SPECIAL EDITION INSIDE TODAY For Love of Country: a Salute to Taylor County Veterans

Wednesday 50¢ November 11, 2020 Two Sections 57th year, No. 46

www.perrynewspapers.com HR attorney to review school hiring process The Taylor County school board members School Board will vote next received – but did not Tuesday on a proposal to discuss – a written report retain a Tallahassee attorney from Glover who stated to conduct a comprehensive he intends to bring in an review of its hiring policies outside attorney to review and practices. the district’s current hiring The recommendation policies and practices. from Superintendent of The board is set to review Schools Dr. Danny Glover the proposed agreement Jr. comes on the heels of with the attorney at its next a recent discrimination board meeting, Tuesday, complaint filed byNov. 17.an applicant who was not hired The attorney, Holly for a guidance position at A. Dincman, was the middle school. At their Nov. 3 meeting, ➟ Please see page 3 DMH has interim CEO from TMH Doctors’ Memorial Hospital (DMH) will be under new leadership effective Monday, Nov. 16, as Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s Lauren Faison-Clark will replace retiring chief executive officer (CEO) Tom Stone. Faison-Clark will serve as interim CEO while the local hospital continues its recruitment process for a permanent CEO. ➟ Please see page 2 Lauren Faison-Clark

‘We’ve got the line from here’ Park restrooms “You put everything on the line for us, and we would like to honor you today,” Cadet LTC Julian Richardson said, welcoming Taylor County veterans to the annual Taylor County High School (TCHS) JROTC Veterans Day program held Tuesday, Nov. 10. He then shared what JROTC has meant to him these past four years. “It has made me a better person. When I came into high school I was not are vandalized really sure who I was. But when I came into the program, I not only found out who I was, but I also found a family and made friends I never thought I would have made. I also made memories that will last a lifetime. This program, to me, is one of the most important The City of Perry is in the City of Perry’s limited things I’ve done in my lifetime so far. I have enlisted in the Marine Corps and leave in June to serve as an infantryman,” he said. He the process of installing workforce. closed by thanking veterans for their service. “You gave up everything, your families and friends, to go overseas and fight a force we security cameras at several Replacing the damaged just don’t know. You came back a little bit different, but you came back heroes. Thank you for making that sacrifice for us. Now you can city parks following recent fixtures requires additional rest easy. We’ve got the line from here,” Richardson said. (Top photo) Veterans were recognized as they passed through a saber arch. incidents of vandalism that time and labor, forcing city (Bottom left) Army veteran SGT Bobby Lansdon was among local veterans to attend the ceremony. (Bottom, right) LTC Richardson resulted in the destruction crews to take time away addresses the crowd. of public restroom facilities from their normal duties to that cost taxpayers more repair and maintain the city than $1,300 to repair. parks. Four sinks and two toilets “It takes a couple hours Storm moves football game were found smashed to to fix each one, depending pieces at Rosehead Park, on the extent of the damage. The projected track of predict where it may make the Florida Coast between and more if the track moves the City Park and Jerkins Money is a natural issue, but Tropical Storm Eta, thea second landfall on the Panama City and Pensacola back eastward. Park over the course of the when we are fixing things record-tying 28th named U.S. Gulf coast. this weekend as a tropical Eta has already affected past five weeks. that people are intentionally storm of the 2020 Atlantic The latest updates from depression. the Taylor County High According to Public destroying, it takes us away hurricane season, has the National Hurricane Even if that is the case, School Bulldogs football Works Director Chester from more serious duties,” shifted wildly throughout Center Tuesday afternoon it is possible that Taylor team’s second-round McAfee, the vandalism not McAfee said. the week, making it had the storm making County could receive heavy only causes a strain on the ➟ ➟ difficult for forecasterslandfall somewhere along rainfall from the system, Please see page 3 city’s budget, but stretches Please see page 2 Blount: 3-time Super Bowl Champion honored Former Taylor County his accomplishments. Bulldog football star and According to Glover, three-time Super Bowl Blount was unable to champion LeGarrette attend due to a job Blount was honored on opportunity. Friday, Oct. 30, with the In addition to permanent unveiling of a permanent signage on the right side of scoreboard display at the scoreboard at Dorsett Dorsett Stadium and a huge Stadium, Taylor County highway sign to be placed will pay tribute to Blount on U.S. Highway 19. with a 4-foot by 6.5-foot During the Oct. sign placed on the side of 30 presentation, Hwy. 19 North. A second Superintendent of Schools sign will follow next year Dr. Danny Glover Jr. and on Hwy. 19 South. TCHS Principal Heather Blount was a track team McCoy were joined by member and four-year Legarrette’s parents, Mr. starter on the Taylor County Gary Blount and Ms. High School (TCHS) Barbara Bonner for the football team, rushing for Surrounded by Blount’s mother, Barbara Bonner, and father, Gary Blount, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danny Glover, Jr. and TCHS Principal Heather McCoy unveiled a new highway sign honoring former Bulldog and three-time Super Bowl champion unveiling of the signage ➟ Please see page 3 honoring their son and LeGarrette Blount. Index Weather Editorial ...... A-4 Sports ...... A-9 Wednesday 85˚ Thursday 81˚ Religion ...... A-5 Classifieds ...... A-11 Community ...... A-7 73˚ 72˚ Serving the Tree Capital of the South Since 1963 40% 70% A-2 Taco Times November 11, 2020 Hall, Woodfaullk to remain mayor, vice-mayor City Councilman Alan 27 meeting opened with the Hall was elected to serve “swearing in” ceremony for another one-year term as re-elected council members mayor of the City of Perry Hampton, Woodfaulk and on Oct. 27, agreeing to Deming. continue in the role after All three city council two of his fellow council members recited their members turned down the oaths of office to “support, opportunity. protect and defend the Councilwoman Venita constitution of government Woodfaulk agreed to of the United States and continue serving as vice- Florida against all enemies, mayor for the coming domestic and foreign, and year, after declining a faithfully perform all the nomination by Councilman duties of the office,” before Mike Deming to serve as being sworn in by Third mayor. Judicial Circuit Judge Greg Deming also declined Parker. Circuit Judge Greg Parker (right) swears in Perry City Councilwomen Venita Woodfaulk (left) and Councilwoman Shirlie After the swearing in, Shirlie Hampton at the start of the council’s Oct. 27 meeting. Also sworn in during the meeting was Hampton’s nomination to Hall moved on to the annual Councilman Mike Deming. serve as mayor. ➟ Please see page 6 The city council’s Oct. Stone’s last day as DMH CEO is Friday DMH few rural communities today commitment to the Taylor leadership during this time Continued from page 1 have a hospital like this one County community and of transition,” the DMH and the great staff we have wishes him the best as he Board stated in the release. In a Nov. 9 press release, to care for the residents of retires,” Barbaree stated. Stone was selected to the DMH Board of Directors Perry and Taylor County.” Faison-Clark currently serve as hospital CEO by announced Stone’s last day Since announcing his serves as administrator the DMH Board of Directors will be Friday, Nov. 13. retirement in June, Stone has for regional development, effective April 4, 2016, (add In June, DMH Board remained in the DMH CEO population health and comma) at the conclusion Chairman Pat Barbaree role while the hospital board telemedicine for Tallahassee of an extensive search announced that Stone would has worked with Alliant Memorial Hospital (TMH). and interview process that be retiring. Management Services to In that capacity, she also followed the resignation of “I am going into semi- conduct a nationwide search serves on the DMH Board former CEO Geri Forbes, retirement,” Stone said then. for a permanent replacement. of Directors and is already who resigned to take a “I have been in the business “The DMH Hospital working on several current similar to take a similar for 40 years, and it is time Board thanks Tom Stone projects with DMH. position in Coupeville, to slow down. My wife and for his years of service and “We warmly welcome her Wash. earlier that year. I have our first grandchild, and we want to be closer to her and have more time with ‘We really her. I have truly enjoyed my time at DMH and have had the privilege to work with a want our great staff who are dedicated to this community. “The community should parks to appreciate what they have in Doctors’ Memorial and the people who work here. Very be clean’ VANDALIZED Continued from page 1 According to McAfee, the city park restrooms frequently fall victim to vandalism, but the recent string of incidents has prompted