PAUL WAYNE WATKINS - OBITUARY

Paul Wayne Watkins, age 66 of Elkmont, died Sunday, November 26, 2017 at his home. Born Saturday, February 03, 1951 in Elkmont, AL, he was the son of Albert Richardson Watkins and Annie Watkins. He was preceded in death by his Father, and Brother, Danny Watkins.

He is survived by:

*Wife: Alene Watkins, Elkmont, AL

*Mother: Annie Watkins, Elkmont, AL

*Son: Randall Wayne Watkins, Elkmont, AL

*Brothers:

Wade Watkins, Athens, AL

Michael Watkins, Elkmont, AL

Rickey Watkins, Elkmont, AL

*Sisters:

Anita Wales, Athens, AL

Kathy Newman, Elkmont, AL.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL, at 2:00 PM. Burial was in Reunion Cemetery, Athens, AL.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

Elementary Newsletter

High School Newsletter

30
ELKMONT SCHOOL 
*Elementary Fundraiser: Kona Ice is Here
*High School
BASKETBALL @ LINDSAY LANE; 4:30 PM
Order of games: JVB, VG, VB 

SENIOR CENTER   
*Dominoes, TV, billiards, joker, other games
*Lunch @ 11am

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE IN ELKMONT

The Elkmont Christmas Parade is this Saturday.  Come and linger in our wonderful little town and visit the various businesses having open houses to celebrate the season.

MAPLES FARM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 
Just outside of town on Hwy 127, the first Annual Christmas Bazaar at Maples Farm located at 18635 Maples Circle will be spreading Christmas cheer.  There will be over 13 vendors from all over North Alabama, including "Our Little Kitchen" food truck. Come shop unique homemade items, boutique clothing, paintings, baked goods and more. You have plenty of time to come visit, 9 am - 5 pm.

🎅🏼🎄Come join us at Ellis & Co. Salon, this Saturday, for our 1st annual Christmas Open House from 2-4pm🎄🎅🏼  After the Elkmont Christmas Parade, stop by for hot chocolate, coffee and cookies! We will be offering gift certificates, product and candles 10% off. Also, enter to win a gift basket full of pretties!
We look forward to seeing you there! ❤️
Amber, Kellie & Natasha


 

The Rustic Rooster will be having a Christmas Open House, this Saturday from 9 am to 2pm!!! For every $10 spent, you can enter to win one of MANY prizes (Over $200 worth of prizes to give away) Also, if you go on Facebook and check in with us or give us a review, I will double your entries. We will have refreshments available and a make and take with bath bombs with Camille Watson starting at 10. Our regular business hours are Thursday through Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Our Elkmont Christmas parade starts at 1 pm and there are other businesses having their Christmas open house as well. The Red Caboose Cafe AND Sugar Bucket Mercantile located in downtown Elkmont . Come me spend the day with us in Elkmont !

The Red Caboose Cafe will be having a Christmas Open House, this Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm!!! For every $10 spent, you can enter to win one of MANY prizes (Over $300 worth of prizes to give away) Also, if you go on Facebook and check in with us or give us a review, I will double your entries. We will have Cheeseburger, french fries and drink for $5.50 as well as the full menu available. Our regular business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 12 to 3. Our Elkmont Christmas parade starts at 1 and there are other businesses having their Christmas open house as well. Rustic Rooster located behind the Elkmont post office AND Sugar Bucket Mercantile located right across from me.. Come me spend the day with us in Elkmont !




The Sugar Bucket Mercantile will be having its Christmas Open House this Saturday, December 2, 2017! In addition to serving refreshments, one of our very popular Santa boards will be given to one lucky shopper! To win the Santa board, shop during their open house and every $10 dollars spent in the store on December 2nd earns an entry! Make your plans to come out and visit the wonderful ladies of the Sugar Bucket this weekend. They are looking forward to your visit!🎅🏼

ELKMONT'S NEWEST PARK

Elkmont's newest park had been a dream since April 2013. Plans for the Bassham-Phillips Park began with the purchase of the Mr. Will Ed Phillips property on McWilliams Street. Until construction of the water tank/pump station project located west on McWilliams Street, work on the park was delayed. Once that was completed, construction started in earnest until finished in the fall of 2017. 

