WHAT CAN YOU USE A HOLE IN THE ROAD FOR?

   

Love these Seth Parker for District One Commissioner posts.  

 

Submit your picture of your favorite Limestone
 County pot hole at link below:

 

LIMESTONE COUNTY POT HOLES

This is dedicated to the friends that we see on a daily basis. Some are benign, some can be harmful, but they share one thing in common; they're everywhere

SHOPPING FOR MOTHER'S DAY?

The cutest little shop has joined our downtown businesses.  Kindred Spirits was in Athens but has discovered the wonderful town of Elkmont and wants to be part of our happy community.  It is located on hill across the road from Belle Chevre. 
The focus of the store will remain the same - promoting and supporting local artisans and their works.  Kindred Spirits focuses on locally handmade items.....very unique and one-of-a-kind items! Everything from locally made soaps to fabulous farm tables made from repurposed barn wood....and everything in between (chocolate yummies too)!  Kindred Spirits also has wonderful workshops so you too can create something special and wonderful.  They are open Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm and on Sunday 1- 4 pm.  Be sure to stop by and say hi.

Here are some of the owner's thoughts:
For all my kindred spirits out there, I am so excited to announce that Kindred Spirits will be re-opening the beginning of April! A charming building in the quaint town of Elkmont will be our new home. There's so much happening in Elkmont these days, so if you haven't discovered it yet, get ready!  A lot of the great artisans who started with me in 2011 will be in the store, along with some new talent!

Spend the day in Elkmont on Saturday and discover what a special place this is! Have lunch at Belle Chevre, take the tour of the Belle Chevre Creamery, explore PaperTrail Antiques Elkmont and take a stroll along the rails to trails. Stop by Kindred Spirits and say hello, check out all the great treasures we have. Have a cup of coffee and a snack! It's going to be a great day!

ELKMONT HIGH SCHOOL REACHES OUT TO CLEMENTS

EHS is collecting items for our neighbors in the Clements/Coxy area who were affected by the tornadoes on April 28. This is a great way for us to help those in need and show our support.

The following items are needed:

* Gatorade
* Soft Drinks
* Individually-wrapped Snacks
* Small packages of mayo
* Cereal
* Dog Food
* Cat Food
* Diapers (all sizes except 3-4)
* New Towels
* New Socks
* New Underwear
* Gift Cards

Please bring donated items to the front lobby on Friday morning, May 2. We will deliver the items to those in need.

MARGARET ANN BATES - OBITUARY

Name:
Margaret Ann Bates

Dates:
Birth date: December 19, 1940
Death date: May 1, 2014

Obituary: 
Mrs. Margaret Ann Black Bates passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at home. She was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Black on December 19, 1940 in Athens, AL. Margaret Ann graduated from Athens High School in 1959, married Harold Wade Bates in 1960 and they lived together in Elkmont, Alabama.

Margaret Ann was retired from Limestone County Schools where she worked at the Central Office and then finished her career as the secretary at Elkmont High School. She was known in her community and beyond as a kind and compassionate person who always had a smiling face for everyone she met.
 
Margaret Ann was an active member of Elkmont Church of Christ where she taught Bible classes for many years. She loved all of her grandchildren very much and was very active in rearing them in God’s way.

Margaret Ann is survived by six children: Stan and Anita Bates, Steve and Beth Bates, and Joe and Alicia Bates, all of Elkmont; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by one sister, Ms. Janice Parr and one brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Black.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Hospice of North Alabama, 3311 Bob Wallace Ave., Suite 101, Huntsville, AL, 35805.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. A memorial service and burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am also at Limestone Chapel with burial at Roselawn Cemetery. 