the city to take more aggressive action to prevent future damage. The city is in the process of installing surveillance cameras in and around local parks in an effort to deter future acts of vandalism and bring charges against those who may damage city property in the future. “We really want our parks to be nice, kept clean and well stocked, but it is so Four sinks and two toilets were found smashed hard to maintain them when to pieces at Rosehead Park, the City Park and there is this unnecessary Jerkins Park over the course of the past five destruction going on.” weeks. A-3 Taco Times November 11, 2020 Dincman was recommended by PAEC HIRING PROCESS and practices. We will review of the district’s the findings, Glover said,appointed by the other two our union agreement and specifically be lookingcurrent hiring policies “The report hit my desk members of the panel (local allow in-house transfers and Continued from page 1 at methods for minority and practices, including mid-morning, yet the news attorney Hope Demps), who those with more seniority recommended to the district recruitment, with proposed methods of minority crew was at our doors mid- was selected to chair the to take precedent over by the Panhandle Area modifications of policiesrecruitment, with proposed afternoon. That is a problem. panel. new applicants. Of course, Educational Consortium and practices to implement modification of policiesIt’s also frustrating that Glover reiterated the we would always hire (PAEC). recommendations made in and practices to implement someone who had access to entire investigation was someone who is certified “We reached out to the Blalock report.” recommendations made in the report before I did made centered on one isolated in the advertised area first. PAEC for HR (human The school board simply the (Oriel) Blalock report. a fake email to impersonate complaint. But, as in this case, when resources) support, and acknowledged the report “This would include me and sent to the different “If you want to get a true neither have the appropriate they recommended Ms. (which was presented by interviews of key employees news outlets. This is picture of the job the district credentials, we revert to Dincman as someone who title only), and no one involved in the district’s extremely unprofessional does regarding equitable seniority,” he said. had experience with this commented on the findings.hiring practices, as well as to impersonate anyone, hiring practices, more “All jobs are posted on our same thing in several other “We will be looking into development of a training especially an elected official.than one incident must be website, in school and on the districts,” Glover said. an overview of our policies program for all district hiring “The job of the committee examined. We have to look PAEC website. We are also In a report he presented and procedures. I wanted authorities and for staff was to be impartial, yet the at all positions that minority starting to post on some sites to the board at its regular to mention that as well,” members who are involved alerting of the media is a candidates have applied for that will go statewide and meeting last Tuesday, Glover told board members. in the hiring process,” clear indicator that there is over the past few years,” he nationwide,” Glover said. Glover stated, “I am In her proposed agreement Dincman wrote. less of a desire to resolve said. “Many steps have been writing to inform you of with the district, Dincman “I anticipate that the issues and more of a plan Glover noted there were taken this year, including the recent discrimination states, “I am an attorney entire project, including the to attempt some sort of more minority employees appointing a diversity complaint filed by Ms. withOriel 23 years experience, development and provision exposure,” Glover said, hired just in the past year coordinator and working Blalock. After reviewing licensed to practice in of training, will take referring to the outline of than there have been in past to establish an equity the comments from the Florida; I have been approximately six months,” discrimination/harassment years combined. committee. The district committee, and looking at certified by The FloridaDincman Bar said. procedures that state, “In no As an example, Glover is also now working their recommendations, it as a specialist in Labor and Dincman’s firm will instance shall any member pointed out TCMS Principal closely with Florida A&M was found that there was Employment Law since provide monthly written of the investigative panel Kiki Puhl had 10 vacancies University (FAMU) on no evidence to support Ms. 2008. Although I have never updates and bill the school be directly involved in the at her school within the last recruiting,” Glover added, Blalock’s claim in that she provided legal services to board $165 per hour (along complaint.” year. Glover said the district’s was racially discriminated the Taylor County School with costs such as overnight Under the school district’s “Out of 14 applicants, 10 diversity coordinator against, in this instance, Board, I have worked with postage and mileage) for its policy, any applicant were white and four were position was filled July 1. regarding this position.” school boards across North time. claiming to have been minorities. She hired two The duties are currently a The report continued, Florida on personnel-related Blalock’s complaint, as discriminated against may of the minority teachers, the part of District Learning “However, there were matters my entire legal well as the findings offile the a complaint withother the minority teacher was Coordinator Alicia Beshears’ several findings indicatingcareer, including policy three-person committee superintendent of schools, hired at another site and the job description. that a more streamlined development and training.” appointed to review the who then designates a three- only one not hired was the “We have already started hiring process is needed. She then detailed the complaint, were leaked to member panel to investigate. one in guidance,” Glover diversity training with Dr. Therefore, we will be scope of work expected the media and other officialsIn this case, the three- said. Abby Robinson, which is bringing in outside agencies by the district, “We last month prior to the person committee included: Glover went on to her specialty,” Glover said. to conduct a comprehensive discussed the school board’s findings being reviewedone bymember of the district’s elaborate on Taylor County “We still have positions review of the district’s retention of my law firm to Glover and the school board. Affirmative Action Advisory School District’s policies and open that we would current hiring policies conduct a comprehensive Regarding the leak and Committee appointed by the procedures, which include encourage our community superintendent (Director of the public advertisement members to apply for. Just Finance Ashley Valentine), of all open positions for a because someone does not Eta hit south Florida on Monday one member appointed minimum of a week. get a specific job, that does by the complainant (local “Honestly, we are elated not mean the entire system near Pensacola. Several a slow northward motion STORM resident and FAMU senior when someone applies updates from NHC last later Tuesday and continue is flawed. It just means that History major Douglas that is not already in our other avenues may need to Continued from page 1 weekend showed the track into Thursday. Wallace) and a third member system, but we do abide by be pursued,” he said. playoff game against heading directly for Taylor Some strengthening Jefferson County, whichCounty. is expected, followed by has been moved from As of press time Thursday, weakening beginning on Friday night to Thursday Eta was located about 60 Thursday. (see related story on page miles north-northwest Eta made landfall in south 9). of the tip of Cuba with Florida Monday, becoming Eta has been seemingly maximum sustained winds the first named tropical difficult to track offor 60 mph. The storm was system to make landfall in forecasters, with the mostly stationary through the U.S. in November since projected path shifting much of the day Tuesday, 1998. The storm dropped as between somewhere north although forecasters said much at 15 inches of rain in of Tampa all the way to they expected Eta to begin some places. Blount ran for 6,306 yards during his nine-year professional career BLOUNT After entering the NFL touchdowns in the playoffs as an undrafted free agent are tied for sixth-most in Continued from page 1 in 2010, Blount amassed NFL history, and Blount 1,000 yards in three straight 6,306 rushing yards during is one of only five players seasons. his nine-year career with to win back-to-back Super Upon graduation from five different NFL teams,Bowls with different teams, TCHS in 2005, Legarrette winning three Super Bowls along with Ken Norton, Jr., attended East Mississippi with the New England Deion Sanders, Brandon Community College for Patriots (2014, 2016) andBrowner and Chris Long. two years, rushing for Philadelphia Eagles (2017). more than 1,000 yards both Blount finished his NFL seasons, before transferring career with 1,495 carries to Oregon and rushing for 6,306 yards and 56 for over 1,000 yards and touchdowns, averaging 4.2 scoring a school-record 17 yards per carry. touchdowns as a junior. His 11 career rushing