 

The Bassham-Phillips Park dedication was held on November 6th. This is a welcome addition to the community of Elkmont. The park was named in honor of Mr. Robert Bassham who served on the Elkmont Town Council - Place 3 for 35 consecutive years - May 21, 1979 until his resignation due to health reasons on May 21, 2014. Mr. Bassham passed away on January 2016.  

The park was also named in honor of Mr. Will Ed Phillips. A long time resident of the town of Elkmont, his extended tenure as a member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment is just one of his  contributions to the Elkmont community.  Mr. Phillips passed away on November 2014.  

Mr. Willie Lawrence Moore attended council meetings on a regular basis after his retirement, and was appointed to fill the vacancy in the office of Elkmont Town Council – Place 3 on June 26, 2014 due to the resignation of Mr. Bassham earlier in the year. He was very involved in the planning and development of the park and served faithfully until his death in February 2015.
 

Bassham,  Phillips or Moore didn't live long enough to see the lovely park they helped to  create. However as their families and the community of Elkmont enjoy the legacy that remains, these men will be remembered.

​


*Mayor, Tracy Compton, and members of the City of Elkmont Town Council 

*members of the Bassham, Phillips and Moore families

ELKMONT BAILEY CRUTCHER IS A DISCUSSION CHAMPION

 

November is the time for the annual Limestone County FFA Discussion Meet.  A FFA discussion meet is a contest that consists of a group of 4-5 FFA members discussing a current AG related topic. Each member has a 30 second opening statement that is said in a voluntary order at the beginning of the discussion to open up your thoughts on the topic, after each student has said their opening statement you go into a 10-12 minute discussion about the topic and at the end of the discussion each member has a minute to write down a closing statement that ties everything together after that minute each student, again in voluntary order recites their closing statement that should be one minute long. 

The first round of the  meet was November 20. Twelve contestants from our county schools competed in the first round. Half of the top eight moving to the second round are from Elkmont; speaks well of our FFA program.

Second Round of Meet, November 27
Breanna McMunn (Elkmont)
Bailey Crutcher (Elkmont)
Magan Smith (Elkmont)
Natalie Bartlow (Elkmont)
Hunter Newby (East Limestone)
Cary Moore (East Limestone),
Steven Allen (Clements) 
Ashlyn Ruff (Ardmore) 

Bailey Crutcher emerged as the best of the best and was crowned champion of the Limestone County Discussion Meet.  Congrads to Bailey on her outstanding efforts.

MARY ANN BENSON - OBITUARY

Mary Ann Benson, age 54 of Toney, died Sunday at Athens Limestone Hospital. Services will be 1PM Friday, December 1, 2017 at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Doug Caldwell officiating, burial at Bottom Cemetery, visitation is from 6-9PM Thursday at Spry Funeral Home.

Mrs. Benson was born February 12, 1963 in Michigan City, Indiana, she was a member of the Baptist Church and she was a Healthcare Aid at Athens Limestone Hospital. Preceded in death by Husband: David J. Benson, Father: John C. Cooper, Brother: Howard Cooper.

Survivors: 
*Daughter: Katelin Benson of Toney, Alabama, 
*Mother: Carolyn Cooper of Toney, Alabama, 
*Brothers: 
John Cooper and wife Lenilda of Toney, Alabama
  Jack Cooper of Elkmont, Alabama
*Sister-in-Law: Emelita Cooper of Athens, Alabama,
*Several Nieces and Nephews.

BIG UPGRADE COMING TO THE TRAIL

Gov. Kay Ivey last week also announced a $128,800 grant to the Limestone County Commission to upgrade the 10.2-mile-long Richard Martin Trail, including repairing two bridges, installing two interpretive signs, controlling erosion and completing a trail assessment study.The Athens and Limestone County grants were awarded with funds made available to the state from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. 

