WINTER WEATHER STORM POSTED FOR ELKMONT

In effect from midnight to noon on Tuesday


The National Weather Service in Huntsville has issued a Winter Storm Warning for snow. A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Message summary:

A strong cold front will move eastward through the region late
tonight into Tuesday morning. Rainfall overspreading the region
along and just ahead of the front will quickly changeover to snow
from west to east in the wake of the frontal passage. With much
colder air spreading into the region, snowfall accumulations
up to 2.5 inches are possible. The snow is expected to taper off
across extreme northeast Alabama by late Tuesday morning.

Timing: 

Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 1am. Low around 24. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Tomorrow will have a 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 8am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 31. Wind chill values between 12 and 22. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected. 

Accumulations: 
1 to 2 inches at most locations...possibly around 3 inches.

Impacts: 

Travel could be very difficult. 

The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

HAZEL OVALENE ROBERTSON - OBITUARY

Hazel Ovalene Robertson, age 90 of Athens,  died Saturday at the Limestone Health Facility.  Services will be 1 pm Wednesday in the chapel of Spry Funeral Home with Randy Robertson and Dwight Raburn officiating, burial in New Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-9 pm at Spry Funeral Home. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Mrs. Robertson was born Januaury 31, 1928 in Lauderdale County. She was a homemaker and a member of New Oakland Baptist Church.  Mrs. Robertson was preceded in death by, Husband, Villard Robertson. Son, Lewis Robertson. Daughter, Brenda Kyle.

Survivors include:
Daughter: Cindy (Calvin) Stanford of Lester. Sons:
Randy (Carolyn) Robertson of Elkmont
Monte Robertson of Baileyton, Alabama
Rocky (Pam) Robertson of Town Creek, Alabama. 
Thirteen Grandchildren, thirty five Great Grandchildren, and three Great Great Grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews.

LINDA JEAN MITCHELL - OBITUARY

Linda Jean Mitchell, age 60 of Elkmont, AL died Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at her home. She lived in the Ardmore area for many years, and loved building her fires and being outdoors.

She was born on Sunday, January 4, 1959 in Atlanta, GA, she was the daughter of the late Wlliam Grover Jackson and Ruby Cranford Jackson.

She is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Walter Ray Mitchell, Elkmont, AL; daughters, Amanda Shaddix, Arab, AL and April LaLonde, Athens, AL; brother, David Jackson, Hawkinsville, GA; one grandson, Nicholas Mitchell and four granddaughters, Kami, Katelyn, Abby and Alexis.

No services are planned at this time. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

THOMAS EARL CHAMBERS - OBITUARY

Thomas Earl Chambers, 67 of Elkmont, AL died Saturday, January 12, 2019 at his Residence. He was born May 5, 1950 in Limestone Co. AL to Leonard & Lucille Chambers & a retired Farmer.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, 2 PM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Wallace Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, 12 Noon until service time.


Survivors include: 
Son: Keith Chambers & wife, Kelly of Athens, AL
Brothers: 
James Chambers of Athens, AL, Floyd Chambers of Athens, AL
Sisters:  
Flossie Pilk of Elkmont, AL, Sandra Darlene Byrd of Athens, AL
Michelle Kelly of Athens, AL
4 Grandchildren.

WILLIAM M. LEWIS - OBITUARY

Funeral service for William M. Lewis, age 79 of Decatur, will be Monday, January 14, 2019 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home with Caleb Lewis officiating. Burial will be at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Mr. Lewis died January 11, 2019 at his residence. He was born February 15, 1939, in Franklin County to Amos Harve Lewis and Eva Childers Lewis. Mr. Lewis was retired from 3M after 39 years. Mr. Lewis served in the Army National Guard and was an avid Alabama fan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Marilyn Gray.

Survivors include, one sister, Vonda Thublin of Decatur; three nieces, Kelley Anderson of Athens, Kathy Gray of Elkmont, and Vicki Blankenship of Hartselle; and one nephew, Bobby Smith of Decatur.

Pallbearers will be his family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be the Jack’s coffee group.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Diabetes Association.

ELKMONT GOLF FUNDRAISER

ELKMONT HIGH SCHOOL

GOLF

​HEAD COACH
​SAMUEL WALLACE

The Elkmont High School teams are raised money to support their upcoming 2019 season.  They are offering gourmet popcorn, 3’x4’ porch flags, both college and professional teams and your favorite magazines. 

LINK TO ORDER

MY LOCAL FAMILY & FRIENDS 

My GOLF TEAM started its BIG SPRING FUNDRAISER today.
This year we are offering the very popular NCAA, NFL, MLB Fan Flags,
as well as Delicious Gourmet Popcorn!

Can you help the team reach its goal? 