Hillspirit Thoughts:
Such as sweet lady; quick to help and a wonderful smile.  She will be greatly missed.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK

 May

2  
ELKMONT SOFTBALL:
AREA TOURNAMENT @ WEST MORGAN
Elkmont vs Madison Academy @ 2:30 pm
Winner plays West Morgan @ 4:30 pm

Elkmont Track @ State Meet - Selma
  
3

Come meet Seth Parker 
 District 1 Commissioner Candidate

Free food, sno cones, etc. Depot in Elkmont @ noon - 2 pm. I'll have signs and magnets available for pickup. Bring your questions and road concerns.  I would like to hear them.

Run with the Trailblazers @ 9 am - Rails for Trails 

ELKMONT YOUTH BALL
Baseball:
Softball:
Diamond Daisies at Elkmont vs Johnson; Field 1

Elkmont Track @ State Meet - Selma 


Red Caboose Music Show @ 7 pm
Check out our Show this Saturday May 3rd. The Band "Cumberland Blue" will be performing here at THE RED CABOOSE. Cumberland Blue has performed at several venues in and around Nashville along with performances at Memphis Blues Festival.
Call 256-306-6201 for reservations.

  ELKMONT SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

EHS GOLF TEAM AT SECTIONALS

Elkmont Red Devils:

Colby Holt, Peyton McCowan, 
Alex Richardson and Kody Clark.  

Coach: Daniel Lorenzo

So proud of the EHS boys golf team. They played well today at sectionals. Colby Holt shot a 82, Peyton McCowin shot 93, Alex Richardson shot 108, Kody Clark 135.  Holt qualified as an individual to move on to substate. It will be on Monday at one of the Robert Trent Golf courses, Silver Lakes.

BLUES NIGHT AT THE RED CABOOSE

Check out our show this Saturday May 3rd. The Band "Cumberland Blue" will be performing here at THE RED CABOOSE. Great night for young and old to enjoy great Blues.

Tickets are only $15.00 including snacks and drinks.  Credit cards accepted at the door.

 Doors open 6:00 Showtime 7:00. 

  
Cumberland Blue has performed at several venues in and around Nashville along with performances at Memphis Blues Festival. Be sure to call in advance for reservations for our show this Saturday at The Red Caboose . We are expecting a sell out crowd.  Call 256-306-6201 for reservations.

Dinner Back by Popular Demand. Belle Chevre Saturday Supper Reservations required.  Call 888-549-1665
Reservations required.  
Two seatings: 5:45 and 7:15

ELKMONT VS ARDMORE ALUMNI GAME

On a night made for the first Elkmont vs Ardmore Alumni game, players, cheerleaders and band members from years past gathered at Tiger Stadium.  These groups have been practicing and reliving bygone memories as well as creating new ones.  This game had been months in the making. 

Alumni Football USA helped organize the game, which was open to anyone who graduated from Ardmore or Elkmont.

“What they (Alumni Football USA) try to do is get a natural rivalry. In our case, it’s always been Ardmore,” said Elkmont graduate Coty Johns.

“We started having people register about a week after that game,” said Johns. “We were the first to sign up and its been really strong since. We’ve got people from 1974-2011. We pretty much covered all generations."  After Johns signed up, dozens more followed, and not just football players. but bands and cheerleaders from both schools.

“They texted me back in the summer and I actually thought it was a joke,” said Lesley Garris, a 1989 Elkmont graduate. “I did some research and saw that it was real and decided to play.”

Garris did more than sign up. The former quarterback contacted former Elkmont all-state players and recruited them to play. That included 2007-08 all-state athlete David Solomon, 2006 all-state tight end Tim Woolridge, 2003 all-state linebacker Jacob Black and 1999 all-state quarterback Brandon Turner.

Game Results:

Alumni Football USA helped organize the game, which is open to anyone who graduated from Ardmore or Elkmont.

“What they (Alumni Football USA) try to do is get a natural rivalry. In our case, it’s always been Ardmore,” said Elkmont graduate Coty Johns. “We had a lot of people attend that (West-Clements) game and I hope that we can do the same thing for Elkmont.”

Clements and West Limestone played an alumni game in October 2013, the first such game to take place between the Limestone County schools.