Editorial A-4 Taco Times November 11, 2020 Letters to the Editor DMH board chair responds to Commissioner Feagle

Dear Editor: They have elected to make There is a real need for We have implemented the current EMS agreement beneficial community asset I was disgusted to read health care and our hospital the county to continue a federal drug revenue with DMH. should not be taken lightly! about and see the tape of important. supporting our hospital with sharing program that has During the past three The community values the latter part of the County Rural health care is a the one quarter (25%) of increased revenues by over years of operation, having this hospital! Commission meeting of difficult business in all partsone cent sales tax currently five hundred thousand DMH, to date, has lost Routinely we have invited November 2, 2020. of the country, and so it is at in place. We, along with dollars ($500,000). more than $500,000, county commissioners Ms. Pemberton presented Doctors’ Memorial (DMH). many in our community, Another program, called even with the $450,000 to visit the hospital for an update on the status According to a recent are deeply appreciative of “Swing Bed,” is in place annual supplement from updates and reviews of the of the search for a third- Time magazine article, this support. and just beginning. We the county. Currently, operational and financial party EMS provider and rural U.S. hospitals are on In an effort to improve are evaluating other the county is adding an status. Three of them — then Commissioner Feagle life support. Fifteen (15) DMH, we engaged Alliant opportunities to enhance additional $20,000 per Commissioners Moody, goes into a tirade against rural hospitals closed their to assist in management current services, in addition month, which helps reduce Page and Demps — have the hospital service, the doors in the past year. of our small rural hospital. to adding new ones to save the losses experienced by taken advantage of the administration and the This is in addition to 18 As part of this engagement, revenue. We wish to bring DMH while the search is invitation several times. DMH Hospital Board. that closed their doors the improvement work plans the very best services to underway for a new EMS Even the two recently- This is not the first time previous year. were developed and put in our community through provider. elected incoming Madam Chair has used her Over the past 10 years, motion. These plans focus DMH. It is easy to say let’s “sell commissioners have visited seat at the commission table 133 rural facilities have on improving service in the In an effort to eliminate the hospital,” but then the to share their views and to disparage the hospital. closed their doors. Emergency Room (ER), financial losses, we have question becomes, does that have begun to understand Thank you for offering the Every day, we struggle implementing new revenue discontinued Home Health leave Taylor County with the operations and value of opportunity to respond to financially to keep streamsthe and reviving services. Those health an operational hospital or DMH. the accusations she made. doors open at DMH. old ones, in addition to services are now provided no hospital at all? Commissioner Feagle We (Hospital) Cash flow is criticaleliminating to financial losses.by a private company in the Maybe not. Look at the is always welcome to do appreciate the meeting the day-to-day In August we contracted area. hospitals in Live Oak, Lake schedule a visit to sit down careful attention that requirements. Over the past with EmCare Physician DMH is returning City and Starke. Two of the and review the current status Commissioners Moody, 10 years DMH has amassed Services, Inc. to provide ER the responsibility for three have recently become of plans and operations. All Demps and Page have given losses of approximately medical staff and oversight Emergency Medical urgent care/emergency county commissioners are to hospital updates and the seven million dollars of our ER operation. The Services (EMS) to the room facilities, and the always welcome to and support they have provided. ($7,000,000). With these goal is to improve service, county, which is charged by other one has closed. encouraged to visit our We recognize there are kinds of losses, there is no reduce time in the ER state law to provide these DMH is blessed to have hospital. always hard decisions as to cash to cover capital needs, and reduce the number of services. The county elected a wonderful partnership Pat Barbaree, how our tax money is spent. including huge repairs. patients who leave without to go out for proposals for with Tallahassee Memorial Chairman being seen. Metrics are in an EMS provider rather than Hospital. Flippantly Doctors’ Memorial GOVERNMENT place to monitor progress. negotiate amendments to considering to sell such a Hospital Board of Directors DIRECTORY

Superintendent City of Perry of Schools Mayor Dr. Danny Alan The Muddle Glover Jr. Hall 317 N. Clark St. 214 N Center St. 850-838-2500 850-584-8919 G Commission For more information: rateful... Chairman City Government www.cityofperry.net even in 2020 Pam 584-7161 Feagle County Government 405 Bishop Blvd. www.taylorcountygov.com 850-584-3681 838-3500

Florida Florida Senator Representative By SUSAN LINCOLN Church of God on N. 221) Bill Jason The year 2020 has been called I am grateful for: Montford Shoaf “challenging,” “unprecedented,” “tragic” • Good hairdressers. 58 Market St. 103 East Ellis Street and “joyful” too. • Library workers who kept me (and Apalachicola 32320 Perry, FL 32347 850-653-2656 850-717-5007 On the cusp of Thanksgiving, I hope you so many others) supplied with engaging are willing to: books even when the doors were closed to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio U.S. Senator Rick Scott • Give thanks for the dysfunctional the public because of COVID-19. United States Senate 716 Hart Senate Office Building Washington D.C., 20510 Washington, DC 20510 family with which you live. Many who are • New babies and the way they smell 202-224-3041 202-224-5274 weary of being alone would welcome the (most of the time). crises, comforts and confusions of your • A steak off the grill. For more information about Governor Ron DeSantis home, sweet home. • Modern medicine. Good doctors and Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., the Florida Legislature, visit:

Tallahassee, FL 32399 www.myfloridahouse.com • Give thanks for the United States nurses. or www.flsenate.gov 850-717-9337 of America and its flawed democratic • Coca-Cola. process, which still remains the best form It is Thanksgiving, the one holiday we of government on earth. cannot overdo: • Give thanks for pine trees, in general, • Giving thanks for restaurant owners and the timber industry specifically, who have faced remarkable challenges to Let your voice be heard! which has provided homes and incomes retain staff, and customers, too, during Letters to the Editor for families in this community. the quarantine and its restrictions. are accepted and published I am grateful for: • Giving thanks for our military troops each week in the Taco Times • Retirement. Medicare. Health who serve in harm’s way so we can fight as space is available. Send insurance. about nothing that’s important at home. letters to P.O. Box 888, Perry, • Heat and air conditioning. Soft pillows. • Giving thanks for friends who turn an FL 32348; or newsdesk@ Sweet dreams. ordinary walk into a theological session, perrynewspapers.com. • The walking trails at the sports and also those who don’t. It’s nice to have complex. friends who think; and those who don’t; Please include a phone • Peach and blueberry cobblers. friends who laugh; and those who don’t. number with your letter for our I hope you remember to appreciate: Friends who golf; and friends who don’t… records (your phone number • The bells which chime at First United just as long as they’re always friends who will not be published). Methodist Church. care. • The fabulous weather we enjoy so I am grateful for: much of the year. • Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending • Our coastline, 46 miles long: its pelicans pottery with liquid gold or silver, and all the fish of the sea, encompassed reminding us that we are all broken but by sunrises and sunsets some people only not beyond an exquisite repair. see on postcards. • Chihuly glass gardens all over the • Give thanks if you spent too many world and the beauty they bring. Wednesday, November 11, 2020 years complaining about holiday dinners • Fried corn bread and strange relatives, only to find yourself • Good dogs with kind hearts whose missing the madness this year. The things very existence improves ours. which annoy us may actually define us or • Memories of my grandmother’s treadle reflect us. sewing machine, her cast-iron cornstick • Give thanks for teachers like the one pan, banana pudding, ruffled organdy I saw at the grocery store, quizzing a curtains and feather pillows. These former student about his job and future memories give me a link to my past and plans. He was wearing a company apron an appreciation for the present. and stocking the shelves. “Looks like it’s • Semi-colons and the work they do. working out for you,” she said, smiling • Palmetto: its fronds are free. while encouraging him. Teachers are • Screened porches. among those who care even when they’ve I give thanks that these unprecedented clocked out, gone home, quit work, or times will eventually be replaced by retired 20 years earlier. Their work is precedented times. Of course, we may never done. complain about that change, too, but • Give thanks for churches and their we will travel with lighter burdens and signs which keep us grounded: “Don’t gladder hearts if we allow Thanksgiving social distance from God.” (First Baptist to extend beyond November into the Church) Or “Jesus rose from the dead and uttermost parts of this and every year to you can’t even get out of bed.” (Perry First come.

Religion A-5 Taco Times November 11, 2020 Farm Share Saturday Farm Share will hold a food distribution at Taylor County Elementary School (TCES) Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to noon. The distribution is being coordinated by the Temple of God International Church of God in Christ, the Taylor County School District and the The Less Fortunate Still Matters Foundation. Date changed: St. James food pantry open Thursday, Nov. 19 St. James Episcopal Church is changing the date of its regular monthly food pantry from this Thursday, Nov. 12, Time to pack shoeboxes! to the following week. Members of First Presbyterian Church’s youth group spent Sunday afternoon shopping for The food pantry will be open Thursday, Nov. 19, from 10-11 a.m. Operation Christmas Child, filling 34 shoeboxes for children in need. “We are taking this action because of the expected effects of Tropical Storm Eta. We also expect and hope to hold an outdoor Clothes Closet at the same time in front of Shoebox collection begins next week the Food Pantry doors,”volunteers said. Filled shoeboxes for this Tuesday, Nov. 17, 3:30-5:30 Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; to noon; Sunday, Nov. 22, year’s Operation Christmas p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 18, Friday, Nov. 20, 9-11 a.m.; 2-5 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. Glad TidinGs 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Thursday, Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. 23, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Child campaign will be In the Bible, “glad tidings” is frequently translated to mean “to tell collected next week, good news” and “preach the gospel.” This space -- made available to Nov. 16-23, at the Perry all local pastors and church leaders -- is dedicated to messages of Woman’s Club. good news to fill readers with uplifting thoughts to carry with them “If you would like throughout the week. information or supplies, e-mail me at junebyers@ Thanks to our veterans gmail.com or text (850) 843-8800. You can pack a and their families shoebox (just use a regular size shoebox) or contact me Are you one of the for shoebox materials. You many men and women can also pack a shoebox who have served our online at samaritanspurse. country in the military? org/occ,” local coordinator Have you stood bravely June Byers said. with your comrades on The hours for the drive- thru collection are: Monday, the battlefield? Or courageously Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; performed in supportive or commanding roles? Obituaries Wherever you’ve been stationed and in whatever Sallie Inez Hospital of Miami, for 11 a.m. at Burns Funeral capacity you’ve served, I join the millions who By Eglin Air Force Base Home and of Perry with Brother Dunnam stand humbly in your Sheryl Boldt lastly here at Doctors’ David Beigle and Brother presence. Sallie Inez Dunnam of Memorial Hospital in Perry. Jim Bitner officiating. Old Town, who would have In her spare time she In lieu of flowers, I have no words big enough to express my or other life-altering celebrated her 99th birthday enjoyed being on the water,the family requests that challenges. And some of on Nov. 14, passed away on either sailing or fishing, anddonations be made to Blue thanks, but I’ll give it my best effort. Let me start your heroic loved ones Nov. 5, 2020. she also had a deep passion Creek Baptist Church. paid the ultimate sacrifice Funeral services for for reading. All arrangements are by saying... You are my hero. for which we can never Mrs. Dunnam were held She was preceded in under the direction of express our gratitude Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. death by: her father, Robert Burns Funeral Home of I don’t know your story, but I’ve benefiteddeeply enough. at McCrabb Baptist Church Dianne J. Meredith James Meoak; mother, Alta Perry. Friends may sign the But I’ll say it again in Old Town with Pastor She was born Feb. 17, Walker Babbit; step-father, online guest book at www.from your courage. anyway -- thank you. Wayne Allen and Pastor 1958, in Lapeer, Mich., to David Babbit; and brother, joepburnsfuneralhomes. Your sacrifice beganI wish there were no Bobby Lindsey officiating.Robert James Meoak and Lori Babbit. com. the day you pledgedwars. I hate how war Interment followed at Alta Walker Meoak. She is survived by: to defend our nation’s honor. divides us, causing McCrabb Baptist Church Dianne honorably served her husband of 17 years, (850) 584-4149 nations to turn against Cemetery. her country in the United Lonnie Houck; step- Although you knew 1400 N. Johnson Stripling Rd. each other. Arrangements have been States Air Force. children, Lonnie and Lance Perry, FL 32347 fighting our enemies Perhaps someday placed under the care of She was a member of Houck; siblings, Randy would be terrifying, you stepped forward. And we’ll learn to resolve our the Rick Gooding FuneralBlue Creek Meoak, Richard Meoak, conflicts in more peaceful Home Cross City Chapel of Baptist Church. Rod Meoak, Sue Bitner, Obituary Policy you stayed in the fight, despite the horrors of ways. Cross City. She attended Robert Meoak, Brian Perry Newspapers While I wish wars several universities Babbit, Jeannie Babbity does not charge for a war, defending me and those I love. weren’t part of our world, throughout her and Debbie life, McGinnis; and and standard death notice. Dianne J. Thank you. I understand why we received her master’s one grandson, Luke Houck; An extended obituary have them. Meredith degree from the Universityas well as a host of nieces is available for a charge I (and a grateful In a perfect world, Dianne J. Meredith, 62, of Indiana in nursing.and nephews. based on length, with America) would like to there wouldn’t be people passed away on Nov. 2, Dianne was a nurse A memorial service was wording as provided express our gratitude to your family as well – seeking to take away our 2020, in Gainesville. anesthetist with Baptist held on Friday, Nov. 6, at by the funeral home or your parents, spouse, and freedoms and conquer family. children who lie awake our nation. Card of Thanks The deadline for our Thankfully, there are Wednesday edition is night after night worrying men and women like you Tuesday by 10 a.m.; the and praying for your safety. who love our country and Williams deadline for Friday’s You, the family, have have the integrity and The family of Bonnie City Church of God for Your prayers, calls, cards, edition is Thursday by fortitude to defend her. 10 a.m. For more sacrificed too. Williams would like their love and support; visits, charitable donations, You’ve demonstrated You’ve embodied John information, please call to express our sincere Dr. Ben Kimmell and food and flowers are greatly your own brand of 15:13 (ESV): “Greater (850) 584-5513. love has no one than this, gratitude for the love,Brother Dwayne Searcy appreciated. courage and endurance as support and kindness that for their words of wisdom, Your kindness and you’ve kept the home. that someone lay down has been shown to us duringencouragement, love and generosity will never be You’ve pressed his life for his friends.” this difficult time. prayers; Austin and Allison forgotten. forward one day at a I (and millions of A special thanks to Bishop for the beautiful Sincerely, time without your loved others) owe you a great Dawn and Sierra Devanie; music you provided; and Shannon and David one by your side, always debt. May we never take your service for Pastor Brooks and faithful Eric Black for the slideshow Paramore waiting until the day he members of the Cross production. Trey Krejcar or she would return. granted. Big Bend Hospice For some of you, your Sheryl H. Boldt is the offers grief support to those service took a different author of the blog, www. in need and is open to local turn when your spouse TodayCanBeDifferent. residents. or child arrived home net. Connect with her at Please contact Wendy suffering from PTSD [email protected]. Vargo at (850) 878-5310.

