WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

29

Last chance to signup for fall football/cheerleading

30 Church Day

*Count your Blessings

*Have you helped anyone this week? 

  

Singing. Lebanon Community Church in Elkmont will host a performance by Replay at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, July 30. The performance will take place at Lebanon Community Church off Alabama 99. More information: Marian Fowler, 256-777-8324

BRADY REDUS - OBITUARY

January 25, 1950 - July 25, 2017

Funeral service for Brady Redus, 67, will be noon Saturday, July 29, at Peoples Funeral Home. Burial at Smithfield Cemetery in Elkmont. Mr. Redus passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at his residence.

CITIZENS BANK SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Citizens Bank, your local friendly bank, is having a school supply drive.  When you are out and about, pick up a few things for our Elkmont kiddos and drop them off through July 31st!  When you drop off your donation (bank is next to Pig and DG), don't forget to enter to win a Amazon Echodat.  We love to give back to our wonderful community of Elkmont.

ROBBIE SPENCE BAILEY - OBITUARY

Robbie Spence Bailey, 91, went home to be with her Lord July 25, 2017. She was born in Pettusville, AL; the daughter of James Thomas and Pearl Hastings Spence. She was a wonderful cook most known for her sugar cookies, peanut brittle, peanut butter balls and coconut cakes. She was a Christian and a member of the First United Methodist Church, Athens and was a member of Eastern Star.

Mrs. Bailey was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, A.C. Bailey and her son, James C. Bailey.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Spurgeon (Waylon), of Athens; two granddaughters, Dana Carroll (Doug) of Northport, AL and Leigh Peters (James Herbert) of Newville, AL; five great-grandchildren, Asher and Cloie Peters, Emily Ethan and Elise Carroll; special friend and caregiver, Jeannie Knox; several cousins and friends.
Services will be Friday, July 28, 2017 10:00 a.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Limestone County, 405 S. Marion St. Athens, AL 25611 or United Methodist Children’s Home, 3130 Zelda Court, Suite 100, Montgomery, AL 36106-2607.

HOW DID YOUR FEDERAL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

July 24, 2017 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District:

Recent Senate Votes

Shanahan Nomination - Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (92-7, 1 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Patrick M. Shanahan to be deputy secretary of Defense. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Bush Nomination - Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (51-47, 2 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of John Kenneth Bush 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

Ozone Standards Implementation - Vote Passed (229-199, 5 Not Voting) The House passed the bill that would extend for eight years the deadline for the EPA to implement new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone. The bill would require the EPA to review the national ambient air quality standards for each pollutant every ten years, instead of every five, and would require the agency to evaluate possible adverse effects of standard changes. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure - Vote Passed (254-175, 4 Not Voting) The House passed the bill that would establish a new system for the approval and permitting of border-crossing oil and gas pipelines and electrical transmission lines. The bill would require sponsors of border-crossing oil pipelines and electricity transmission facilities that cross the U.S. borders into Canada and Mexico to receive a "certificate of crossing" from the relevant federal agency in order to build or modify their projects. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Agency Coordinating Authority - Vote Passed (248-179, 6 Not Voting) The House passed the bill that would establish the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the sole lead agency for the permitting of proposals to build or expand natural gas pipelines. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES King Cove Land Exchange - Vote Passed (248-179, 6 Not Voting) The House passed the bill that would require the Interior Department to convey to the state of Alaska, if requested, 206 acres of federal land within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and Izembek Wilderness for the purpose of constructing a single-lane gravel road between the towns of King Cove and Cold Bay, Alaska. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN ELKMONT?

22 

School Supply Tax Free Weekend

23 Church Day

*Count your Blessings

*Have you helped anyone this week? 

School Supply Tax Free Weekend

DO YOU LIKE TRUCKS?

Nicholas King, a junior at Elkmont, works under the hood of a diesel pickup truck in April at the Limestone County Career Technical Center.

The Athens Courier has an article today about the need for more people in the trucking industry.  One of Elkmont's young men, Nicholas King, is in the featured photo. Link to full article: ROAD WARRIORS

HIGHLIGHTS:
There are plenty of jobs available for drivers, it can be difficult for companies to take a chance on young drivers. The state won't grant a commercial driver's license to anyone under age 21 and he explained many companies wouldn't hire drivers under the age of 23.

There are more than a dozen truck driving schools in the state, including one at Calhoun Community College. The school offers a weekend course for those wanting to obtain their CDL. As part of the course, students alternate between classroom and driving in this course while learning about proper shifting techniques, CDL safety, map reading, inspections and federal and state requirements.

At the end of the training, students are administered a road test which must be passed in order to obtain a Class A or B license. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate.
“The U.S. is experiencing a shortage of truck drivers, which is an opportunity for Calhoun to continue to train and distribute skilled drivers in to the workforce,” said Mary Smith, CDL instructor.

WHAT'S NEW AT ELKMONT SCHOOL?

