3, 1970 in Limestone County and she was a member of Cartwright Church of Christ. 

Services will be 1PM Thursday May 18, 2017 at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Randy Robertson officiating, burial at Lebanon Cemetery, visitation is from 6-9PM Wednesday at Spry Funeral Home.


Survivors: 
Sisters: 
Martha Elrod of Elkmont, Debra McElyea of Elkmont and Linda Brooks of Elkmont
Brother: Rodger Malone of Elkmont
Several Nieces and Nephews. 

Preceded in death: 
Parents: Raymond and Vera Malone
Brothers: Jerry Malone and Anthony Malone.

NEVER TO EARLY TO LEARN TO GIVE

One of things Hill Spirit has always appreciated is how Elkmont helps those in need in its community. Teaching how to help others starts early and is reinforced at home and school. This is part of small town living at its best. 

Our 4th students are packing gift boxes for our local Senior Citizens to deliver next week. We received a T.R.A.I.L. Grant to complete a community service project. We decided as a group to give back to our community by making the boxes for local seniors and shut-ins.

Reason 1,000,000 why I love my job! Elkmont 4th graders blessed the Elkmont Senior center with shoeboxes full of goodies! 

These boxes will be enjoyed by seniors at the center and by our Meals on Wheels friends. What a great group of kids and teachers!! Thanks for letting me speak a little bit about the Limestone County Council on Aging programs. 

 Susan Firestone McGrady

WHAT HAPPENED AT FIELD DAY?

Always fun, always anticipated, shouldn't be missed, Field Day was May 17.

Each year in the last weeks of school, Elkmont has its elementary field day.   

It should be on every parent's bucket list to attend once before their baby grows out of those early school years.
 

The Tug of War event is the crowning jewel of field day; hotly contested, very loud, being a champion is a thing of great pride. 

 TUG OF WAR VIDEOS
Kindergarten Champ - Team Viving
*Team Nash vs Team Vining
*Team Viving vs Team Penney

First Grade

Second Grade
*Team Spry on the right and Team Compton on the left

Third Grade

Fourth Grade Champs: Team Hobbs

*Team Hobbs

Fifth Grade Champs: Team Holt
Team Holt vs Team Bailey