Order now for the holidays The Perry Church of God Women’s Ministries is now taking orders for its popular fruitcakes, nut cakes and pies. To place an order for the upcoming holiday season, please call (850) 584-2010. This year’s selection also includes pound cake, “Chewycake” and vanilla wafer cake, along with pecan, coconut, chocolate pecan and pumpkin pies. A-6 Taco Times November 11, 2020 County rejects proposal to allow commercial crabbers use of public lot at Keaton Beach The Taylor County line made available due “You’ve got commercial said. “That was the only county owns. They’re just During the ensuing Commission unanimously to the current coronavirus crabbers down there that time they ever actually used open grass lots.” discussion amongst the rejected a proposal to allow (COVID-19) restrictions. need a place to unload our boat ramp. They are Several other commissioners, Moody commercial crabbers to use Of the 12 callers, all their traps and load them, blocked down there now commissioners suggested said he was asked to bring a parcel of county-owned but one were against the because they cannot use with no place to put their the board hold a public the issue to the board, but land in Keaton Beach to proposal, citing a variety of our (public) boat ramp,” traps in or get ‘em out. hearing to allow after the public hearing, “It load and unload their traps concerns, including safety, Moody said at the Oct. 5 “We own two lots down neighboring property seems Keaton Beach people during the season, which traffic, smell and propertymeeting. there on the canal, and that owners the chance to speak don’t want it.” opened Oct. 15. values. “We let them use them lot is just sitting there,” he out before they voted. The He did add that if the The board held a public The proposal was firstuse the boat ramp back said. “They’re fine with hearing was scheduled for county is not going to use hearing during its meeting brought to the board by when we had the boat signing a hold harmless the commission’s Oct. 20 the two parcels near the Oct. 20, drawing a dozen Commissioner Jim Moody ramp closed to keep their (agreement) or doing meeting, and letters were bridge, the commission calls into the conference at its Oct. 5 meeting businesses going,” Moody whatever it takes, leasing sent to any property owner should consider selling the lot or whatever. You’ve within 500 feet of the them. got people down there proposed site. The other four trying to make a living that The common issues commissioners all said need a place to load and raised by those who called they were not in favor unload their traps.” in to the public hearing of allowing the parcel to When asked where the included the possible smell be used by commercial lots in question are located, emanating from the traps crabbers. Moody said, “You know and traffic and safety issuesMoody made the motion where the cement bridge is at the bridge. to reject the proposal, on the back canal? When The one caller who spoke and Commissioner you come across the bridge in favor of the proposal said Sean Murphy seconded. heading south, there is a the site would only be used The measure passed lot on either side that the a few days each year. unanimously. Woodfaulk, Deming decline mayor position during council discussion