Richard Martin, who headed an effort with volunteers and community organizations to establish the Richard Martin Trail, a rails-to-trails bicycle, equestrian and pedestrian trail, said the work on the bridges is needed because the structures are 10 years old. Interpretive signs will be erected at the site of the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle and in downtown Elkmont, he said.

Early this year, Limestone County Grants Coordinator Sonya Anthony said an estimated 40,000 people visited the Richard Martin Trail in 2016.

“Everything will be done in nine months to a year,” Martin said, adding that a 20 percent county match is required for the project. The proposed budget for the Richard Martin Trail is $161,000.

To read the complete Decatur Daily article: 
Athens, Limestone Trails to Benefit

STEVEN WIGHT - OBITUARY

Steven Wight, age 51 of Elkmont, AL died Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, Alabama. Born Thursday, December 02, 1965 in Huntsville, AL, he was the son of Donald Wight and Loretta Wight. He was a member of the Lions Club, Gideons, Treasurer of Special Olympics, Funeral Director and Co-Owner of Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home.

He is survived by: 
Wife: Marlon Wight, Elkmont, AL

Parents: Donald and Loretta Wight of Madison, AL

Sons: 
Deputy Wight and Nathan Wight, Elkmont, AL

Brothers: 
David Wight, Elkmont Springs, FL, and Charles Wight of Madison, AL 

Sister: Sheri Wight, Seminole, FL.

Visitation was  Friday, November 24, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral service was Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home. Burial was at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Elkmont, AL .

In lieu of flowers the family requst donations be made to Friends & Family Special Athletes, c/o Annie Granger, 21360 Al Hwy 251, Athens, AL 35613.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Had a great “visit” last night with a former teacher who gave of herself more than anyone I know . One day in 5th grade I was asking a question and said “Mama” instead of her name and from that day on I was “son.” Man, she made me and everyone else she came in contact with feel special. She sat with me last night on the bleachers at the old baseball field at Clements High School. She gave me great advice about being accountable to myself and making plans now for the year ahead. She stressed the importance of writing it down and checking it off to make sure it was done. So before I went to bed I made the list. She said 4 bullet points per month was doable and to order them in importance. She has helped me become the educator and coach I am and still inspires me to be the one I need to be. You see the thing is she passed away years ago. I dreamed of her last night downstairs on the couch when I dozed off watching football. This morning I found my old senior yearbook and re-read what she had written to me. It always brings a few tears to my eyes but the last line said I will always be around when you need me. I needed her last night. Such a special lady. Thank you Gail Wunderlich! Always the best in my book!

BOBBIE RAE MCKINLEY - OBITUARY

Mrs. Bobbie Rae McKinley, age 78, of Elkmont, AL passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital. Mrs. McKinley was born on October 3, 1939 in Cullman, AL to John Dewey and Bertha Louise Morris. Mrs. McKinley was a homemaker and housewife. She was a member of Berea Baptist Church.
 
Mrs. McKinley is survived by her husband, William McKinley of Elkmont, AL; two daughters, Amy Thomas (Michael) of Elkmont, AL and Sharon Walden (James) of East Limestone, AL; two sons, John McKinley (Heather) of Lewisburg, TN and David Merchant (Bonita) of Athens, AL; two sisters, Marilyn Jeffries and Rhonda Brown (Jerry) both of Athens, AL; one brother, Sidney Morris of Brent, AL; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service for Mrs. McKinley 2:00 PM Friday, November 24, 2017 with Pat Lawrence officiating at Ebenezer Cemetery in Cullman Co. The family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00 AM Friday, November 24, 2017 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Michael Thomas, Houston Glaze, David Newell, Jerry Brown, Jimmy Owens, and Alan Wilson. Funeral arrangements for my aunt (my mom's older sister) We greatly appreciate your prayers during this time.
Mrs. Bobbie McKinley
Visitation at Limestone Chapel on Friday morning from 9-11.
Graveside service at 2:00 at Ebenezer Cemetery in Cullman.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Last day of school before Thanksgiving...longest day of the year so far! Some things elementary teachers are thankful for....