MY OUT OF TOWN FAMILY & FRIENDS 

Can you help me by ordering a few items from our online store? My goal is to take 10 additional online orders.​
Click the ORDER ONLINE button below and place an order for 2 or 3 items.
Please use my name at check out, so I get credit. The items will ship straight to your home. If you want a player to get credit, use their name.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR HELPING ME AND MY GOLF TEAM!!

Both of these items make great gifts! Click on the buttons below each brochure to browse.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT..... ITS ALWAYS GOOD TO READ DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

We have the left media, we have the right media but there are other points of views still ... what do you think? 

What is the Christian's responsibility and relationship to government? Should the Christian participate in government by voting or holding elective office? Should he criticize government and government officials; or is that contrary to God's law.

Many Christian men and women are confused about this. I know some Christians who believe they shouldn't participate in government at all — not by questioning its motives, protesting its wrongs, working for it, holding elective office or even voting — citing Romans 13. Some of our more conservative brethren would tell us that there is little we can or should do or say in response to an abusive government because it is "established by God."

Beyond praying that our "leaders" look to God when making laws and that they not make laws that would hinder our worship, those Christians hardly discuss politics at all, preferring instead to be content with being "in subjection."
To them, questioning the authority and actions of "leaders" is tantamount to engaging in a spirit of rebellion; not just against government men but against God. But is it? If we write or speak about corrupt government institutions, politicians or bureaucrats, are we acting contrary to God's word in Romans 13?

Clearly, the Apostle Paul tells us there that we must be in subjection to the governing authorities. The passage reads:

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:1-7 (NASB)

Paul understood that government wasn't necessarily good. He had himself participated in persecution of Christians on behalf of Jewish authorities and with a wink and nod from Roman government.

He lived under the Roman empire which persecuted Christians as a matter of course. Doing so, he was also later subjected himself to the Jewish Pharisaical and Sadducaical systems — which again were persecuting Christians while Roman authorities turned a blind eye — that sought to have him imprisoned and executed. During his life he was imprisoned, stoned, beaten and left for dead for defying government authority.

In Acts 22 we read that after Paul was seized in Jerusalem because he "preaches to all men everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place (Acts 21:28 NASB)," he was taken away by Roman guards at the direction of the Jews and stretched out with thongs so as to be scourged. The text reads:

But when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?" When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman." The commander came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman?" And he said, "Yes." The commander answered, "I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money." And Paul said, "But I was actually born a citizen." Therefore, those who were about to examine him immediately let go of him; and the commander also was afraid when he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had put him in chains. Acts 22:25-29 (NASB)

What Paul did here was to invoke his rights as a citizen. He did so again in Acts 25:11 when he appealed to Caesar over his imprisonment, defying the Jewish ruling authorities, who he believed he had not wronged. So, Paul provides us with a perfect example of how we should model our relationship to government. Clearly our example in Scripture is we can use the legal rights available to us under the laws.

To be a Christian, we are to be like Christ. In Matthew 23, Christ told His disciples that the scribes and Pharisees had seated themselves in Moses' chair (had taken for themselves Moses' authority) and they (the disciples) were to do what the rulers told them to do, but not do as the scribes and Pharisees did, because they were hypocrites. The scribes and Pharisees claimed to follow the law and held the people to the law but did not follow it themselves.

That sounds very much like the political class of today who are walking the halls of power in the District of Criminals and in most state capitols.

Jesus called out the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites in the eight "woes" he uttered as recorded in verses 13 through 29, pointing out their wrongdoing.

The 1st Amendment protects (to some extent) our freedom to engage in speech and to petition government for redress of grievances. When we point out in speech or writing the corrupt nature of politicians and government institutions, and how they have exceeded the authority granted them under the Constitution, we are doing no more than Christ did when he called out the scribes and Pharisees, and no more than Paul did when he invoked his rights as a Roman citizen under Roman law.

As Chuck Baldwin explains, America's is a citizen-oriented representative government, not a monarchy or dictatorship. We have a Constitution that was created as chains to bind government's authority. Every politician in America swears an oath to abide by it. The powers they have they get from the Constitution.

So, understanding the Constitution in that light, here's is how we should read Romans 13:

Every person is to be in subjection to the [U.S. Constitution]. For there is no [Constitution] except from God, and [it is] established by God. Therefore, whoever resists [the Constitution] has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed [the Constitution] will receive condemnation upon themselves. For [the Constitution is] not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of [the Constitution]? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for [the Constitution] is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for [the Constitution] does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore [the Constitution] is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for [the Constitution is a servant] of God, devoting [itself] to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:1-7

So, the Christian can be politically active and not be in violation of God's law. Telling our friends and neighbors that our institutions and politicians are corrupt is not a violation of God's law. Guaranteeing our ability to inform others of the government's transgressions so they can petition their representatives intelligently is precisely one of the 1st Amendment's purposes. Engaging in political discourse or pointing out corruption is neither a violation of man's law nor God's. And we are to obey the law whether the "leaders" do so or not, as Christ told his disciples.