MAYOR “I’ll decline...we’re nominating me. It is just just...” Deming replied, right now that I am very Continued from page 2 before Hampton quickly busy,” Woodfaulk told re-organization of the voiced her vote for Hall’s Deming. council, opening the nomination, floor which then “I understand,” Deming for nominations for mayor. was approved by a 5-0 vote. said. Deming began by asking “Thank you for “You would make a good Woodfaulk if she would be entrusting me. I am honored mayor,” Hampton told willing to serve as mayor. to continue being your Woodfaulk. “I’ve got too much going mayor,” Hall said. “Thank you,” Woodfaulk on,” Woodfaulk replied. “And, I appreciate you replied. “Would you consider being vice-mayor again?” Deming asked. “Yes, I could take vice- mayor. It’s just that I got so much going on right now that if y’all call me on a dime I would not be able to come,” Woodfaulk stated. Woodfaulk’s nomination for vice-mayor was approved by a 5-0 vote. Councilman Ward Ketring then made a motion nominating Hall to serve as mayor for another year, and it was seconded by Woodfaulk. However, when it came time for a roll call vote, Hampton instead stated that she “wanted to nominate Mike (Deming)” to serve as mayor. After a brief moment of silence, Woodfaulk relayed to Deming that it was Hampton’s desire to nominate him for mayor.

Perry City Councilman Mike Deming was sworn in to serve a third term in office during the council’s Oct. 27 meeting.

Community A-7 Taco Times November 11, 2020 Two new wildland firefighters join Perry’s FFS ranks The Florida Forest Service (FFS) Perry District has two new wildland firefighters joining their ranks with rangers Garrett Allen and Alan Whigham graduating Basic Fire Control Training. “The course this year has been particularly difficult with the arrival of the COVID-19 virus,” FFS Mitigation Specialist and Public Information Officer Travis Pike said. Those challenges included “an ever-changing timeline for the various portions of their training, a reinvented training program and further challenges presented in achieving proper training while mitigating the risk caused by COVID 19,” he said. These new wildland firefighters will be stationed in Taylor and Madison counties, “and are prepared to serve their communities in forest protection, wildfire mitigation and wildfire prevention. “Both men have proven to be capable wildland firefighters and have faced unpredictable and what appeared to be insurmountable challenges. Their patience and tenacity allowed them to push through this difficult school and on to become valued members of the Florida Forest Service team,” Pike said. The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources on more than 26 million acres from the devastating effects of wildfire. ‘Member ‘The more you read, the more you know’ Fifth-grade students in Eli Walker’s class at Taylor County Elementary School recently learned of the Year’ how to effectively read a newspaper. After going through the different sections and features ofAmerican Legion a newspaper, Walker’s class focused on the Florida History article about early dentistry, which Auxiliary Unit 291 of tied into that week’s lesson on historical texts and cause and effect. The students enjoyed theSteinhatchee has selected hands-on experience of reading the local newspaper and were grateful for the donation from PerryIndy Kelley as their Newspapers. “Member of the Year.” “This past year, Indy has Senior Center to receive portion of $80,000 UWBB grant made every event special by supplying and decorating This week, the United The Taylor County eight-county region who we all must demonstrate the hall for each occasion. Way of the Big Bend Senior Center will receive a are working to provide respect, humanity and She takes pride in what she (UWBB), in partnershipportion of the $80,000 grant services in the COVID-19compassion. Together, we does and helps to make the First Vice President Ursula with Florida Blue, is to help with food assistance environment to improve are letting those in need Auxiliary shine,” Unit 291 Miller (left) presents Indy distributing $80,000 fromand senior wellness food security, rent and know we are united with President Karen Tidwell Kelley with the “Member of the the UWBB Coronavirus checks. utility assistance, and them,” she said. said. Year” award. (COVID-19) Relief Fund The grant and partnership senior assistance, including to organizations throughout with Florida Blue is wellness checks, UWBB the Big Bend, including one focused on program CEO Berneice Cox said. in Taylor County. partners in the Big Bend “It is times like these that

Taylor CounTy ExTEnsion sErviCE Agriculture & Natural Resources Florida Yard & Neighborhood Principle #4: Mulch By LISA STRANGE important to note that cypress mulch is UF/IFAS Taylor County Extension harvested from natural cypress wetlands AG/Natural Resources Agent throughout Florida. The following is the fourth in a Using mulches such as pine bark, series of articles on the nine principles pine straw, eucalyptus, melaleuca and making up the Florida-Friendly oak leaves are by-products of the timber Landscaping concept, which is designed industry or planted specifically for to produce attractive, low-maintenance, mulch harvesting. Utilize free mulch environmentally-friendly landscapes that originates from your landscape by that also provide habitat for wildlife and recycling fallen leaves, pine needles and reduce the spread of invasive plants. grass and shrub clippings. There are several benefits of mulch in Mulching Techniques: the landscape. When mulching an entire landscape Organic mulch retains soil moisture, bed, wood and bark mulches should be regulates soil temperature, suppresses two-to-three inches deep after settling. weeds, reduces storm water runoff, Re-apply mulch around established minimizes soil erosion and, improves plants as needed to maintain proper structure and tilth by adding organic depth. matter, provides increased area for root When mulching around trees, create a growth and is aesthetically pleasing. circle of mulch; for every inch of trunk Apply mulch approximately two diameter, go two feet out with mulch. to three inches thick and re-apply as Keep one to two inches away from needed throughout the year to maintain stems and trunks to prevent rotting this depth. Mulches can replace turf or and pull mulch at least four to six ground covers in areas that are difficultinches from exterior walls to discourage to mow, irrigate or otherwise maintain. termites. Mulches also can be used in shady areas Contact Taylor County’s UF/IFAS where plants may not grow readily. Extension Office at (850) 838-3508 for Although several types of mulch more information on Florida-friendly are available, organic or wood-based landscaping and visit websites http://fyn. mulches are recommended. It is ifas.ufl.edu or https://floridayards.org. FEaTurEd PlanT: Cassia, Cassia bicapsularis Driving past Ragans Ace Hardware in Uses for this semi-evergreen includes: Perry recently, the display of the bright serving as a specimen, in a container or yellow flowers on a rack pulled my vehicle planter, deck or patio; and even in highway like a magnet into the medians because of parking lot. its stunning cluster of The sprawling flower color. They can semi-evergreen reach 12 feet high shrub or small tree with an eight- to 10- known as “Cassia” foot spread. produces blooms in Frequent pinching fall that look like tiny of young shoot golden butterflies. tips encourages The plant prefers -- branching and and blooms profusely increases number of -- in full sun. flowers. Cassia is the host plant for the Cloudless It propagates by seed or cuttings. It is Sulphur butterfly and it falls in the USDA considered a fast grower. Everyone should hardiness zone 9A-11. have one! A-8 Taco Times November 11, 2020