A new school year is about to start.  The Athens New Courier is running a series of articles about the schools in Limestone County.  Elkmont was featured yesterday. Link to full article: Elkmont High School 2017-18 preview 

Highlights: 
New/upcoming programs:
This is the first year for Elkmont High School to participate in the A+ College Ready program for advanced placement and college classes.
“That's going to be our main program this year,” he said. “We're just pushing that curriculum through to get our kids prepared to succeed in taking college level courses.”

What makes Elkmont special: 
Tribble said even though Elkmont split this year into two schools — an elementary and a high school — it still has a small community feel to it. “We still have that (K-12) mentality,” he said. “You can walk through the school as a kindergartener and graduate from the same school. You don't see that much anymore.” 

Tribble said Elkmont itself is special because it allows residents to live in a small town, but still have quick access to bigger cities such as Huntsville. “I think more parents come in and say the reason the moved to Elkmont is because it's a small community and people know everybody,” he said. “It's a beautiful area. You can take the interstate and get to Huntsville in 20-30 minutes, but there's still that country feel.”

What the principal is looking forward to: 
Tribble said he is most looking forward to opening the new and improved school to students on August 8.

LIBRARY

Elkmont received a $1.9 million grant for school renovations, which includes new floors, bathrooms and the repainting of walls.

 Tribble said he's excited to open the school up for students and community members to see the updated facility.

 “The community knows there's a lot going on with remodeling, but they haven't seen it yet,” he said. “It's going to look like a totally new school once we're finished. They're scrambling to get things done, but I think we're going to make it.”

The school's football program is also undergoing changes. With new varsity coach, Duane Wales and a new stadium, Tribble said ready for football season to begin. The Red Devils will try out the updated stadium almost immediately, as they play their first two games of the season at home.

JORDAN NELSON IS A NJCAA FIRST TEAM ACADEMIC

Jordan Nelson, a 2016 Elkmont graduate, has continued his baseball career at Snead State.  He has been recognized as a NJCAA First Team All-Academic player with a 4.0 GPA

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced that 35 Snead State Community College student-athletes are recipients of NJCAA Academic Awards. A 4.0 GPA earns NJCAA First Team All-Academic while a 3.80-3.99 will earn NJCAA Second Team All-Academic. NJCAA Third Team All-Academic is award to student-athletes with a GPA of 3.60-3.79. Of the 35 Parsons earning NJCAA All-Academic, 14 were named to the First Team for their 4.0 GPA.

DAKOTA McCURLEY ACHIEVES ON AND OFF THE DIAMOND

All four of Calhoun Community College’s athletic teams were recognized nationally and statewide for academic success with a team grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. The National Junior College Athletic Association and Alabama Community College Conference honored softball for a 3.45 GPA, women’s golf for a 3.2 GPA, men’s golf for a 3.06 GPA and baseball for a 3.04 GPA.

Elkmont's Dakota McCurley made the  NJCAA All-Academic first team with a 4.0 GPA. 

Item of Interest:
Calhoun is shuttering their athletic programs after the spring of 2018. However,
Dakota McCurley and Brandi Bentley, both Elkmont graduates, are rising sophomores for the Calhoun softball team but will be able to finish their careers at the school before the program is shut down.

SANDRA GARNER - OBITUARY

Sandra Garner, 56 of Prospect, Tennessee died on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia, Tennessee. Born Monday, January 30, 1961 in Ardmore, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Wade Lewter and the late Jean Whitman Lewter. She was a lifelong resident of the Ardmore area and a member of Union Hill Baptist Church. She loves spending time with her kids and grandchildren and loved to watch Alabama Football. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son: Jake Marlow.

Surviving are her husband: Tony Garner of Prospect, TN, sons, Josh (Kelly) Marlow of Prospect, TN and Brayden Garner of Prospect, TN, daughter, Beth (David) Harmon of Elkmont, AL, brothers, Danny Lewter of Athens, AL and Johnny Lewter of Ohio, sisters, Donna Brazelton of Toney, AL and Felicia Lee of Spring Hill, TN, grandchildren: Caden, Peyton, Brinley, Leland, and Libby, and step-children: James Garner of Pulaski, TN, and Sheena Garner of Pulaski, TN.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Dennis Cleveland and Bro. Dale Heard officiating. Burial will be in Malone Cemetery, Ardmore, TN. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

ELKMONT WEATHER TODAY - IT IS STILL HOT

On the Hilltop, HOT, HOT and did Hill Spirit mention Hot with little chance of rain. The peak of this major heat-wave appears to be Thursday and Friday. Try to get your outdoor activities done before 10 am and after 4 pm. 

Should see more rain in our area next week and temperatures in the upper 80s.

DONALD JEFFREY SOLOMON - OBITUARY

Donald Jeffrey Solomon, 54 of Athens died Sunday at Athens Limestone Hospital. Mr. Solomon was born May 11, 1963 in Limestone County and he attended of Northside Church of Christ.

Services will be 11AM Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Bud White and Tony Mims officiating, burial at Roselawn Cemetery, visitation is from 9 AM until 11 AM Saturday at Spry Funeral Home.