-Clorox wipes...little piece of cloth from Heaven to clean up messes
-Velcro shoes ....’Nuff said
-Hearing of little to no elf on the shelf activity...keep them in the drawer
-Carline pros....hop out of the car, quickly get in the car, drag out very little trash, successfully dodge teachers 😜
-DVD’s....yeah just DVD’s
-PE, Art and music ...(you know you live for it)
-Paper towels in the teacher bathroom..like Christmas when we have a full roll
-Holiday Breaks...great, yeah great!

Hope you all have a great break! Well deserved !

HOW DID YOU FEDERAL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Kan Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Bradbury Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Esper Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Zatezalo Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Otting Nomination – Confirmation House: Flood Insurance Reauthorization House: Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization-Conference Report House: Tax Overhaul Editor's Note: The House of Representatives and Senate are not doing legislative business this week.

Recent Senate Votes

Kan Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (90-7, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Derek Kan to be undersecretary of Transportation for policy. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Bradbury Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (50-47, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Steven Bradbury to be general counsel of the Department of Transportation. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Esper Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (89-6, 5 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Mark T. Esper to be secretary of the Army. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Zatezalo Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (52-46, 2 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of David G. Zatezalo to be assistant secretary of Labor for mine safety and health. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Otting Nomination – Kan Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (90-7, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Derek Kan to be undersecretary of Transportation for policy. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Bradbury Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (50-47, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Steven Bradbury to be general counsel of the Department of Transportation. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Esper Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (89-6, 5 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Mark T. Esper to be secretary of the Army. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Zatezalo Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (52-46, 2 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of David G. Zatezalo to be assistant secretary of Labor for mine safety and health. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Otting Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (54-43, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Joseph Otting to be Comptroller of the Currency. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Recent House Votes Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (54-43, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Joseph Otting to be Comptroller of the Currency. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES

Recent House Votes

Flood Insurance Reauthorization - Vote Passed (237-189, 7 Not Voting) Passage of the bill, as amended, would reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program through fiscal 2022 and would make modifications to the program, including: raise annual surcharges and reserve fund assessments on federal flood insurance policyholders, raise rates on properties that incur multiple losses, establish an annual deductible for severe and extreme repetitive loss properties and end the requirement that flood insurance be purchased for commercial and multifamily properties located in flood risk zones. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization-Conference Report - Vote Passed (356-70, 7 Not Voting) Adoption of the conference report on the bill would authorize $692.1 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2018, including $65.7 billion for overseas operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and for the general war on terror. It would authorize $241.2 billion for operations and maintenance; $146.2 billion for military personnel; 10.7 billion for military construction and family housing; $15 billion for ballistic-missile defense; and $33.9 billion for defense health care programs, including $396 million from the overseas operations account. It also would prohibit the use of funds for a new round of base closures. It would authorize $8 billion for various cybersecurity programs. The bill would authorize a 2.4 percent pay raise for military personnel. It also would prohibit detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from being transferred to U.S. soil, and would prohibit the closing of the main base and detention facility at Guantanamo. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Tax Overhaul - Vote Passed (227-205, 2 Not Voting) Passage of the bill would revise the federal income tax system by: lowering individual and corporate tax rates; consolidating the current seven tax income rates into four rates; eliminating the deduction for state and local income taxes; limiting certain deductions for property taxes and home mortgages; and creating a new system of taxing U.S. corporations with foreign subsidiaries. Specifically, it would eliminate personal exemptions and would nearly double the standard deduction. It would raise the child tax credit through 2022, repeal the alternative minimum tax, repeal the estate tax in 2025 and reduce the gift tax rate in 2025. It would establish a new top tax rate for pass-through business income and would modify tax credits related to energy production. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES

BETTY A. BAILEY - OBITUARY

Betty A. Bailey, 91, died Sunday, November 19, 2017. Betty Bowers Bailey, 91, passed away on November 19, 2017. Betty was born in Summerville, GA. She was preceded in death by her father Benjamin Bowers, her mother Lucinda Bowers, two Sisters Rosie Bailey and Frances Peek and one daughter Shelia Smith. She was a member of Sardis Springs Church of Christ. 