The winner of Friday’s game will play West Limestone, which beat Clements 36-8, at a later date.

“We started having people register about a week after that game,” said Johns. “We were the first to sign up and its been really strong since. We’ve got people from 1974-2011. We pretty much cover all generations.”

Johns said Elkmont has about 36 players signed to play in the game, which will be full contact with pads and helmets. Alumni Football USA games are as close to the games you see on Friday nights in the fall, except, of course, for players ages.

“I wanted to see the level of play,” said Johns about watching the West Limestone game.  “What kind of game it would be as far the hitting goes. I wanted to see it for my own eyes before I committed.”

After Johns signed up, dozens more followed, and not just football players. Friday’s game will feature bands and cheerleaders from both schools. Tickets can be purchased from anyone playing in the game through Sunday, at either school until the day of the game and at the gate.

Half the proceeds from presold tickets go toward the schools while tickets purchased at the gate go straight to Alumni Football USA. Those looking for tickets over the weekend can visit the Piggly Wiggly in Elkmont Saturday where Johns and fellow Elkmont graduate, Lesley Garris, will be on hand to sell tickets at a car show, beginning at 10 a.m.

“They texted me back in the summer and I actually thought it was a joke,” said Garris, a 1989 Elkmont graduate. “I did some research and saw that it was real and decided to play.”

Garris did more than sign up. The former quarterback contacted former Elkmont all-state players and recruited them to play. So far, recognizable names include 2007-08 all-state athlete David Solomon, 2006 all-state tight end Tim Woolridge, 2003 all-state linebacker Jacob Black and 1999 all-state quarterback Brandon Turner.

Johnny Stephens and Bob Whitt will coach the Elkmont team. - See more at: http://www.enewscourier.com/archivesearch/x493448835/Ardmore-Elkmont-alumni-game-a-week-away#sthash.FJBdVANm.dpuf

The Elkmont football team won 20 - 6 over the Ardmore Tigers.  Gery Jones scored two rushing touchdowns and received offensive MVP. Brandon Turner threw an 88 yard TD to David Solomon. 

Gery Jones - Offensive MVP

David Solomon - Special Teams MVP 

Jacob Black - Defensive MVP

The Elkmont Red Devils Alumni team will play West Limestone, which beat Clements 36-8 in an early game, at a later date.

 

Link to post game interview: Elkmont 

Donnie's Thoughts:
As you get older, have you looked back and wished you could do something one more time? When I graduated in 1974, I would come to Elkmont Football games and think "man, I wish I could be out there." Well, last night I got that chance. I got to do it with 5 nephews (Jamie Harwell-Jeremy and Timmy Wooldridge- David and Brandon Solomon) my son-n-law (Tony Mims) and my son (Coty Johns) whom all played for the Red Devils. I got to play with young men who I had watched in years past. Our team was coached by John Bob Witt. His dad was my coach back during my high school years. The quarterback was Brandon Turner who I helped coach in pee wee and others. I got to play with young men whose dads played on the same team with me back then. with my wife Vickie and my daughter Amanda Mims and sister-in-law, Deb Holt cheering on the sideline. And today I feel very much blessed to be able to have been a part of alumni game and to be able to run the football again against Ardmore (2 carries 6 yards).  That's was all I could ask for since sign up and in all the practices was two carries and I thank the linemen up front for this. 

When we broke the huddle, a couple of big lineman looked at me and said "Get behind us Mr. Johns, we got you."  Yes, it was only two plays but they will last forever for me. When I got up from the ground as the last second clicked off the clock,  I looked at the score board.  It flashed Elkmont 20, Ardmore 6 and thought Ardmore NOMORE.

ALUMNI FOOTBALL ROSTER

#1 Jamie Harwell – Class of ‘94 
#2 Matt Roberts – Class of ‘98 
#3 Jeremy Wooldridge - Class of ‘98 
#4 Ryan Woods - Class of ‘06 
#5 Michael Lloyd – Class of ‘02 
#6 Jason Randolph – Class of ‘01 
#7 Brandon Turner – Class of ‘01 
#9 Heath Pitman - Class of ‘98 
#10 Lesley Garris - Class of ‘89 
#11 Josh Kennedy - Class of ‘97 
#12 Brandon Solomon - Class of ‘09 
#14 Gery Jones - Class of ‘99 
#15 Chris Sharp - Class of ‘88 
#20 Mike Adams - Class of ‘85 
#22 Justin Defoe - Class of ‘08 
#23 Brandon Batrum - Class of ‘05 
#25 David Solomon - Class of ‘09 
#31 Dustin Ward - Class of ‘13 
#32 Gerald Jones - Class of ‘97 
#33 Tim Hilliard - Class of ‘92 
#36 Shaun Sims - Class of ‘97 
#38 Michael Batrum - Class of ‘00 
#44 Coty Johns - Class of ‘02 
#44 Donnie Johns - Class of ‘74 
#45 Jacob Black - Class of ‘04 
#50 Jacob Marshall - Class of ‘13 
#51 Anthony Mims - Class of ‘06 
#52 Ken Wright- Class of ‘02 
#54 Jared Smith – Class of ‘95 
#55 Sean England – Class of ‘94 
#56 Bronson Ellis – Class of ‘12 
#57 Todd Clem – Class of ‘95 
#75 Adam Woodfin – Class of ‘97 
#77 Eric Chaney - Class of ‘11 
#84 Nick McMunn - Class of ‘97 
#87 Tim Wooldridge - Class of ‘06 
#88 Jarrod Petty - Class of ‘10

Coaches:

Johnny Stephens—Offense – Class of ‘80

John Witt—Defense/Special Teams – Class of ‘97

Mark Stephens—Defense/Personnel – Class of ‘81

Michael Carter – Press Box Coach

Ryan Pylant – Trainer – Class of ‘05

Manager – Noah Sharp – Class of ‘17

Water Boys – Cason Clem, DJ Holden & Isaac Batrum

Team Photographers – Robby Newport & Haley Black

 

Alumni Band:

Mark McChristian – Band Director 

Keila Powers Berzett – Class of ‘82 Jeff Glaze - Class of ‘81 
Marty McNatt – Class of ‘85, Jacob McNatt – Class of ‘12
, Payton Ikard – Class of ‘14, 
Mike Ikard – Class of ‘88
, Pam Eaves Moss – Class of ‘87, Kyle Morneault – Class of ‘07, Tammy Davis Haney – Class of ‘83, Cynthia Wray Daniel – Class of ‘83, Jennifer Tyler McNeil – Class of ‘89, Theresa Jeffreys Kyle – Class of ‘86, Belinda Daly Wray – Class of ‘86, Lisa Turner Williams – Class of ‘83, Linda Powers Hogan – Class of ‘78, Renea Eaves – Class of ‘83, Hunter Ennis – Class of ‘15, Preston Ikard – Class of ‘12, Dusty Birdwell – Class of ‘13, Rhonda Owen Spry – Class of ‘79, Quterrais Williams – Class of ‘14, Cody Wagoner – Class of ‘15, Kelly McNeil – Class of ‘17, Austin Reed – Class of ’16, Victor Mendez – Class of ‘14

Cheerleaders:

Jada Appleton - Class of ‘03
, Kim Davis Knox – Class of ‘03, Amanda Johns Mims – Class of ‘05, Jessica Lackey – Class of ‘07,
 Laura Huseth Dougherty – Class of ‘09, Bailey Witt – Class of ‘09
, Erin Mitchell – Class of ‘10
, Casey Dugger – Class of ‘10
, Allie Jacobs – Class of ‘10,
 Claire Patterson – Class of ‘11,
  Jane Grumbine Smith – Class of ‘91,Crystal Mizell Newsom – Class of ‘91,  Debra Solomon Holt - Class of ‘72, Susan Legg Pylant – Class of ‘72, Vicky Solomon Johns– Class of ‘74, Mona Scott Hill – Class of ‘76, Regina Wilkins Clem – Class of ‘83, Cindy Colvett Wales – Class of ‘84, Marcy Nash Hamilton – Class of ‘85, Pinky Davis Doyle – Class of ‘85, Ellen Daly Emfinger - Class of ‘87, Dee Hardiman Sharp – Class of ‘90, Necole Hill Scroggins – Class of ’93, Joni Terry – Class of ‘99

Great Photos of the game can be ordered from Down Home Portraits.  Link to Album

REBECCA RUTH HODGES - OBITUARY

Name:
Rebecca Ruth Hodges
 
Dates:
Birth date: August 22, 1949
Death date: April 29, 2014
 
Obituary:

Rebecca Ruth Hodges, 64 of Elkmont, Alabama died on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at her home.
Born Monday, August 22, 1949 in Huntsville, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Robert Andrews and the late Lizzie Cantrell Andrews. She was a lifelong resident of the Ardmore area and loved gardening and her puppies. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are her husband Red Hodges of Elkmont, AL, sons, Paul & Jenni King of Elkton, TN, Eddie & Tabby King of Ardmore, TN and Ray & Kathy Pogue of Gaston, SC, brothers, James Andrews of Morgan City, AL and Richard Andrews of Morgan City, AL, sisters, Katherine Andrews of Morgan City, AL and Irlean Aldridge of Morgan City, AL, eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 2, 2014, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Dale Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Stateline Cemetery, Hazel Green, AL.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

COLONEL MARCUS LEON WHITFIELD - OBITUARY

Name:
Colonel Marcus Leon Whitfield

Dates:
Birth date: March 27, 1927
Death date: April 28, 2014

Obituary: 
Born the eldest son of George R Whitfield and Effie Stamper Whitfield in Gadsden, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; Hulan Whitfield and Ralph Whitfield. He is survived by his wife June Robertson Whitfield of Elkmont, Alabama, sons Marcus (Mark) A Whitfield of Louisville Kentucky, Brian M Whitfield of Huntsville Alabama, daughter Debra (Debi) D Morgan of Cheney Washington and stepson Gary R Thacker of Athens Alabama. He had 6 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Alabama where he served the Army ROTC as a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. He completed his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at University of Illinois. He continued his studies at the Vanderbilt University and North Carolina State University. He completed post-graduate studies at Southeastern Institute of Technology. He was a licensed Professional Engineer holding credentials in Texas and Alabama.

Colonel Whitfield joined the military at a young age and served in the US Army with distinction as an active duty officer, reserve officer, and as a civil service employee for most of his professional career. During his career, Colonel Whitfield served in numerous foreign and domestic military stations including Germany, Okinawa, Eniwetok, Washington DC, among many others. Early in his military career, Colonel Whitfield served in Germany assisting with the post WWII reconstruction and subsequently performed Nuclear Blast Effects research and analysis for the Atomic Bomb testing activities at Eniwetok where he personally witnessed the nuclear test events. Following his departure from active duty military service, Colonel Whitfield served the US Army Strategic Missile Defense Command (USA-SMDC) and its predecessor agencies as a civilian employee. He was known for his advocacy of and technical contributions to the now-common Non-Nuclear Hit-to-Kill missile defense interceptor technology development, and his expertise in missile propulsion. Following his retirement from civil service, he
formed Whitfield Enterprises Incorporated performing engineering consultation for PAC-3 and Patriot missile development and testing activities.

In his personal life, Colonel Whitfield was an avid golfer and a loyal fan of Alabama football and devoted his post-retirement time to restoring vintage sports cars.

Visitation for Colonel Whitfield will be Friday, May 2, 2014 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home in Athens, AL.

Colonel Whitfield will be buried with his beloved parents at Mountain View Park Cemetery in Marietta Georgia.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.