Survivors: 
Wife: Alisha Solomon, Athens
Sons: Ryan Solomon, Athens
Jordan Solomon, Huntsville
Kane Andrew Solomon, Athens

Brothers: 
Gary Sutton, Athens

Johnny Solomon, Hartselle

Sisters: 
Debra Holt, Athens
Vickie Johns, Elkmont
Connie Wooldridge, Athens

Several Nieces and Nephews.

DEBORAH "Debi" DARLENE GATES - OBITUARY

Deborah “Debi” Darlene Gates, age 56, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital. Ms. Gates was born February 28, 1961 in Limestone County, AL to Willie Cagle and Lorine Carter Cagle.

Services will be Thursday, July 20, 2017 11:00 a.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with John Sayre officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery, Elkmont Alabama

Preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John C. Cagle and David L. Cagle two sisters, Betty Cagle and Florine “Jucka” Scott.

Survived by one son, Jackie Gates and wife, Heather of Athens; one granddaughter, Viktoria Gates of Athens

Four sisters: Helen Thomas, Shirley Clark of Elkmont, Dezzie Terrill and Tammy Qualls; many  friends, nieces and nephews. 

Elkmont nieces are Shirley Clark's daughers Angie Dugger, Vicki Scott, Sherry Thomas, and Penny Scott.   
Helen Thomas' daughters are Brandy Thomas, Kathy Stanford and Shea Owens.

Other nieces are Dezzie Terrill's daughters April Terrell and DeDe. Tammy Qualls daughter is Amanda
Qualls

STEPHEN WARREN USERY - OBITUARY

Stephen Warren Usery, Sr. age 68 of Elkmont, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017. No services are planned. Limestone Chapel Funeral Home assisting the family.

HAROLD WAYNE BERZETT - OBITUARY

Harold Wayne Berzett, 69, died on Friday, July 14, 2017 at Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Pulaski, Tennessee. Born Thursday, July 1, 1948 in Athens, Alabama, he was the son of the late Harold Berzett and Helen Ruth Leake Berzett. He enjoyed farming and tending to his cows.

Surviving are his mother, Helen Leake Berzett, of Ardmore, Tennessee; brother, Grady (Sharon) Berzett, of Elkmont; sister, Nell (RC) Powers, of Toney; nephews, Bruce Berzett, Brad (Jaclyn) Berzett, Daniel (Kat) Newton, and Clint (Diane) Newton; one niece, Kim (Johnny) Campbell; and ten great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, July 16, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

VARSITY CHEERLEADERS AT CAMP

Blood, sweat, and a lot of Anna's tears have went into this week (😂) , but I don't think I have ever seen a team more determined to do so well at camp like we did. 

I am so proud of everyone and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish. 

Oh yeah and Mrs.Holt is like the best coach ever, even when we are being loser pants.

Breanna McMunn

ELKMONT GRAD TEEING UP A NEW BUSINESS

I'm Sarah (Christopher) Pickens, I graduated from Elkmont in the Class of 2016. I received a golf scholarship to Calhoun, where I met my husband, Shawn Pickens. 

After working at the Madison Fire Department for four years, he decided to go back to school and also got a golf scholarship. Now, Shawn and I are moving to the University of West Alabama in the fall on golf scholarships. 
  

Shawn's father, Dan Pickens, is a fifteen year firefighter for the city of Madison. He made salsa and mustard slaw often. Everyone; friends, family, and coworkers loved both of them and was always asking for more.  During a discussion between the three of us about his dad's retirement and our college expenses, DP'S Pool Hall Slaw and Hot Dip was born. We can every jar ourselves with fresh ingredients. We began selling our Pool Hall Slaw three weeks ago. In our first three weeks we have sold over 200 jars.  

We are currently in the Tuesday Market in Huntsville, the Winchester Road Market on Thursday, and the Providence Market in Huntsville on Saturdays. Please support us and check out our Facebook page at DP's Pool Hall Slaw and Hot Dip

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

15

16 Church Day

*Count your Blessings *Have you helped anyone today?

REVA COULTER - OBITUARY

Reva Lou Williams Coulter of Athens, Alabama passed away July 12, 2017 at her residence in Athens. She was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on August 9, 1944 and was 72 years old. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 14th from 9:00am until 11:00am at Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home in Pulaski, Tennessee. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am. Burial will take place in the Minor Hill Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Coulter parents, Gano David and Allie Wilson Williams, brothers, James Emitt Williams and Charles H. Williams.

Survivors are:
Sons
*Wade and Joanie Holt of Elkmont
*Voyce Holt of Athens  

Grandson
Christopher Holt and wife, Jessica of Elkmont


Daughter
*Joanna Downs and husband, Derrick of Athens

Sisters
*Gwen (Mike) Rich of Morristown, TN.
*Wilma June Brooks of Knoxville, TN.
*Dixie (Frank) Rose of Athens, AL.
*Cheryl (Teddy) Stewart of Minor Hill, TN.

Brother, Gano D. Williams, Jr. of Harrogate, TX.
 
Step-sons 
*Larry Coulter of Athens, AL.
*John David Coulter
 
Step-daughter, Donna Coulter Wales

4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren
Several nephews, nieces, and friends also survive.