She was survived by her son James Bailey, Jr., and wife Theresa; daughter Linda Moore, and husband Wayne, and daughter Gloria Croley, and husband Larry, 6 grandchildren Dale Bailey, Kevin Bailey (Missy) of Elkmont, Valerie Davis, Starr Kirkland, Shayne Croley, and Rebecca Frost, 15 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild and several nieces.  All friends and family are welcome.
 
Pallbearers will be Kevin Bailey, Shayne Croley, Camron Frost, Scott Davis, Larry Croley, and Rhett Bailey. Graveside service will be Tuesday November 21, 2017 at Bottoms Cemetery at 11 a.m.  It is located at it’s at Oakdale on Hwy 251. McConnell Funeral Home directing.

*this is an early obituary - hope to get more details later today.

REBECCA SUSAN LONG - OBITUARY

Rebecca Susan Long, age 65 of Athens, AL, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at her home. Mrs. Long was born on January 23, 1952 in Marshall County to C.A. and Janet Morrow Lawrence.  She was a member of Oakland Church of Christ.
 
Mrs. Long is survived by her husband, Larry Long of Athens, AL; daughter Farrah Simpson (James) of Elkmont; son, J. Scott Long (Robin) of Florence, AL; three grandchildren, Lauren, Danielle and Lena Simpson; one sister, Bonnie Green of Huntsville, AL.

Services for Mrs. Long will be 7:00PM Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with John Gibson and Jeff May officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:45 prior to the service. There will be a private burial.

Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Craig, Daron Stanford, Jonathan Stanford, Brian Daniel, Brady Daniel and Cody Daniel. 

Farrah wants you to know that:
I am so humbled by so many who have said sorry and offered prayers and sweet thoughts for me and my family. I am so thankful for you all. I wish I could reply to you all individually.
 

HOW DID YOUR FEDERAL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

Recent Senate Votes

Gibson Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (91-7, 2 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of John Gibson to be deputy chief management officer of the Defense Department. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Engel Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (51-47, 2 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Steven Engel to be an assistant Attorney General. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Wehrum Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (49-47, 4 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of William Wehrum to be an assistant administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES

Recent House Votes

Joint Employer Definition - Vote Passed (242-181, 9 Not Voting) Passage of the bill would define a joint employer as an entity with actual, direct and immediate control over employees, with significant control over essential terms of employment such as hiring, determining pay and benefits, day-to-day supervision of employees, and assigning individual work schedules. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Hydropower Regulation - Vote Passed (257-166, 9 Not Voting) Passage of the bill would specify a variety of timeframes and procedures for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to follow in carrying out required permitting and licensing activities for non-federal hydropower projects and would make FERC the lead agency for coordinating all applicable federal authorizations. It would extend, from three years to four, the duration of a preliminary permit for proposed non-federal hydropower projects and would allow project sponsors to initiate construction up to 10 years after a proposed project receives a license from FERC. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Securities Regulations Exemptions - Vote Passed (232-188, 12 Not Voting) Passage of the bill would require an issuer of securities to meet a specific set of criteria in order for the issuer's transactions to constitute a sale of "nonpublic" securities that are exempt from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and from state regulation. It would require each purchaser to have a substantive pre-existing relationship with an officer or certain shareholders of the issuer, permit no more than 35 purchasers under the exemption over the preceding 12 months, and would cap, at $500,000, the total aggregate amount of securities sold in the 12-month period preceding the transaction. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES