SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1874 | $1.00 Lake City Reporter
LAKECITYREPORTER.COM Get set for Health Dept. SUNDAY EDITION summertime official to retire camping fun. 1C after 35 years. 1D Murder suspect jailed
Second suspect, went to Johnson’s Lake City hope someone with knowl- door. home after obtaining an edge of the case will come Both suspects fled on alleged gunman, arrest warrant but learned forward.” foot. remains at large he was in the Jacksonville On April 27 at 1:36 p.m., Shaw said Grandison is area. Johnson was later officers were notified of a considered armed and dan- From staff reports arrested by agents from robbery at A&M Discount gerous. the FDLE Jacksonville Beverage store at 394 SE Johnson faces charges of A suspect in the April 27 Regional Operations Duval St. Officers arrived first-degree felony murder shooting death of a local Center, Shaw said. at 1:37 p.m. and found the and robbery. convenience store owner Shaw said he could not suspects gone and store A warrant has been was arrested in Jacksonville reveal how officers learned owner Rajni Patel, 55, fatal- issued for the arrest of Saturday, according to the identity of the sus- ly shot. Grandison on the same police. pects. Patel’s wife Daxa was charges, according to James Leonard Johnson, However, he said, “we shot at during the robbery, Shaw. 23, was taken into cus- made leaps and bounds but was unhurt. “Through the untiring tody without incident by Johnson Grandison today (Saturday).” According to police, efforts of the investigators Florida Department of City Police Department. large. He said a $10,000 reward Johnson took money from who have been working Law Enforcement agents A second suspect, Ernest According to Shaw, offi- for information leading to behind the counter and in Jacksonville, according Larry Grandison, has been cers from LCPD, the state the arrest of Grandison Grandison shot Rajni Patel to Steve Shaw of the Lake identified but remains at attorney’s office and FDLE remains in effect and “we as he came through a side MURDER continued on 3A Ruby McCollum story retold in documentary McCollum’s grandson In 1992 McCollum died at the questions the accuracy age of 82, never having lived in Suwannee County again. of the film, however. Johnson, a professor of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State By HANNAH O. BROWN University, began pursuing the [email protected] story in 1994. McCollum’s story has been LIVE OAK-The 1952 first- investigated by noted writers degree murder conviction of Ruby such as Zora Neale Hurston and McCollum, a wealthy black woman William Bradford Huie. in Live Oak, has been further Huie, a well-known investigative explored by filmmaker Claudia journalist at the time, attempted Johnson’s recently released doc- to interview McCollum while she umentary, “The Other Side of was incarcerated, but was barred Silence.” from seeing M c C o l l u m her by Judge was the wife of a ‘A lot of people don’t Hal Adams. Sam McCollum, want to talk out of respect Johnson’s film the reported for their families. It’s not suggests that leader of a bolita that they fear retaliation McCollum was ring, an illegal or fear that somebody is silenced by the lottery game, going to do something to white-domi- in Suwannee them. Most of the time it’s nated power County. She is out of respect.’ structure of HANNAH O. BROWN/Lake City Reporter said to have had S u w a n n e e FAM Fest! an affair with Marlon Ivey County. Runners rush from the starting line at the 5K race during Fam Fest on Saturday. The event featured the race, the man she was Grandson of Ruby McCollum Sam and Ruby along with the Lake DeSoto Farmers Market, an art show, and a concert by “Patchwork,” an all-female bluegrass accused of shoot- McCollum are band. See more FAM Fest photos, Page 6A. ing to death in remembered as his office the morning of Aug. 3, wealthy and well-known members 1952, Dr. Clifford LeRoy Adams, of the community. They lived in a a prominent white physician and two-story Spanish-style home and state senator-elect. McCollum’s drove a new Chrysler. Top candidate for SRWMD story is clouded with rumors of Myster y sur rounds morphine dependency, tampered McCollum’s relationship with Dr. evidence, prison psychosis and a Adams. The film suggests that executive director named mysteriously aborted pregnancy. McCollum and Adams may have From staff reports Her trial was conducted before been in an adulterous relation- The other Protection Branch for the a jury of all white men, half of ship. It goes further to suggest LIVE OAK – Following candidates were Georgia Department of Natural whom were former patients of that the relationship may not intrviews Friday with four can- Steve Minnis, Resources: Environmental the deceased doctor. She was sen- have been consensual. McCollum didates for executive director director of Protection Division. tenced to death by electric chair. is rumored to have given birth to of the Suwannee River Water Gover nmental The selection committee Her conviction and sentence one child of Adams and to have Management District, a dis- Af fairs for is made up of five SRWMD were overturned and McCollum been pregnant with a second at trict selection committee chose the water dis- Governing Board members – was given a second trial. She the time of the shooting. Ann Shortelle, director of the trict; Chuck Shortelle Don Quincey Jr., Heath Davis, was deemed mentally incompe- “She was actually silenced,” Office of Water Policy for Florida Walter, direc- George Cole, Donald “Ray” tent and spent the next 20 years said former Suwannee County Department of Environmental tor of Science and Information Curtis III, and Carl Meece. at the Florida State Hospital in Protection, as its top candidate. for Applied Sciences Consulting Earlier this month, the commit- Chattahoochee. Shortelle will go before the full Inc.; and Cliff Lewis, assis- tee had narrowed the list of 17 FILM continued on 3A governing board June 12. tant branch chief of the Water candidates to four. Niblack Elementary School shines on the FCAT
By LAURA HAMPSON graders passed by scoring a level 3 and etary rewards while schools deemed fail- Initially, the State Board of Education [email protected] above on the writing portion of the new, ing can face sanctions that include staff, had increased the cut-off for a passing more rigorous Florida Comprehensive faculty and student transfers and even score from 3.5 to 4 while also making Columbia County schools were saved by Assessment Test 2.0. Last year 97 percent closure. the test tougher by increasing emphasis the Florida Department of Education from of students in the county passed the test, Across the state 81 percent of fourth- on such skills as spelling, punctuation an upsurge of failing writing scores this although a different version. graders passed, which is about the same and capitalization as well as the quality year, although scores are lower than last FCAT scores are the primary factor in as last year. The state also released scores year, according to results released Friday. determining A-to-F grades for schools. for eighth and tenth-grade writing tests, Across the county, 85 percent of fourth- Those that get high grades can earn mon- and ninth and tenth grade reading tests. FCAT continued on 3A
Vol. 138, No. 83 Opinion ...... 4A CALL US: TODAY IN COMING (386) 752-1293 Business ...... 1C5A 9186 6458 Obituaries ...... 5A PEOPLE TUESDAY SUBSCRIBE TO T-StormMostly ChanceSunny Obituaries ...... 6A THE REPORTER: Advice.Advice & . .Comics ...... 5D8B Loretta Lynn Local news Voice: 755-5445 Puzzles ...... 5B Fax: 752-9400 WEATHER, 2A8A Puzzles ...... 2B 80, not 77. roundup. 2A
2a LAKE CITY REPORTER SUNDAY REPORT sunDAY, MAY 20, 2012 Page Editor: Rick Burnham, 754-0424
Friday: Friday: Saturday: Saturday: Saturday: Saturday: 2-16-23-33 15 7-20-24-32-34 Afternoon: 2-8-9 Afternoon: 5-3-4-0 Not Available Not Available Evening: Not Available Evening: Not Available AROUND FLORIDA Gov. Scott heading to Spain to tout Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Canada, Brazil and Israel. wheel fell off during take- Terminal two, which Despite ongoing economic Enterprise Florida is pay- off arrived safely in central includes the Delta Air Lines upheaval in Spain, Florida ing for Scott and his wife’s Florida. concourse, was evacuated Gov. Rick Scott is heading expenses with money from WFTV TV is report- for about two hours Friday to the European country private donations. ing the Icelandair flight as hazardous materials for a four-day trip where arrived at Orlando-Sanford technicians investigated. he will tout the Sunshine International Airport early Five people were sent to the State as a good place to do Saturday morning. hospital with respiratory business. FHP: Toddler The flight had to turn complaints, including three The governor is also killed in crash around and made an emer- Transportation Security expected to cement cul- gency landing late Friday Administration agents and tural ties in advance of next CLEWISTON — The after a wheel fell off during two passengers. year’s 500th anniversary Florida Highway Patrol is takeoff. The plane and its of Juan Ponce de Leon’s asking the public for infor- 200 passengers had to fly arrival on the state’s east mation regarding a crash around for hours to burn Symposium coast and he will meet with that killed a 2-year-old boy off fuel before landing at praises Truman King Juan Carlos. in Clewiston. the international airport in Scott leaves Sunday for An FHP report says alco- Reykjavik. The wheel that KEY WESTM— Former Madrid with a group of hol played a role in the early fell off was found on the Florida Gov. and U.S. Sen. more than 60 people that Saturday morning crash. runway. Bob Graham has opened a includes First Lady Ann Authorities say 22-year-old One passenger told weekend Truman Legacy Scott, Senate President Hermelinda Ramirez drove WFTV they were told there Symposium, praising Mike Haridopolos, onto the shoulder of the wasn’t “a lot to be worried the late President Harry Secretary of State Ken street, forcing the car to about” since the wheel was Truman for supporting Detzner as well as execu- overturn into a canal. She one of eight on the plane. foreign aid and opposing tives from Florida Power & ASSOCIATED PRESS and her passenger, 2-year- Passengers were placed American isolationism. Light and Florida Crystals Florida Gov. Rick Scott makes a speech at the annual old Alex Perez-Ramirez, on another flight to The conference has Corporation. Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Fort Lauderdale, May were submerged under Sanford. attracted political figures and Spain right now ranks 16. The governor leaves today for a four-day trip to Spain, water. The boy had been scholars to discuss aspects 33rd among Florida’s glob- where he will tout the state as a good place to do business. restrained inside the car of Truman’s 1945-1953 al trading partners, which and was pronounced dead Airport chemicals presidency, focusing on his places it behind many where he discussed the said this is a good time to at the hospital. unconfirmed foreign aid legacy. Events countries in Latin America trip. reach out to Spanish busi- The driver was taken to are centered at the Harry S. as well as Japan and China The visit, however, nesses that may be looking the hospital with serious FORT LAUDERDALE Truman Little White House, and several other countries comes at a time when Spain to move money somewhere injuries. An update on her — Broward County author- where Truman spent 11 in Europe. is grappling with serious else. condition was not immedi- ities continue to investigate working vacations. Events But Scott and state eco- economic problems includ- “Interest from prospects ately released. the unknown chemical that end Saturday. nomic officials say that ing a recent slide back into are not waning at all,” FHP says alcohol may closed a terminal at Fort Panelists include U.S. Spain has been a source recession. Mencia said in an email. “It have been a factor in the Lauderdale-Hollywood Rep. Russ Carnahan of of growing foreign invest- Some of the recent bad is precisely the economic crash. The agency is ask- International Airport. Missouri; Martin Palous, ment as well as the origin news includes reports of stagnation of the European ing anyone with informa- Sheriff’s Fire Rescue former Czech Republic of many tourists. There a rise in the level of bad Union that attracts Spanish tion regarding the crash spokesman Mike Jachles ambassador to the U.S. are already more than 300 loans on the books of its companies to the U.S. mar- to contact them or crime told The Associated Press and United Nations, and Spanish companies in the banks and word from the ket and Florida is by far stoppers. Saturday that the source Truman grandson Clifton state. government Friday that it the preferred location for has not yet been con- Truman Daniel. “By developing and main- may have to revise its 2011 Spanish companies in the firmed, calling it an ongo- The house also has taining relationships with budget deficit upwards for U.S.” Plane’s wheel ing investigation. Airport hosted former presidents key economic partners, we a second time. This is the fifth trip that falls off spokesman Greg Meyer Dwight Eisenhower, John can ensure that Florida’s Manny Mencia, senior Scott has taken abroad said earlier that it appeared Kennedy, Jimmy Carter economy continues to vice president of interna- since he became gover- SANFORD — A plane to have been an aerosol can and Bill Clinton and cur- grow,” Scott said Friday in tional trade and develop- nor in January 2011. He that made an emergency that exploded in someone’s rent U.S. Secretary of State his weekly radio address ment for Enterprise Florida, has also visited Panama, landing in Iceland after a luggage. Hillary Clinton.
Celebrity Birthdays PEOPLE IN THE NEWS n Politician Jimmy Hoffa is 53. Jr. is 71. n Actress Polly Walker n Singer Joe Cocker is is 46. 68. n NASCAR champion Loretta Lynn married at 15, not 13 n Singer/actress Cher is Tony Stewart is 41. 66. n Rapper Busta Rhymes LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Country n Actress Grace Jones is 40. music legend Loretta Lynn is three is 64. n Basketball player Kevin years older than she has led peo- n Actor Bronson Pinchot Garnett is 36. ple to believe, an age change that undermines the story she told of being married at 13 in “Coal Miner’s Daily Scripture Daughter,” documents obtained by The Associated Press show. Lynn’s birth certificate on file at “But the wisdom that comes the state Office of Vital Statistics in from heaven is first of all pure; Frankfort, Ky., shows that Loretta Webb was born on April 14, 1932, then peace-loving, considerate, in Johnson County, Kentucky. That submissive, full of mercy and makes her 80 years old, not 77. Also good fruit, impartial and sincere. on file is her marriage license and Peacemakers who sow in peace two affidavits from her mother, Clara Marie Ramey, and S.W. Ward Jr., who reap a harvest of righteousness.” was not related to the family, listing the same birthdate. - James 3:17-18 NIV The records weren’t filed until 1965, which meant that Lynn needed mul- tiple documents to prove her age at that Lake City Reporter time. Lynn’s signature appears on the How to reacH us document as Loretta Webb Lynn. Main number . . . . .(386) 752-1293 BusINess Certainly Lynn isn’t the first celeb- ASSOCIATED PRESS Fax number ...... 752-9400 Controller Sue Brannon . . .754-0419 rity of a certain age to be less than Circulation ...... 755-5445 ([email protected]) Online . . . www lakecityreporter. com. forthcoming about a birthday, but the Country music star Loretta Lynn, right, and actress Zooey Deschanel sing cIrcuLatIoN The Lake City Reporter, an affiliate of discrepancy is significant because age Lynn’s hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter” during a performance of the Grand Ole Opry Lake City Reporter Community Newspapers Inc., is pub- Home delivery of the isn’t just a number for the Country on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn. During her appearance on the show, Lynn lished Tuesday through Friday and should be completed by 6:30 a.m. Music Hall of Fame member. It is announced that a musical of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is in development and Sunday at 180 E. Duval St., Lake City, Tuesday through Friday, and by 7:30 woven into her compelling life story, Fla. 32055. Periodical postage paid at a.m. on Sunday. Deschanel will play her. Lake City, Fla. Member Audit Bureau of 386-755-5445 made famous in her 1976 bestsell- Please call to report any Circulation and The Associated Press. problems with your delivery service. ing autobiography, “Coal Miner’s sented a bouquet of clearly unappre- for more than a decade after replac- All material herein is property of the Lake In Columbia County, customers should Daughter,” and the subsequent film ciated purple hydrangeas to Madonna ing David Lee Roth in 1986 launched City Reporter. Reproduction in whole or call before 10:30 a.m. to report a ser- starring Sissy Spacek. The movie and called her “my princess.” a tour in February with Roth back at in part is forbidden without the permis- vice error for same day re-delivery. After sion of the publisher. U.S. Postal Service 10:30 a.m., next day re-delivery or ser- made $67 million nationwide and was Smith was even less charmed by the the helm. But Van Halen on Thursday No. 310-880. vice related credits will be issued. nominated for seven Oscars; Spacek reporter, who approached him on the postponed dozens of shows this sum- POSTMASTER: Send address changes In all other counties where home delivery won for her portrayal of Lynn. carpet outside the movie theater on mer that had been scheduled for to Lake City Reporter, P.O. Box 1709, is available, next day re-delivery or ser- Lake City, Fla. 32056. The Grammy-winning sing- Friday night and tried to kiss him. months, without giving a reason. vice related credits will be issued. Publisher Todd Wilson . . . .754-0418 er recently announced that it will “C’mon man, what the hell is your Hagar thinks he knows why. Circulation ...... 755-5445 ([email protected]) become a Broadway musical, starring problem buddy?” Smith said as he “They’re hard people to get along ([email protected]) actress and singer Zooey Deschanel. pushed Serdiuk away and slapped with, those brothers,” Hagar told News Home delivery rates him lightly across the cheek with the The Associated Press on Friday. Editor Robert Bridges . . . .754-0428 (Tuesday -Friday and Sunday) back of his left hand. “Otherwise I’d still be in the band. ([email protected]) 12 Weeks...... $26.32 Journalist tries to kiss “He’s lucky I didn’t sucker punch “I’m surprised it took this long” for 24 Weeks...... $48.79 aDVertIsING 52 Weeks...... $83.46 him,” Smith said to the crowd of jour- the tour to experience major difficul- ...... 752-1293 Will Smith, gets slapped ([email protected]) Rates include 7% sales tax. nalists and fans. “Oh, I said that on ties, he added. “I predicted this was Mail rates MOSCOW — Hollywood star camera. It’s all good.” going to happen a lot sooner. I lost 12 Weeks...... $41.40 cLassIFIeD 24 Weeks...... $82.80 Will Smith slapped a male television money on that bet!” To place a classified ad, call 755-5440 52 Weeks...... $179.40 reporter who he said tried to kiss him Hagar actually had two go-rounds on the lips as he walked down the red Hagar: Not surprised at with Van Halen, but left each time carpet for the Moscow premiere of Van Halen tour woes after clashes with guitarist Eddie and CORRECTION “Men in Black III.” drummer Alex Van Halen. Roth left The reporter from the Ukrainian ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Right the band in 1985 to launch a solo The Lake City Reporter corrects errors of fact in news television channel 1+1, Vitalii Sediuk, now, Sammy Hagar is awfully glad career after similar personality clash- items. If you have a concern, question or suggestion, made headlines at the Venice Film he’s not in Van Halen anymore. es with the Van Halens, but reunited please call the executive editor. Corrections and clarifica- Festival in September when he pre- The legendary rock band he led with them in 2007. tions will run in this space. And thanks for reading. Page Editor: Rick Burnham, 754-0424 LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012 3A Corrections officer faces child porn charges
By TONY BRITT pornography, according to infor- not part of a larger probe. Corrections Sept. 8, 1995. He is [email protected] mation released by the FDLE “This was an investigation by a correctional officer on the day Friday. the FDLE Cyber Crime Squad,” shift at the Hamilton County facil- A corrections officer at “FDLE, with assistance from Plessinger said. “This was just ity. Hamilton Correctional Institution the Columbia County Sheriff’s one arrest.” “The department is dismissing was arrested Thursday by Florida Office, executed a search war- Johnson is a correctional this employee immediately,” said Department of Law Enforcement rant at his residence, 601 NW officer at the Hamilton County Jo Ellyn Rackleff, Department agents and sheriff’s deputies, Emerald Lakes Drive,” said Gretl Correctional Institute and has of Corrections’ spokesperson. and faces multiple counts of pos- Plessinger, Florida Department been employed by the DOC for “We’re dismissing him under an session of child pornography, of Law Enforcement public infor- 16 years. extraordinary procedure. Anytime authorities said. mation officer. “He was booked According to information a correctional officer breaks the Stanley Romero Johnson, 44, into the Columbia County jail and from the Florida Department of law or participates in conduct Lake City, was charged with five arrested without incident.” Corrections, Johnson was hired unbecoming to an officer in our counts of possession of child Plessinger said the arrest was by the Florida Department of ranks, they are dismissed.” O’Donnell
Seventy-eight percent of High and 43 percent at Fort two years ago for delays in FCAT: Scores lower county 10th-graders passed White passed the reading getting the tests graded. MURDER the writing test, compared portion, compared with Kitty McElhaney, district Continued From 1A Continued From Page 1A to 95 percent last year and 50 percent statewide. Last director of curriculum, of details used to explain, Summers; and 94 percent 84 percent across the state year 32 percent of county assessment and account- this investigation, the sus- clarify and define. at Columbia City. this year. They scored a 10th-graders passed, com- ability, said that while the pects have been identified and After an emergency meet- Niblack Elementary 3.2 out of 6 on persuasive pared to 44 percent this district supports raising one arrested,” LCPD chief ing, the board approved principal William Murphy prompt that directed stu- year. achievement levels, it has Argatha Gilmore said in a pre- this week to lower the writ- said he was very proud dents to convince business “Naturally we are pleased to be incremental. “We can’t pared statement. “All local law ing test’s passing score to the school’s teachers and leaders whether students with the scores, particular- change too many variables enforcement agencies were 3.0. The board acted after students for out-perform- should have a part-time ly the percentage scoring at one time,” she said. persistent in their efforts to preliminary results showed ing other county schools as job sometime during high proficiently,” said Columbia Individual student reports apprehend the suspects who that otherwise only about a well as the state. Teachers school. County Superintendent for scores released Friday committed this horrific crime third of the students would were nervous waiting for At Fort White, 84 percent Mike Millikin. should go home with stu- in our community.” have passed the tougher the results, especially when of 10th-graders passed, Millikin said he is con- dents during the last week Gilmore singled out the test. Only 28 percent of the state lowered the bar, while 95 percent passed last cerned about the validity of of school, McElhaney said. Columbia County Sheriff’s county fourth-graders he said. year. At Columbia High, 79 the test as a whole. The state next will Office, the Suwannee County would have passed had the “Sometimes people try percent passed, while 95 The writing results com- release other FCAT results, Sheriff’s Office, FDLE and the state not dropped the bar to put my school down,” he percent last year. pletely caught the DOE including reading for lower Third Circuit State Attorney’s for proficiency. This is the said. Students write every FCAT reading and math off guard to the point the grades as well as math Office as instrumental in the third time in as many years day from kindergarten and exams similarly are tough- emergency meeting was and science for all grades investigation. that the state has redefined up. Sometimes the commu- er this year. As a result, called. “It bothers me when tested. No exact date for It was not immediately what counted as a passing nity undervalues what we A-to-F grades for schools such a high stakes exam the release has been set. clear where Johnson was score on the test. do at Niblack, but we work are expected to be lower. has questions brought up,” School grades will follow. being held. This year at Niblack, just as hard, Murphy said. The grades are used to Millikin said. 95 percent of fourth-grad- Overall 72 percent of reward top schools and “Florida’s higher stan- ers passed the writing county eighth-graders sanction those that get fail- dards help ensure students test; 92 percent passed passed the writing test, ing marks. The state board are learning what they at Westside; 89 percent compared 96 percent last voted not to let any school are expected to know so passed at Pinemount; 86 year and 78 percent state- drop more than one letter that they are prepared for percent passed at Columbia wide this year. grade to soften the blow. college, career and life,” “WE ARE WOMEN, WE ARE MOTHERS, WE UNDERSTAND” City, Melrose Park and At Lake City Middle, 76 High school students Education Commissioner Eastside; 81 percent passed percent of eighth-graders must pass the 10th-grade Gerard Robinson said in at Summers; 79 percent passed; 71 percent passed reading exam to gradu- a statement. “As Florida passed at Five Points; and at Fort White; 67 percent ate. Statewide the nearly transitions to higher stan- 77 percent passed at Fort passed at Richardson; 89,260 students who failed dards and higher expec- White. and 57 percent passed the 10th grade FCAT 2.0 tations, we can expect Columbia County fourth- at Challenge Learning reading test can retake it our assessment results to graders scored an average Center. up to four times or they can reflect those changes.” 3.3 out of a possible 6 on The countywide average qualify for standard diplo- That means lower test the narrative prompt that at the middle school level mas by getting equivalent scores for students and asked students to suppose was 3.2 out of a possible scores on the SAT or ACT lower grades for their someone had a chance to 6 on a persuasive prompt college entrance exams. schools. ride a camel and to write that directed students to Half the ninth-graders at A routine outside audit about what happens on that convince the principal Fort White and 45 percent of testing procedures is camel ride. whether eighth-grade stu- at Columbia High passed already under way and the Last year at Eastside and dents should be graded on in reading, compared with DOE will have an inter- Five Points 99 percent of how they behave in school. 52 percent statewide. Last nal investigation to focus FREE pregnancy tests in the ofice and fourth-graders passed the Last year 99 percent of year 44 percent of county on finding out what went offering DaVinci Robotic Surgeries. writing test; 98 percent at eighth-graders at Lake City ninth-graders passed, com- wrong, Robinson said. Niblack, Westside, Melrose Middle passed last year; 95 pared to 45 percent this The state contracts SPECIALIZING IN: New Patients Welcome ■ Non-Invasive Laparoscopic Park and Pinemount percent at Richardson; 94 year. with NCS Pearson to pro- Gynecological Surgery Call today for a passed; 97 percent at percent at Fort White; and Forty-five percent of vide and score the FCAT. ■ Adolescent Gynecology personal appointment: Fort White; 96 percent at 80 percent at Challenge. 10th-graders at Columbia Florida fined the company ■ High and Low Risk Obstetrics ■ Contraception 386-755-0500 ■ Delivering at Shands Lake Shore 449 SE Baya Drive Ivey said. 80 people attended the ■ In-Office ultrasounds for our patients Lake City, Floraida 32025 ■ www.dainagreenemd.com FILM: Ruby McCollum Ivey said he believed opening. 3D/4D Entertainment Scans there may be some inac- Continued From Page 1A curacies in the film. Commissioner Douglas “They had a relative Udell. “She never got a of Ruby McCollum, but I chance to show her side.” thought that was inaccu- In the film, Johnson rate,” Ivey said. “Where claims a veil of secrecy still she got that from I don’t lingers over McCollum’s know.” story in Suwannee County. Ivey said he was not Johnson said that law contacted by Johnson for enforcement still show up the film. He said he under- when the Suwannee County stood why people some- Courthouse is being photo- times do not want to share graphed. She also recount- information about their ed difficulty in acquiring family members. pertinent documents such “What is there to gain?” Discover How Much Better Your as the transcript from he said. “Would you want McCollum’s trial. somebody to talk about World Can Sound… Call (386) 466-0902 “Everywhere I turned, I your grandmother or your ran into silence,” Johnson A recent documentary casts mom?” said. the story of Ruby McCollum The film premiered on Johnson said her life was in a new light. April 15 at the Langston threatened while making Hughes African American 386-755-4911 the film. She took a hia- shoot Adams. Film Festival in Seattle. tus from working on “The “I always had the intui- Johnson called the pre- Other Side of Silence” and tive sense that the whole mier “a resounding suc- did not continue pursuing truth had never been told. cess.” She said more than the story until 12 years It took me 19 years bull- later. dogging this story, but I “This was not ever sup- discovered I was right,” posed to get out,” Udell said. she said. NOTICE OF MEETING “This was a story that was Johnson presented LAKE CITY COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY intended by the power struc- two counter-theories to ture to be maintained.” McCollum having shot and CITY OF LAKE CITY Marlon Ivey of Live killed Adams. Interviews Oak, McCollum’s grand- from Suwannee County son, questioned