JEWEL LOUISE WATKINS

Jewel Louise Watkins, age 99 of Elkmont,AL died Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Limestone Health and Rehab,Athens, Alabama.

She was born Sunday, June 22, 1919 in Limestone County, AL, she was the daughter of the late William David Vickers and Eva Mae Robison Vickers. She was a member of Boyds Chapel United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Alton Lee Watkins, brothers, Johnie Vickers, David Vickers; sisters, Lillie Mae Johnson, Kathleen Wales, and Nancy Vickers.

She is survived by her sister, Clarice Faye Brock, Elkmont, AL; brother, Wayne (Peggy) Vickers, Rogersville, AL; and many neices and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL, at 2:00 PM with Bro. Mitch McCormick and Bro. Carl Evans officiating. Burial will be in Sylone Cemetery, Elkmont, AL.

RUNNERS, RUNNERS, EVERYWHERE!!!!!

We have a big race on the trail today.  Many of the area cross country teams are running in the Elkmont High School Cross Country Invitational, October 2. The first race starts at 4 pm.  Races will include men's and women's varsity divisions. The race route will start at the Caboose, wind through Children Street and Cedar Avenue area before taking to the Rails to Trails down to the civil war battle site of Sulphur Creek Trestle, turns around and finishes up with a dash to the finish line next to the Elkmont Depot.  Come out and support our Elkmont runners.  Parking will be at a premium.  The local church parking lots are your best bet.

The Elkmont High School Cross Country program started with just four runners the first year but the program has grown into a recognized presence on the Alabama 3A high school cross country circuit. 

 

HAUNTED HOSPITAL IS BACK

Scare4Charity will hold it’s annual Halloween event, the Haunted Lester Hospital starting Saturday. Proceeds go to local charities as well as provide an annual scholarship to a student in the West Limestone community.

Through the years, Scare4Charity has also helped raise and distribute funds to storm victims in Limestone County, provide donations to Moms on a Mission, Hospice of Limestone County, Habitat for Humanity, West Limestone Volunteer Fire Department, Goodsprings Volunteer Fire Department, several local families and more.

There is a lot in store for those who visit Lester this year. Scare4Charity organizers recently remodeled the entire hospital to make room for even more thrill and chill seekers.

The haunted hospital will be open at sundown. Tours start a 7 p.m. and go till 11p.m. on Friday and Saturday We will be open Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 18- 20, 25-27, 29- 31 for the 2018 season. Price is $15 per person. There will be on site concessions for sale.

To find out more about 
Lester Haunted Hospital:

 visit 
 The Lester Haunted Hospital

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Running at practice in these GREAT temps I was doing some thinking. It has always been my rule that in practice anyone you meet when running an out and back you tell them "good job!" Anyone you happen to pass on your run in practice you tell them "Good job!" 

photo by Down Home Portraits

I was watching them run, meeting one another with "good jobs" and I began to notice their confidence. A great, quiet confidence in the way they carried themselves and the way they looked one another in the eyes. It hit me that the confidence with which they run has come from within these runners. The work they have put in since May has brought them to a point of believing and knowing they are strong enough to finish and not only that but finish strong. 

photo by Down Home Portraits

We can give our children a lot of things. We can give them cars, clothes, money.....things. We can never "give" them the confidence that comes from earning a belief in oneself. That comes from letting kids fail, letting kids get hurt sometimes, and letting kids know that not everyone gets the prize for just showing up. 

Learning to cope in this race we call life...where to "speed up" and where to "slow down." Learning that self esteem is cultivated and built rather than given through gifts and unearned trophies. Telling them "good job" and expecting them to tell others and encourage friends. 

photo by Down Home Portraits

Confidence is not bragging or pride. It is an intriguing attribute that draws others in and motivates them to do what you do. Very attractive and very evident in those that possess it. Quiet confidence is a must to becoming successful. Hard work can produce it! Have a good one!

ALVIN WAYNE BLAND - OBITUARY

Alvin Wayne Bland, age 81 of Ardmore, AL died Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at his daughter's home. Born Saturday, September 18, 1937 in Ardmore, TN, he was the son of the late Linzie Bland and Audean Puckett Bland. He lived in the Ardmore area most all his life and was a member of First Baptist Church of Ardmore where he was previously Chairman of the Deacons, he was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, and served in local Law Enforcement as Chief of Police of Elkmont and Deputy Sheriff of Limestone County.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Carol Sue Bland.

He is survived by his Daughters, Megan (Jeremy) Wooldridge, Athens, AL, and Jana (Scott) Smith, Huntsville, AL, Brother, Bobby Bland, Pulaski, TN; Grandchildren, Erin Smith, Hannah Smith and Hudson Wooldridge.

A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Ardmore First Baptist Church, Ardmore, AL, at 4:00 PM with Bro. Alan Hughes officiating.

Burial was at 5:00 PM in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

MICHAEL WAYNE HART - OBITUARY

Mr. Michael Wayne Hart, age 71 of Elkmont, AL passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Athens Limestone Hospital. Mr. Hart was born on June 11, 1947 in Baytown, TX to Hershel Hart and Wanda Creel Hart.

Mr. Hart is survived by his wife, Darilyn Hart; sons, Wayne Hart (Jin) and Paul Hart (Tammy); grandchildren, Sarah, Daniel, Deborah, Jonathan, Savannah and Michael; brother, William Hart; nieces, nephews and numerous other family and friends.

Mr. Hart was a member of the North Alabama Messianic Group.

Services for Mr. Hart will be 10:00AM on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Sal and Jennifer Fuentes officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 5:00-7:00PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the VA Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.

ANN GRISHAM JOHNSON MORELL - OBITUARY

Mrs. Ann Grisham Johnson Morell, age 84 of Elkmont, died Thursday, September 20, 2018 at her residence. Mrs. Morell was born November 10, 1933 in Limestone County, she was a member of First Baptist Church Athens and she was a retired Hairdresser and Restaurant owner.

Services were at 3PM Sunday at Spry Funeral Chapel with Joe Teal and Joel Carwile officiating. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery and visitation was from 1 to 3PM Sunday at Spry Funeral Home. 

Pallbearers will be Will Sherill, Nathan Webb, Matt Morell, Shane Morell, Josh Chandler and Brian Barnett. The family would like to thanks Amedisys Hospice of Florence. 

Survivors: Daughter, Beth Morell Chandler of Tuscaloosa, Sons, Dave Morell of Mechanicsburg, PA and Joe Morell of Elkmont, Ten Grandchildren, Eight Great Grandchildren, Sister, Verona Walton of Athens, Several Nieces and Nephews. 

Preceded in death by: Husband, Christy Morell and Daughter, Cathy Joe Webb.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH - DAY 22

This is another "do it yourself" project. Do you need something to burn? Before you start hacking up your furniture for fuel, you should consider making paper logs.   First you drill some holes in the bucket. Then you basically just mix paper and water in a big bucket to make a paper pulp. Put something heavy on the pulp to drain the water out. When it dries, you will have a big briquette made out of paper. It will burn for hours.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Ok, so as the elementary assistant Principal, I take over when our Principal is away. I was dismissing classes in the gym after breakfast when a young man in kindergarten said, "wait!" "The Principal does that!" His teacher said, "Today Coach Pugh is the Principal". He looked a little confused...Held up his hands horizontal to each other and said "ummm...He's a little short to be in charge".......humility again....humility....

NATIONAL EMERGENCY MONTH - DAY 18

Don't Be Like This....Prepare Now, Not When You Need It