As Peter said in Luke 5:29, "We must obey God rather than men..."

But we should also remember Paul's admonition in Titus 3:2-5.

"...to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us..."

Yours for the truth,

Bob Livingston
Editor, The Bob Livingston Letter™

VOTE FOR AN ELKMONT QUEEN

  LINK TO VOTE

The official announcement for the Miss Rodeo USA competition came out yesterday. This event takes place in Oklahoma City January 15-20, 2019. Hometown Elkmont graduate Kaitlynn Norman is one of the contestants. They have a people’s choice award and it is voted on by likes that she receives on the official picture posted on their Facebook page.

She greatly appreciates all the votes and support Elkmont could give her. The People’s Choice Award winner gets their week long hotel bill paid by the association. 


This is a week long job interview. It is not just a beauty pageant. It will be a week long 8-10 hour day of public speaking, test taking, interviewing, impromptu questions, and much more. The winner is the Public Relations spokewoman for International Professional Rodeo Association for the 2019 year. The winner will travel the USA promoting the sport of rodeo. It’s a job not a pageant.

IMPORTANT: Must like ORIGINAL photo posted by the Miss Rodeo USA Association for the vote to count! LINK TO VOTE

Kaitlynn Norman
Miss Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo Queen
Athens, Alabama
Age: 20

Kaitlynn is a hometown girl with dreams bigger than the size of Texas. She is the twenty-year-old daughter of Nancy and Darrell Norman, and the middle child of three. She has an older brother who is twenty-four, and a younger sister who is sixteen. Kaitlynn resides in Athens, Alabama and attended high school in a very tiny town called Elkmont, “tiny” meaning they have only one four way stop and a gas station literally named “The Store.” She grew up as an athlete who played everything she could: softball, basketball, volleyball, and many others. She didn’t become part of the rodeo family until the age of fifteen. She worked very hard to be where she is today, and is beyond thankful for those who have made this possible. Kaitlynn finds herself being a leader, motivator, and encourager which is why she loves being a rodeo queen. Being a Rodeo Queen means that she is able to not only share her love of rodeo with the public, but to also be a positive role model for our younger generation.

Why do you want to be Miss Rodeo USA 2019?

Miss Rodeo USA has the ability to influence all types of people, from all walks of life, in a positive way. I’ve always been the person who never meets a stranger, just a friend I haven’t made yet. And, yes, this has gotten me into quite a lot of trouble as a little kid, because we all know Mamma said to never talk to strangers. I want to use my abilities to build connections and relationships with new friends to promote the IPRA in a way that connects our sponsors and spectators with our rodeo and its athletes on a personal level. By making myself approachable, I will be able to talk to people of all ages. Thankfully, I was blessed to have a love for all people—especially children. In fact, I intend to place most of my focus on our younger generation. I consider myself to be a huge motivator and encourager. Speaking to children at schools and rodeos gives me the chance to push them to achieve their goals. This also lets them know that they do have at least one person cheering them on in the arena we call life. I still remember my first interaction with a rodeo queen at the age of eight. She made me feel so important, and that is why I wish to do the same: impacting the children with positive memories for a lifetime.

ELKMONT SOCCER FUNDRAISER

Soccer season is fast approaching and the high school teams are having their fundraiser.  The school district only pays for coaching salaries and utilities.  The other expenses fall on the programs so they need our help.

Coach Ryan Jacob:
Hey everyone. Just wanted to give fundraiser details on here as well. I'll try to make it as clear as I can please call, text, or email me with any questions. 256-509-8280 or jacob.ryan@lcsk12.org.  The Lady Red Devils are participating as well so you can contact Coach Cecilia Anne Ivey too.

We are selling Krispy Kreme certificates and BOGO cards this year; as well as having a day of selling actual doughnuts at school. The boys and girls team will both be doing this fundraiser.
From now until January 31st are the dates of the fundraiser. The certificates cost $10 and are good to redeem at any Krispy Kreme for one dozen doughnuts. The BOGO (buy one get one) cards are good to redeem up to ten times at any Krispy Kreme; we are selling those for $20 (this is the better deal). 

This is a pre-sale. So, the players will collect the money whenever they sell a card. The certificates and bogo cards will not be given to the buyer until the beginning of February. On the 1st of February the players will turn in their order forms to me along with the money they have collected and I will go to Krispy Kreme and pickup the cards and certificates. The next school day I will pass out the cards to the players and they will be responsible for getting the cards to the buyers.

On Thursday the 17th we will be selling actual doughnuts before and during school. We are selling them for $1 per doughnut or a dozen for $10. We will be located in the elementary car line and the 4 way stop by the football field gate and gym area.

I hope this wasn't too confusing please don't hesitate to call, text, or email me or Coach Cecilia Anne Ivey with questions.

DEBORAH "GRANNY" FAYE MELVIN

 

Deborah "Granny" Faye Melvin, age 65 of Toney, AL died Sunday, January 6, 2019 at her home in Toney, Alabama. Born Tuesday, October 27, 1953 in Louisville, KY, she was the daughter of the late Earl Emerson and Marvalene Thornton Emerson. Lived in the Ardmore area for 38 years and was a member of Carters Grove Baptist Chruch. For over 20 years she was a member of the Old TIme Christians Blue Grass Gospel Group. She loved the Bible, her extended family, and her music. Everybody that knew Granny, know she loved you all and she will be with you always.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Ida Pearl and Walter B. Emerson, Acie Huston and Mini Ruth Thornton; and mother and father-in-law, Margret and Everett Melvin.

She is survived by her husband, Keith Melvin, Toney, AL; daughter, Beth Ann Melvin, Toney, AL; brothers, Mickey Emerson, Bunker Hill, TN, Tim Emerson, Pulaski, TN, Keith Emerson, Madison, AL, Kenny Emerson, Elkmont, AL, and Kevin Emerson, Hazel Green, AL; sister-in-law, Carol Melvin, Gurley, AL; grandsons, James-Huston Melvin, Collinsville, AL, and Abraham Vickers, West Limestone, AL; great-granddaughter,Addison Faye Melvin, Toney, AL,
and several nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Good Samaritian Hospice and Nurse Camilla, and also to Angela M. Frazier of Fenton, MI, Carol Melvin, and Clayton Burrell.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL, at 1:00 PM with Bro. Billy Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Evans Cemetery, Athens, AL.

DON ELMORE - OBITUARY

Don Elmore, age 82 of Elkmont, died Sunday, January 6, 2018 at Athens Health and Rehab. There will be a 2 pm Graveside Service Wednesday, January 9 in Pettusville Cemetery, with visitation from 12 noon until 1:30pm at Spry Funeral Home. 

Mr. Elmore was born October 10, 1936 in Limestone County, he was a member of the Baptist church and he was a retired Carpenter.

Survivors: 
Wife: Margaret Elmore of Elkmont, Son: Troy Elmore of Athens, Daughter: Wanda Elmore of Athens, Seven Grandchildren, Fifteen Great Grandchildren, Six Great Great Grandchildren, Sisters: Nell Barksdale of Athens and Jean Jackson of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, several Nieces and Nephews. 

Preceded in death by Daughter: Jackie Richardson.

KENNETH PAUL MITCHELL - OBITUARY

Kenneth Paul Mitchell, age 74 of Athens died Tuesday January 1, 2019 at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Mr. Mitchell was born September 14, 1944 in Alabama, he was a member of New Hope Church of Christ, a retired Electronics Technician, an avid fisherman, hunter and Guitar player. 

Services will be 11 am Tuesday, January 8 in the chapel of Spry Funeral Home. Visitation was Monday from 4 - 6 pm at the funeral home, burial will be at Myers Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Tim Mitchell, Barry Mitchell, Mike Mitchell, Tim Yeager, Jim Bramlett and Jeffrey May. 
Honorary Pallbearer is Billy Barnett. 

Survivors: 
Son, Brandon Mitchell and wife Serene of Franklin, Tennessee, Grandchildren, Madison Elle Mitchell, Mikayla Bisson and Kyle Bisson, Brothers, Dwight Mitchell and wife Shirley of Elkmont and Steve Mitchell and wife Rita of Elkmont, several Nieces and Nephews. Preceded in death by Parents, Lester and Lillie Mae Mitchell, Wife, Linda Mitchell, Brother, David Mitchell.

WHERE ARE THE COOKIES?

It's one of Hill Spirit's favorite times of the year, Girl Scout cookie time. Hill Spirit's favorite is thin mints.There are those of us looking for those girl scout cookies and want to support our Elkmont young ladies.  Elkmont's troop is 1134.  Not only will we get wonderful cookies but we will help our scouts with their fundraiser. Cookies are $4 and proceeds will go toward a camping trip for our troop, plus many more activities throughout the year. Cookies will be delivered in January.

Troop 1134: Facebook Links
Chambers, Jessica
Hawkins, Beth 
Holly Campbell Moore 
  Mallory's Cookie World
  Natalie's Cookie World 
Gilliland, Heather 
 Mercedes Cookie World
Lovell, Emily Campbell