Johnson’s residents suggest that NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lake City Community Redevelopment Agency for the claims of threats and another prominent physi- City of Lake City, Florida will hold a meeting on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 6:45 P.M., in the silence. cian shot Adams. A third “A lot of people don’t theory that local law Council Chambers located on the second floor of City Hall at 205 North Marion Avenue, Lake want to talk out of respect enforcement were respon- City, Florida. for their families,” Ivey said. sible for Adams’ death was “Everybody is not trying also presented. The film THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING IS TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING ITEM: to sell a story. Everybody presented little evidence to is not looking for their 15 back either theory. • Façade Grant Application minutes of fame. It’s not Ivey, who has seen clips that they fear retaliation of the film, doubts that or fear that somebody is there is any new informa- All interested persons are invited to attend. going to do something to tion included within it. He them. Most of the time it’s said he had not seen the SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: If you require special aid or services as addressed in the out of respect.” film in its entirety and did Johnson’s version of not plan on buying it. American Disabilities Act, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (386) 719-5768. the story claims to have “The only thing I saw added a new dimension was just some people stat- AUDREY E SIKES to an already complicat- ing their opinions. I don’t ed tale. Johnson believes know what connection City Clerk McCollum did not actually they had to the situation,” OPINION
Sunday, May 20, 2012 www.lakecityreporter.com 4A
ONE A N O T H E R OPINION VIEW Making Public- the Bill sector of Rights fat cats at cats with big optional salaries are once again the enemy of he framers of the the left. At the local, U.S. Constitution state, federal and were admirably Feven international level, liberal clear, or so they politicians are clamoring for and we thought, new levies on the selfish few Twhen they wrote in the Fifth living it up on easy street. Left Amendment that no person unsaid is that many of those shall “be deprived of life, liberty well-heeled plutocrats are pull- or property, without due pro- ing down a public salary. cess of law ... “ Lavish governmental pay- The framers thought that rolls and gold-plated retire- right important enough that in ment packages are straining the 14th Amendment they reit- finances from coast to coast. erated that this protection also Blacks and same-sex marriage California’s budget is $16 applied to the states, which also billion in the red, and Gov. could not “deprive any person erhaps history will After Obama spoke out for Jerry Brown this week began of life, liberty or property, with- show that the first same sex marriage, those begging Golden State voters out due process of law ... “ black president’s big- commonly identified as black to approve a ballot measure Clear enough? Perhaps not. gest contribution to America’s political leadership empowering him to raise The U.S. House on Friday black America was -- Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, $9 billion by increasing the affirmed the government’s Pforcing this community to come Julian Bond, Joseph Lowery state sales tax to 7.5 percent power to detain indefinitely to terms with its own identity -- immediately took public posi- and imposing a tax on “mil- in military custody suspected and priorities. tions supporting the president’s lionaires” - defined as those terrorists, even if they are By formalizing his support of Star Parker stand. who earn more than $250,000. U.S. citizens on U.S. soil, with- same-sex marriage, President [email protected] But these leaders, who rep- President Obama’s own Buffett out charge or trial. All that is Barack Obama has pushed sanctity of life. resent the political behavior tax on “millionaires” would required is suspicion. blacks to decide what is most On Tuesday they go to the of Tuesday blacks, are out of kick in at the same amount. A coalition of Democrats important to them: The Biblical polls and vote for candidates sync with grass-roots sentiment, Earlier this year, the city of and Tea Party-movement message they hear in church who support abortion, moral which reflects the sentiments of Long Beach, N.Y., had to bor- Republicans, skeptical about every Sunday, or the big gov- relativism, and government Sunday blacks. row money so it could mint the ever-increasing power of ernment liberalism that they dependence. According to Pew, 47 per- a new pair of “millionaires.” a central government, failed regularly vote for on Tuesday of According to a 2010 Gallup cent of Americans support A police lieutenant who was to roll back that power, their Election Day. survey, 55 percent of blacks legalization of same sex mar- about to retire pocketed a amendment losing by the dis- I’ve often talked about what I said they attend church fre- riage, but only 39 percent of $572,863 payment, and a maying margin of 238 to 182. call the “Sunday-Tuesday Gap’ quently (“at least once a week” blacks and 33 percent of black departing sergeant welcomed Basically, the House reaf- in black America. or “almost every week”). Protestants do. an addition of $521,461 to firmed a provision in a defense The black church has always However, among Democrats, If there is a consensus on his bank account. That’s big bill that President Obama played a central role in black the party blacks overwhelm- anything today, it’s that most money for a small city, the signed on Dec. 31. In a sign- American life. Blacks attend ingly support, 39 percent say Americans feel the country is equivalent of each and every ing statement accompanying church with greater frequency they attend church frequently. on the wrong track. household writing a $75 check the bill, Obama wrote, “My than any ethnic group in the And among liberals, who are Where we part company is for the cops’ retirement. administration will not autho- nation. overwhelmingly Democrats, on the diagnosis of what is As bad as the municipal rize indefinite military deten- In church, they hear from 27 percent attend church fre- wrong. system can be, the federal tion without trial of American pastors who preach the Bible in quently. There are big questions we gravy train runs far deeper. citizens. Indeed, I believe that a most literal fashion. The black vote wasn’t always must decide that will determine According to a database of doing so would break with our According to a 2010 Pew so predictable. Eisenhower got the kind of country our kids and federal salaries compiled by most important traditions and Forum on Religion and Public 39 percent of the black vote in grandkids will be living in. the Asbury Park Press, the values as a nation.” Life survey, 34 percent of 1956 and Nixon received 32 per- There is no place where the Department of Veterans Affairs The Associated Press noted, the general public sees the cent in 1960. dilemma is clearer than among pays its top employee $398,322. “In a face-saving move, the Bible as the literal word of Now, 90 percent of blacks can black Americans. Another 800 employees earn House voted 243-173 Friday God. However, 57 percent be depended on to pull the lever Will America move more in a base salary of $300,000 or for an amendment that reaf- of blacks and 61 percent of for Democrats. the direction of the values of the more. A grand total of 3,797 firms Americans’ constitutional black Protestants say the Bible These are the blacks of blacks of Sunday or those of the department employees qualify rights.” should be read as God’s literal Tuesday. But now that Obama blacks of Tuesday? for the “millionaire’s” salary of It says something about our word. has made his support for same It’s time for black Americans $250,000. The Department of current crop of lawmakers that This helps explain why in sex marriage clear, what impact to set and clarify their priorities Health and Human Services 173 of them would vote “no” on responding to surveys on so- will this have on the blacks of and act in concert with them. has 182 “millionaires.” the Bill of Rights. Maybe for called “social issues,” -- abor- Sunday? The choices made today will Even salaries that don’t the past 220 or so years, the tion, marriage, family, infidelity, In 2008 in California, the impact not just their own future, quite reach the millionaire Constitution wasn’t as clear as homosexuality -- blacks poll like blacks of Tuesday voted for but the future of our whole level remain quite gener- we thought it was. white conservatives. Barack Obama. nation. ous. At the Federal Deposit However, when blacks go to But in the same election, Insurance Corp., 135 make ■ Scripps Howard News Service vote on Tuesday, they certainly the blacks of Sunday switched more than the $223,500 paid don’t vote like white conserva- over and voted for Proposition to the speaker of the House, tives. They vote like white the top legislative-branch sal- 8, which directed that mar- ■ Star Parker is president of Lake City Reporter liberals. riage be formally defined in the CURE, Coalition on Urban ary. A total of 798 Treasury On Sunday, blacks hear California state constitution as Renewal and Education Department staffers pulled in Serving Columbia County preachers talk about traditional traditional marriage of man and (www.urbancure.org) and author more than a congressman’s Since 1874 values, about family, about per- woman. of three books. salary of $174,000. The Lake City Reporter is pub- sonal responsibility, about the Hundreds of bureaucrats lished with pride for residents of who don’t have the fancy base Columbia and surrounding counties by Community Newspapers Inc. salaries can still find themselves We believe strong newspapers build invited to the taxpayer-funded strong communities —-“Newspapers LETTERS TO THE EDITOR country club through massive get things done!” bonuses ranging from $20,000 Our primary goal is to to $63,000 added on top of sala- publish distinguished and profitable community-oriented newspapers. Police officer got a slap on the wrist ries of at least $160,000. This mission will be accomplished When the pay isn’t so great, through the teamwork of professionals public-service employees still dedicated to truth, integrity and hard To the Editor: filed against him. officers are supposed to protect can live like millionaires by work. Earline Parker, the lady the public are they not? Then I jetting to exotic locales on the Todd Wilson, publisher “Officer” David Broom got Broom legally killed due to his propose that every law enforce- taxpayer dime. Four bureau- Robert Bridges, editor a politically correct, virtual gross negligence, was literally a ment officer spend at least one crats paid between $83,000 Sue Brannon, controller “slap-on-the-wrist” $280 fine and one-in-ten-million person, a true hour out of every shift they and $146,000 are stationed in a three-month suspension on “community angel.” Earline work ticketing aggressive driv- Burkina Faso. A pair of six- Dink NeSmith, president his driver’s license for aggres- volunteered thousands of hours ers. That would save hundreds figure-salaried Peace Corps Tom Wood, chairman sive driving that resulted in a of her time for the good of this of lives every year and millions employees can be found in death and caused an estimated community - each year - for of dollars in property damages Fiji. Twenty-five paper pushers LETTERS $1,000,000 worth of damage. the previous ten years or so. and medical expenses. I think enjoy the skiing in Switzerland, And now he thinks his slap-on- How many other people in this stopping aggressive driving and courtesy of the U.S. public. POLICY the-wrist decision is too severe region can come remotely close making the streets saner would Federal gigs are available on Letters to the Editor should be and wants it reduced? That’s to the good she did? make Earline proud. resort islands including Aruba, typed or neatly written and double ludicrous! So how can the community Bermuda, Bahamas, Barbados spaced. Letters should not exceed Personally, I think a man- win this negative situation? Rick Paul and Jamaica. 400 words and will be edited for slaughter charge needs to be Police and law enforcement Lake City The same people taking length and libel. Letters must be advantage of these perks are signed and include the writer’s name, calling for taxes on the rich. address and telephone number for California’s millionaire-tax ini- verification. Writers can have two How about pedal boats for Lake DeSoto? tiative is almost entirely bank- letters per month published. Letters rolled by public-sector labor and guest columns are the opinion of To the Editor: and small rowboats. I feel like (a concessioner) and start it unions. Government unions the writers and not necessarily that of people would pay a price to get through them. also are among Mr. Obama’s the Lake City Reporter. This may be a farfetched in them and pedal or row and it This is just an idea I had. top supporters. They real- BY MAIL: Letters, P.O. Box 1709, idea but couldn’t Lake DeSoto would benefit their health since Think about it. ize hardworking Americans Lake City, FL 32056; or drop off at become a recreation lake like it would burn calories and be need to pay more in taxes so 180 E. Duval St. downtown. some lakes in other places like good exercise. bureaucrats can continue to BY FAX: (386) 752-9400. Central Park in NYC and other Perhaps the Columbia County live like millionaires. BY E-MAIL: towns. Recreation Department could Harold Murphy [email protected] Pedal boats are popular do it or someone could invest Lake City ■ The Washington Times LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012 5A
■ Submit Community Calendar announcements by mail or drop off at the Reporter office located at COMMUNITY CALENDAR 180 E. Duval St., via fax to (386) 752-9400 or e-mail lhampson@ lakecityreporter.com.
May 20 be hosting a fundraiser contact Vicki Myers at 755- for purchase. On Friday, at Moe’s on Highway 90 7714 Ext. 2411 or 866-642- the hours are from 2 p.m. Community Concerts between 5 to 8 p.m. on 0962. to 8 p.m, and the Blueberry The Jacksonville Monday, May 21. Please Bake-off, Tasting Party and Symphony Orchestra per- come out and support the May 23 Children’s Talent Contest forms 3 p.m. May 20 at Scouts. For information are Friday’s special events. the Levy Performing Arts please call 965-4674. Quilters meeting The Lake City Reporter’s Center. The full Jacksonville The Lady of the Lake Taste Buddies, Genie Symphony Orchestra pres- May 22 Quilters Guild will meet on Norman and Mary Kay ents a rousing “Patriotic Wednesday, May 23 at 10 Hollingsworth, will be judg- Pops Spectacular” program Author program a.m. with social time at 9:30 ing the Bake-Off! Saturday, featuring popular works by Mark Mustian, author a.m. at Teen Town, 533 NW the festival opens at 7 a.m., John Williams, Gershwin, of The Return and The Desoto St., Lake City. The and features the Blueberry Bernstein, Berlin, Sousa, Gendarme, will speak at program this month will be Pancake Breakfast, the and other season favorites. the Main Library Tuesday, the Completed Resolutions “Think Green” Parade, Ticket and membership May 22 at 7 p.m. In addi- Program. Bring one fat and the Adults’ Talent information is available at tion to his writing, Mark quarter for each resolu- Contest. The winners of www.comunityconcerts. Mustian is also an attor- tion you did not complete. the Bake-Off, Parade and info. ney and a Tallahassee City Those who completed their Talent Contests are award- Commissioner. A native resolutions will be reward- ed cash prizes. This event Senior celebration Floridian and a graduate of ed with your fat quarters. is hosted by the Wellborn New Mt. Pisgah A. M. the University of Florida, Community Association, a E. Church will be celebrat- Mark Mustian also serves May 24 non-profit 501(c)(3) corpo- ing with the Class of 2012 as the chair of the Lutheran ration. For more info call with Senior Day on Sunday, Readers Project, a nation- ’72 class meeting 386-963-1157. May 20 beginning at 10:30 al program that strives Class of 1972 Reunion a.m. You are cordially invit- to serve as a bridge con- Meeting at Beef O’Bradys June 2 ed to come join us while necting Lutheran readers May 24 at 7 p.m. Contact we uplift this class in this and writers. His critically George H. Hudson Jr. 386- Leadership class glorious occasion. Dinner acclaimed second novel, JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter 623-2066 for information. Free Leadership will be served. The Gendarme, is a Florida Trumpet man Seminar June 2 at 3 p.m. Book Award Gold Medal Columbia High School student Marvin Anthony, 16, plays the at Richardson Community Summer concerts winner. This free program trumpet outside of the school as he practices for a concert on Landlords meeting Center, 255 NE Coast The City of High Springs is sponsored by the Friends Thursday. There will be a work- Anders Lane. For more will present a free sum- of the Columbia County shop meeting for owners information call Pearlnita mer concert in the park Public Library. Care Center Community and Wednesday, May 23 and rental agents May 24 Mitchell 386-752-0110. series, featuring local musi- Room, 6037 West US from 3 to 6 p.m, at 7000 NW at 6 p.m. at Shands Lake cians and talent at James Highway 90. This group 11th Place in Gainesville. Shore Regional Medical Paul Park, 110 NW 1st Financial literacy class will meet every Tuesday Pre-registration is required, Center conference room. Charity golf tournament Avenue in High Springs. Jenny Jump of the at 10 a.m. from May 22 call 1.888.681.6388. This is the last meeting North Florida Blaze Dubbed Summer Sundays, Columbia County UF/IFAS through June 26. For more until September. 11U Youth Baseball Team this a great opportu- Extension Office will pres- information, please contact Loss workshop will have the 2nd Annual nity to explore High ent Money Matters, a free, the local Haven Hospice Sibling Healing, an educa- Golf Tournament at Quail Springs. Bring your own informational program office at 352-378-2121. tional workshop about work- June 1 Heights Country Club on blankets, lawn chairs and about financial literacy at ing through your grief fol- Saturday, June 2. Shotgun Refreshments! Enjoy our the Main Library. This pro- lowing the loss of a brother Blueberry festival start at 8.m. 18 hole scram- beautiful downtown area gram is a 3-part series on Free prostate cancer or sister, will be offered to The 19th Annual Wellborn ble, 4-person teams, lunch with your family and friends Tuesday mornings at 9:30 The Community Cancer the public on Tuesday, May Blueberry Festival is June provided, mulligan sales, on a Summer Sunday am, beginning on Tuesday, Center of North Florida 22 at 10 a.m. at the Wings 1 and 2. Admission is free! door prizes, prizes for 1st, afternoon. Summer Sunday May 22 and ending on is providing free prostate Education Center, 857 SW Both Friday and Saturday 2nd, and 3rd place teams, runs May 20, June 17, July Tuesday June 5. cancer screenings (clinical Main Blvd (Lake City Plaza). feature arts & crafts, food entry fee $200 per team, 15 and August 19 from 2 to exam and PSA test includ- The workshop, facilitated vendors, the Country Store hole sponsorships avail- 4 p.m. ed) next week. The center by Jerry Tyre, Wings Grief selling blueberry pies, cob- able $100. Contact Tim Loss support group will host free prostate clini- Services Manager will offer bler, muffins and more, Williamson at 386-234-0423 May 21 Haven Hospice is host- cal exams and PSA testing an overview discovering live entertainment by the for more. Proceeds will be ing a grief and loss sup- on Tuesday, May 22 from ways to cope with sibling Willow Creek Band, and utilized for the 2012 AAU Scout fundraiser port group May 22 at the 3 to 6 p.m. at 4520 W US loss. There is no cost. For fresh blueberries and National Championship Boy Scout Troop 85 will Suwannee Valley Hospice Highway 90 in Lake City information and to register, blueberry plants available Baseball Tournament. OBITUARIES
Alice B. Daniels fun spirit and was always plan- Mr. Napoleon “Poley” B. Gibbs, is so thankful for all the kindness sons: Ted Williams, Lakeland, his baby girl, Ayla. Mr. Gonzalez ning and thinking about the next Jr., 76 of Lake City passed away and consideration by so many Fl, Tom Williams, Lake City, Fl; was a Christian. Mr. Gonzalez is Mrs. Alice B. Daniels, 92 years family occasion. She had a way to be with his Heavenly Father throughout the years of his life. one sister: Lily Wheeler, Miami, survived by his wife of 37 years, of age, passed away Friday, Feb- of getting everyone to not only at the Haven Hospice Suwan- Funeral services will be conduct- Fl; six grandchildren: Trisha, Adriana Gonzalez; his parents, ruary 24, 2012 at her residence. attend but to do what they were nee Valley Care Center in Lake ed on Monday, May 21, 2012 at Kristi, Jennifer, Alison, Julie, Seraina and Zunilda Chirino She was born assigned, even the great- grand- City on Thursday, May 17, 11:00 am in the chapel of Guerry Travis; twelve great-grandchil- Gonzalez; his children, Wilfre- on Novem- children! Laughter was always a 2012. Poley was born March Funeral Home with his son, N.B. dren; and her cousin: Angela; do Gonzalez Jr.(Yisel); Gabriel ber 23, 1919 big part of these events. She was 19, 1936 in Claxton, Georgia. “Bo” Gibbs, III oficiating. In- Brooksville, Fl. A portion of Sun- Gonzalez (Kimberly Johnson); in Stamford, the reason for so many wonderful He was preceded in death by his terment will follow at Memorial day’s service at Branford United Adriana Boston (Tommy, Jr.); Connecticut memories of holidays, vacations sisters, Millie, Mamie, Ella, Liz Cemetery. Visitation with the Methodist Church in Branford, Ayla Gonzalez; all of Lake City; and was a and get-togethers for family and and also by his brothers, Lamar family will be one hour prior Fl will be dedicated in her honor. his brothers, Armando Gonzalez daughter to the friends. She was a special lady and Charles. Poley lived many to the service from 10-11:00 In lieu of lowers family ask do- of Lake City and Serain Gonza- late Alexan- who will be greatly missed by all. places as a youth; Wellborn, FL, am at the funeral home. In lieu nations be made to the Hospice lez of Miami, Florida and a sis- der and Stella She was a long-time mem- Lake Okeechobee, FL and Vida- of lowers, please make me- of Nature Coast, 150 N Main ter, Zoly Gonzalez of South Car- Obuchowski. A homemaker, ber of the Fort White Meth- lia, GA before moving to Lake morial contributions to Haven Street, High Springs, FL 32643. olina. Eight grandchildren also Mrs. Daniels had been a resident odist Church and an inte- City around 1950. He worked Hospice at 6037 W US Hwy 90, Daniels Funeral Homes & survive. Services for Mr. Gon- of Aurora, Ohio for the past ive gral part of the community. for many years with Colum- Lake City, FL 32025. Arrange- Crematory, Inc., of Live zalez will be conducted at 5:00 years and previously lived in Sallie Mae was preceded in death bia Oil Co., Rountree-Moore ments are under the direction of Oak and Branford, FL in P.M. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Lake City. For many years she by her husband, Joe Sid Deese. Ford and Sunshine Hardware GUERRY FUNERAL charge of arrangements. in the Chapel of the Dees-Par- was an active volunteer at the Survivors include her ive chil- of Lake City. Poley’s favorite HOME, Lake City. Please rish Family Funeral Home with Lake City Hospital where she dren; Betty Koon (Bill, deceased) activities were ishing and shar- sign the guestbook at www. Bro. Keith Hatcher oficiating. also served as President of the of Ft. White, FL; JoAnn Deese, ing time with his many friends. guerryfuneralhome.net Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzalez The family will receive friends hospital volunteer organization. of Ft. White, FL; Linda Pope He dearly loved being on the for One Hour prior to the funeral She was a member of the O.E.S. (Richard) of Lakeland, FL; Sid water, especially the Suwannee Alice B. Williams Mr. Wilfredo “Willie” Gonza- service. . Arrangements are un- chapter of Lake City. She was Deese (Martha) of Ft. White, FL; River. The times he spent with lez Sr., 54, of Lake City, died der the direction of the DEES- preceded in death by her hus- and Sally Walton (Jerry) of Mon- his numerous friends and fam- Alicia B. Williams, 88, Lake unexpectedly, Thursday, May PARRISH FAMILY FUNER- band, Jerry K. Daniels and ticello, FL, nine grandchildren, ily on the water, were some of City, Fl passed away on Mon- 17, 2012. A native of Manhat- AL HOME, 458 S. Marion her brother, Lee Obuchowski. Kathy, Kerri, Bill, Michael, Joey, the best times of his life. His day, May 14, 2012 after a short tan, New York, Mr. Gonzalez Ave., Lake City, FL 32025 752- She is survived by her sons, Jay, Ben, Deanna and Missy, cheerfulness and quick to laugh illness. The Guayaquil, Ecuador had been a resident of Lake City 1234 Please share your thoughts King (Teresa) Daniels of Aurora, twelve great-grandchildren and personality endeared him to all. native moved to Lake City in since 1992 having moved here and wishes for the family at our Ohio and Robert Lee (Felicia) three great-great-grandchildren. Poley is survived by his lov- 1980 from Miami, Fl. She re- with his family from Tampa, on-line family guestbook at par- Daniels of Anaheim, Califor- A graveside service was held ing wife Dorothy of 47 years, tired from Coulter Electronics in Florida. Mr. Gonzalez had been rishfamilyfuneralhome.com nia as well as six grandchildren Saturday, May 19, 2012 11 in which only his passing could Miami and her favorite scripture the head of maintenance at the and eight great grandchildren. AM at the Fort White Ceme- separate them from one an- was Psalm 23. She also deeply Lake City Middle School for sev- Graveside memorial services will tery with lunch following at the other. He is also survived by loved her sons, grandchildren, eral years and was most recently Obituaries are paid advertise- be conducted on Thursday, May First Baptist Church Fellowship his daughters, Linda Adleman, great-grandchildren, her friends the general manager of the G&S ments. For details, call the Lake 24, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Memorial Hall. There was no visitation. Alachua, Fl, Sue King, Alachua, and was a member of Branford Plant Nursery. His spare time City Reporter’s classified depart- Cemetery with Rev. Ralph Rodri- In lieu of lowers donations may FL, Lois Kleinberg, Mt Dora, United Methodist Church. Mrs. was spent with his beloved wife, ment at 752-1293. guez, pastor of Southside Baptist be made to Dowling Park, P O FL, Shari Secchi, Melbourne, Williams is survived by her two Adriana and his “Little Princess” Church oficiating. Alice’s cre- Box 4305, Dowling Park, FL FL, Polly Johnson, Palm Bay, mated remains will be laid to 32064. Arrangements are un- FL, his sons, Napoleon (Ceci- rest next to her beloved husband, der the direction of the DEES- lia) Gibbs, III, Middleburg, FL Jerry K. Daniels. Local arrange- PARRISH FAMILY and Danny (Barbara) Witt, Lake ments are under the direction of FUNERAL HOME, 458 City and numerous grandchil- GUERRY FUNERAL S. Marion Ave., Lake City, dren and great grandchildren. HOME, Lake City. Please FL 32025 752-1234 Please Poley was a kind and wonderful sign the guestbook at www. share your thoughts and man, respected by all who knew guerryfuneralhome.net wishes for the family at our him. He was genuine and sin- on-line family guestbook at cere and a friend to many. He parrishfamilyfuneralhome.com lived a gentlemanly life and re- Sallie Mae Timmons Deese spected other people and trusted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Sallie Mae Timmons Deese Napoleon “Poley” B. Savior. Poley’s handshake and passed away peacefully Thurs- Gibbs, Jr. his word could be counted on, day, May 17 at Dowling Park like his friendship. Our family with her family by her side. Sal- lie Mae was born on October 19, 1920 in Eridu, Florida to the late Bud and Sallie Timmons. She was the youngest of ive. Her siblings Mamie Capps, C. R. Timmons, J.W. Timmons and NEW Albert Timmons all preceded Water Bottles her in death. She was raised in Lamont, Florida and attended Nascar & Harley Davidson Aucilla Public School where she met her husband, Joseph Sydney Tervis Cups Deese. After graduating in 1938, she and Joe Sid married and moved to Fort White, Florida New Arrivals where they raised ive children and started a business, Southland Timber Company. Sallie Mae Guy Harvey was a homemaker who devoted her life to her family. Her pas- sions were family, ishing (she Shirts once caught a 10 bass on a cane Mens Womens Children 755-1992 pole) and any sport in which the Gators were playing. She had a WILSON’S OUTFITTERS 1291 SE Baya Dr, Lake City (386) 755-7060 [email protected] 6A LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL & STATE SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012 Page Editor: Rick Burnham, 754-0424 For a good cause
HANNAH O. BROWN/Lake City Reporter Hundreds turned out to the Lake DeSoto area Saturday for FAM Fest, an event benefitting Haven Hospice. FAM Fest included a 5K run, an art show, the Lake DeSoto Farmer’s Market and a concert by renowned regional all-woman band “Patchwork.” Clockwise, from top left: Patient Care Manager Angie McClellan spins cotton candy. Early sunlight casts long shadows as runners break from the starting line during the 5K run, and then continue around Lake DeSoto. Patchwork entertains the crowd with traditional, old-time music. First ‘Warning shot’ defendant had no record By MITCH STACY and went back inside. Alexander Associated Press rejected a plea deal that would tropical have resulted in a three-year pris- TAMPA — Marissa Alexander ‘ We were trying to get at the thug who on sentence and chose to go to had never been arrested before trial. A jury deliberated 12 min- storm no she fired a bullet at a wall one day was robbing a liquor store who had a gun utes before convicting her. in 2010 to scare off her husband "The irony of the 10-20-life law when she felt he was threatening in his possession or pulled out the gun and is the people who actually think threat her. Nobody got hurt, but this they're innocent of the crime, they month a northeast Florida judge threatened someone or shot someone dur- roll the dice and take their chanc- RALEIGH, N.C. — The first was bound by state law to sen- es, and they get the really harsh tropical storm of the season tence her to 20 years in prison. ing the commission of the crime.’ prison sentences," Newburn said. formed Saturday off the coast of Alexander, a 31-year-old moth- "Whereas the people who think South Carolina with top winds of er of a toddler and 11-year-old they are actually guilty of the 45 mph (75 kph), but it wasn't twins, knew it was coming. She crime take the plea deal and get threatening land. had claimed self-defense, tried Victor Crist out (of prison) well before. So it Forecasters say tropical storm to invoke Florida's "stand your certainly isn't working the way it Alberto was centered about 140 ground" law and rejected plea Former state legislator is intended." miles (225 km) east of Charleston, deals that could have gotten her Alexander was also charged S.C., in the afternoon. a much shorter sentence. A jury who crafted ‘10-20-life’ bill with domestic battery four No coastal watches or warnings found her guilty as charged: months after the shooting in were in effect, but forecasters aggravated assault with a dead- another assault on Gray. She say they may issue one later. The ly weapon. Because she fired a 10 years in prison. Fire the gun, in Gov. Jeb Bush's first term. He pleaded no contest and was sen- Miami-based National Hurricane gun while committing a felony, and it's an automatic 20 years. said Alexander's sentence — if tenced to time served. Center says there were no haz- Florida's mandatory-minimum Shoot and wound someone, and she truly did fire a warning shot Her family says that doesn't ards affecting land so far, and the gun law dictated the 20-year sen- it's 25 years to life. and wasn't trying to kill her hus- erase the fact that a relatively law- tropical-strength winds weren't tence. Critics say Alexander's case band — is not what lawmakers abiding person — a woman with reaching shore. Some strength- Her case in Jacksonville has underscores the unfair sentences wanted. a master's degree — who was ening was possible. drawn a fresh round of criti- that can result when laws strip "We were trying to get at the making positive contributions to It was moving about 3 mph (6 cism aimed at mandatory-mini- judges of discretion. About two- thug who was robbing a liquor society will endure prison for two kph) to the southwest. mum sentencing laws. The local thirds of the states have manda- store who had a gun in his pos- decades over a single violation in National Weather Service NAACP chapter and the district's tory-minimum sentencing laws, session or pulled out the gun which no one was hurt. meteorologist Sandy LaCorte in African-American congress- mostly for drug crimes, accord- and threatened someone or shot "She had a restraining order Wilmington said the system will woman say blacks more often ing to a website for the Families someone during the commission against him. Now Marissa is continue moving to the south- are incarcerated for long peri- Against Mandatory Minimums of the crime," said Crist, who incarcerated and he's not," said west before reversing course and ods because of overzealous pros- advocacy group. served in the state House and her father, Raoul Jenkins. "I'm heading northeast over the next ecutors and judges bound by the "We're not saying she's not Senate for 18 years before being wrestling with that in my mind several days. She said the center wrong-headed statute. Alexander guilty of a crime, we're not saying elected Hillsborough County and trying to determine how the of the storm is not expected to get is black. that she doesn't deserve some commissioner. system worked that detail out. It's close to the Carolinas' coast. It also has added fuel to the sort of sanction by the court," On Aug. 1, 2010, Alexander was really frustrating." LaCorte said Alberto will pro- controversy over Florida's "stand said Greg Newburn, Florida working for a payroll software Newburn says Alexander's duce increased waves at North your ground" law, which the director for the group. Rather, company. She was estranged from case is not an isolated incident, and South Carolina beaches. judge would not allow Alexander he said, the judge should have her husband, Rico Gray, and had and that people ensnared by man- There is a high risk of rip cur- to invoke. State Attorney Angela the authority to decide an appro- a restraining order against him, datory-minimum laws cross racial rents along North Carolina's Corey, who also is overseeing the priate sanction after hearing all even though they'd had a baby barriers. Outer Banks, and a moderate risk prosecution of shooter George the unique circumstances of the together just nine days before. In central Florida, a white man along the southeastern beaches Zimmerman in the Trayvon case. Thinking he was gone, she went named Orville Lee Wollard is and the entire South Carolina Martin case, stands by the han- U.S. Rep. Corinne Brown, D- to their former home to retrieve nearly two years into a 20-year coast. Winds will gust to around dling of Alexander's case. Corey Jacksonville, has been an advo- the rest of her clothes, family sentence for firing his gun inside 25 mph. says she believes Alexander cate for Alexander. Brown was members said. his house to scare his daughter's The weather service said there aimed the gun at the man and his present at the sentencing, where An argument ensued, and boyfriend. Prosecutors contend- will be isolated and scattered rain two sons, and the bullet she fired she and Corey had a brief, terse Alexander said she feared for ed that Wollard was shooting at showers along the coast of the could have ricocheted and hit any exchange afterward as sign-tot- her life when she went out to her the young man and missed. Carolinas into early next week. of them. ing supporters rallied outside the vehicle and retrieved the gun she He rejected a plea deal that A forecast map by the hurricane At the May 11 sentencing, courthouse. legally owned. She came back offered probation but no prison center predicts that the storm will Alexander's relatives begged "The Florida criminal justice inside and ended up firing a shot time. Like Alexander, he took drift toward the open sea off the Circuit Judge James Daniel for system has sent two clear mes- into the wall, which ricocheted his chances at trial and was con- Midatlantic by midweek, but it's leniency but he said the decision sages today," Brown said after- into the ceiling. victed of aggravated assault with difficult to accurately predict a was "out of my hands." ward. "One is that if women who Gray testified that he saw a firearm. Circuit Judge Donald storm's path days in advance. "The Legislature has not given are victims of domestic violence Alexander point the gun at him Jacobsen said he was "duty The official start to hurricane me the discretion to do what try to protect themselves, the and looked away before she fired bound" by the 10-20-life law to season is June 1, but tropical the family and many others have 'Stand Your Ground Law' will not the shot. He claims she was the impose the harsh sentence. storms often occur before then. asked me to do," he said. apply to them. ... The second aggressor, and he had begged "I would say that, if it wasn't for The 2011 Atlantic hurricane sea- The state's "10-20-life" law was message is that if you are black, her to put away the weapon. the minimum mandatory aspect son produced 20 tropical cyclones implemented in 1999 and cred- the system will treat you differ- A judge threw out Alexander's of this, I would use my discretion 19 tropical storms, seven hurri- ited with helping to lower the ently." "stand your ground" self-defense and impose some separate sen- canes and four major hurricanes. violent crime rate. Anyone who Victor Crist was a Republican claim, noting that she could have tence, having taken into consid- shows a gun in the commission of state legislator who crafted the run out of the house to escape her eration the circumstances of this ■ Associated Press certain felonies gets an automatic "10-20-life" bill enacted in 1999 husband but instead got the gun event," Jacobsen said. Page Editor: Rick Burnham, 754-0424 LAKE CITY REPORTER NEWS SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012 7A Obama sees consensus on fix SRWMD: By BEN FELLER and Conserve JIM KUHNHENN Associated Press water now CAMP DAVID, Md. — Confronting an economic crisis From staff reports that threatens them all, President Barack Obama and leaders of LIVE OAK–The Suwannee other world powers on Saturday River Water Management contin- declared that their governments ues to urge all water users to con- must both spark growth and serve in light of ongoing drought cut the debt that has crippled conditions. the European continent and put “We’re asking everyone to investors worldwide on edge. reduce water use, particularly "There's now an emerging lawn and landscape irrigation, consensus that more must be which typically consumes half of done to promote growth and the water used for residential sup- job creation right now," Obama ply,” said District Acting Executive proclaimed after hosting unprec- Director Charlie Houder. edented economic talks at Camp The 12 months ending on April David, his secluded and high- 30 had the lowest rainfall total ly secure mountaintop retreat. (37.46 inches) of all May-April Seeking a second term amid periods since 1932, and was the hard economic times, Obama third driest of all 12-month peri- hailed a debate heading in the ods. The District’s average12- direction he likes, with nations month deficit rose to 17.1 inches, now talking of ways to spark with some areas experiencing their economies instead of just more than 25 inches of deficit. slashing spending. ASSOCIATED PRESS River flows are extremely low, Yet there were no bold pre- World leaders attend the first working session of the G-8 Summit at Camp David, Md,, Saturday. From left are and gages on some rivers are scriptions at hand. Instead, lead- French President Francois Hollande, U.S. President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and setting new record low flows for ers seemed intent on trying to Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev. this time of year. Part of the Santa inspire confidence by agreeing Fe River near High Springs has on a broad strategy no matter government-led growth seemed job, offered Obama a reminder of shortages. nearly stopped flowing, according their differences. With all of them aimed at German Chancellor his own responsibilities to work to The mere preparation to to district officials. facing their own difficult political Angela Merkel, who came to the expand the economy, "even if he's release oil reserves could help Levels at all monitored lakes realities, they built some sover- summit as the European leader in an electoral period and who has calm markets and ensure that are below average. Groundwater eign wiggle room into their pledge who had demanded austerity as a Congress that's not necessarily oil prices, which have been levels continue to decrease, with to take all necessary steps, saying the most important step toward easy to deal with." dropping, don't climb again and almost all district monitor wells "the right measures are not the easing the eurozone's debt cri- Coping with shaky oil mar- anger consumers as U.S. elec- setting new record lows for the same for each of us." sis. But the election of Socialist kets, the leaders set the stage tions approach. time of year and many setting new Obama played international Francois Hollande as president for a united release of world oil The Group of Eight summit historic lows. host as Europe's debt crisis threat- of France, and Greek elections reserves to balance any disrup- includes leaders of the United Most of the springs on the ens to drag down the U.S. recov- that created political chaos in the tion in world markets when tough States, Japan, Britain, Germany, Santa Fe are near or below record ery and his own political future, country were clear rejections of new sanctions are imposed on France, Italy, and Russia. low levels. Treehouse Spring in underscoring the stakes for him the belt-tightening Merkel repre- Iran's exports because of its dis- Associated Press writers David Alachua County had no observ- in getting allies abroad to rally sented. puted nuclear program. The lead- McHugh, Jamey Keaten, Nancy able flow for the first time in around some answers. Hollande, a new voice at the ers said they were ready to take Benac and Anne Gearan contrib- its record. Manatee Springs Much of the new emphasis on table in just his first week on the "appropriate action" to meet any uted to this report. continued to set new low aver- age monthly flows, and Fanning Springs saw the intrusion of river water during high tides because Jobless rate of low spring flow. Branford man arrested for assault The three-month precipitation falls in county outlook issued by the Climate Prediction Center is for equal By TONY BRITT later released on Highway Patrol chances of above-normal, normal, or From staff reports and JESSIE R. BOX $5,000 bond. troopers in front below-normal precipitation through According to of the station. FHP July. Above-normal temperatures The jobless rate in Columbia BRANFORD—A Branford Lake City Police Cpl. Stalnaker told are expected through July. County dropped to 7.8 percent for man faces a charge of aggra- Department reports, Moody he witnessed District staff continues to April, according to figures released vated assault with a weapon a call was made the suspect, Lewis, evaluate the need to declare a Friday by the state. The March 2012 after he allegedly threatened reporting a distur- threaten the victim Phase III Water Shortage Order rate was 8.2 percent. another man with a stick during bance involving two with a stick while to require water use restrictions State unemployment fell from 9 a Wednesday altercation. men at the Florida the victim holding for all users. Under the water percent to 8.7 percent in April, the James Edward Lewis, 45, Highway Patrol sta- his small child. shortage order, restrictions, and lowest figure since January 2009. of 4334 SW 282nd Terrace, tion. Lewis Lewis told authori- some exemptions, would apply The U.S. jobless rate was 8.1 per- Branford, was charged with LCPD officer Joe ties it was the victim’s to residential, agriculture, com- cent in April. aggravated assault with a Moody reported that when he fault and he was protecting him- mercial, and industrial users. For The April 2011 unemployment weapon and booked into the arrived he found a suspect had self. He was arrested and taken more information about limits on rate in Columbia County was 9.1 Columbia County jail. He was been handcuffed by Florida to jail. landscape irrigation, visit www. percent. mysuwanneeriver.com. Florida to double-check names on voter purge list
By GARY FINEOUT 2012 elections when Florida tions, applauded what he local officials. State officials said it when it launched a state- ASSOCIATED PRESS is expected to be one of called "the sudden tenac- The Department of State could take several weeks to wide voter registration data- the swing states that could ity" of the Department of has been trying for months complete this latest check. base. The state database determine the election. State. During a statewide to access a federal database There are currently more is supposed to check the TALLAHASSEE — Local election supervi- conference of election that tracks visitors who are than 11 million active regis- names of registered voters Florida officials, responding sors this week complained supervisors held this week in the country but have tered voters in the state, but against other databases, to skeptical comments this to state officials that the Corley relayed how he had been turned down. But the a few thousand votes could including ones that contain week from county election original list was based found two voters on the Department of Highway make the difference in what the names of people who supervisors, said they are on old information taken possible non-citizen list Safety and Motor Vehicles is expected to be a tight race have died and people who now going to double-check from 2011 and that they that had been born in Ohio — which can access the between President Barack have been sent to prison. whether 182,000 registered had already found inaccu- and Massachusetts. database — said they would Obama and GOP presump- But it turns out that until voters are U.S. citizens. racies in it. State officials During that conference, soon double-check the citi- tive nominee Mitt Romney. 2011 no one was actively State officials announced acknowledged that some state election officials zenship status of those on The 2000 election between checking to verify citizen- late Thursday that the people may have become and an official with the the list. State election offi- George W. Bush and Al ship status. Florida agency that handles naturalized citizens after Department of Highway cials said they would absorb Gore was decided by just Before the launch of driver's licenses plans to they obtained their driver's Safety and Motor Vehicles the cost of the effort which 537 votes in the Sunshine the database, Florida had check a federal database to license. fielded questions from is expected to cost 50 cents State. come under fire for previ- verify the citizenship status The names will now be county election supervi- to check each individual Florida law requires vot- ous efforts to remove fel- of those initially identified checked with a database sors who were concerned name. ers to be a U.S. citizen resid- ons from the voting rolls, as being in Florida legally maintained by the U.S. about the quality of the "We want to make sure ing in the state. Florida also including a purge that but ineligible to vote. Department of Homeland information that had been our records are accurate," does not allow someone to happened right before the The state has sent a list Security. given to them regarding said Boyd Walden, director vote if they are a convicted 2000 presidential election. to county election supervi- "As a result, all of the someone's citizenship sta- of the Division of Motorist felon and have not had their An effort to remove felons sors of more than 2,600 potential non-citizen names tus. They pointed out how Services for the state. "Of civil rights restored. back in 2004 was halted people who have been iden- we send to supervisors as supervisors get much course the Department of The state has been after it was discovered that tified as non-U.S. citizens. part of this initiative will more detailed information State is going to benefit responsible for helping the list drawn up by the But state officials have also be based on much more on other types of ineligible from that." screen voters since 2006 state had errors. said there may be as many current and reliable infor- voters. as 182,000 registered vot- mation," said Chris Cate, Gisela Salas, the direc- ers who are not eligible to a spokesman for the tor of the state Division of Mitt Romney, I am a Christian Floridian and I plan to vote Nov. 6, 2012. vote. Department of State. Elections, said at the meet- Would you please answer the following questions, each of which has The move comes just Brian Corley, the Pasco ing that the state was look- months before the critical County supervisor of elec- ing for ways to reassure three possible answers of “YES”, or “NO” or “PCSR” (Politically Correct Sidestep Response). It has been 15 days with 0 answers, Sir. 1. Is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit one God? Medicare Medicaid State of Florida & VA Employee Express Scripts Patients (Please support your answer with at least one reference, Sir) 2. Are Florida public school students created in the image of God the PUBLIC NOTICE Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? (Cite references) Are you being required to switch to 3. Are the 66 Books of the Holy Bible the only books written through the inspiration of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? mail-order prescriptions 4. Did God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit destroy Call us. We can help. Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone? (Cite references) 5. Did Sodom and Gomorrah receive the wrath of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit due to their sin of fornication? Kenny Merriken 386-344-7339, [email protected] Jude 1:7 “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah… giving themselves over to fornication… an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal ire.” Paid for by Kenny Merriken May 20, 2012. Florida Vote ID #113877356 4(% 7%!4(%2 35.$!9 -/.$!9 45%3$!9 7%$.%3$!9 4(523$!9 -/34,9 -/34,9 )3/,!4%$ #(# /&