Sports A-9 Taco Times November 11, 2020 Bulldogs dominate Seahawks, 38-0 The Taylor County foot off the gas in the second for a 53-yard touchdown on Bulldogs dominated the half and coasted to a victory, the following possession. Franklin County Seahawks, with the only second-half Thomas led the Bulldogs’ 38-0 Friday night in touchdown coming on rushing attack with 179 Eastpoint to win theirspecial first teams when Jayden yards on just six carries – round Class 1A state playoff Florence blocked a punt averaging 30 yards per carry. game. deep in Seahawk’s territory. Quon Clayton was also The Bulldogs (4-4) easily The ball popped straight a big contributor to the shut out the Seahawks (0-6) up to Jordan Tyler, who Bulldogs’ ground game, in the first round of the 2020 caught it while standing in carrying the ball 18 times for FHSAA football playoffs the endzone for the Bulldogs’ 103 yards. and now advance to host the fifth and final touchdown. Chance Glanton carried winless Jefferson County Bulldog QB Kevis the ball twice for 24 yards, Tigers (0-7) this Thursday Thomas had a big night on and Travin Barnes rushed night in Perry. the ground -- as his first twoonce for a gain of 21 yards. The Bulldogs racked up carries of the game both Steven Morgan served as over 400 yards of offense went for touchdowns. the Bulldogs’ quarterback against overmatched Thomas took a QB keeper for most of the second half Franklin County, as Taylor 65 yards for a touchdown on and picked up 27 yards on led 32-0 at halftime. his very first carry and broke five carries. Taylor County took their his second run of the game Na’jeh Glanton scored the Bulldogs third rushing touchdown on a two-yard jet sweep play. The Bulldogs fourth and YARDSTICK final rushing touchdown was scored by A’jari Harris from Taylor Co. Stats Franklin Co. two yards out on another jet Rushes/Yards/TD 21/58/0 TD sweep play. 35/352/4 TD Thomas didn’t put the 2/6/0 TD Comp./Att./TD 13/23/0 TD ball in the air much, as he 64 Pass Yards 56 completed just two of his six passes for 60 yards. 0 Interceptions 2 Thomas completed a 50- 416 Total Offense 114 yard pass to Na’jeh Glanton Casen Heartsfield (#55) and Chance Glanton (#14) combine to make a and an eight-yard completion Seahawk sandwich out of a Franklin County ballcarrier. (Photo by Amy Sadler) 14 First Downs 17 to Ja’veion Harris. 12 Return Yards 61 The Bulldog defense held pressuring the Seahawks’ Clayton was responsible half, pulling many starters Franklin County scoreless, QB into a hurried throw for 34 yards on the drive, and substituting freely in 1/45 Punts/Avg. 2/12 while limiting the Seahawks which was tipped into the carrying the ball five times,addition to agreeing to a 0/0 Field Goals 0/0 to just over a 100 yards of air and picked off by Daniel mixed in with a 14- and 29-running clock to speed up offense on 44 plays. Walker, a defensive linemen. yard scamper by Thomas. 3/1 Fumbles/Lost 4/1 the game over the final two The Seahawks finished Walker tipped the pass up Na’jeh Glanton was the quarters. 11/75 Penalties/Yds 4/35 with 58 yards rushing on 21 to himself and hauled it in one who ended up scoring Taylor’s final touchdown carries, as well as 56 yards for an interception before for Taylor County, as he took came off of a blocked punt through the air, as Franklin dragging most of Franklin’s a jet sweep and ran around by Jayden Florence, who County completed 13 of 23 offense for 12 yards on the the edge for two yards and a deflected the kick high into pass attempts. return. touchdown. the air, allowing Jordan Taylor also forced two When Taylor’s offense The Bulldogs were Tyler to make a catch for a ‘Dogs faces Jefferson interceptions and a fumble. came back onto the field,successful on another two- touchdown in the endzone Grabbing interceptions Clayton picked up 10 yards point conversion, as Thomas for the final score of the for the Bulldogs were Cecil on a first-down run before kept it himself to put his game in an impressive 38-0 County Thursday due Cobb and Daniel Walker. Thomas was off to the team ahead of the Seahawks shutout victory over the Jordan Tyler led Taylor races again one play later, 24-0 in the second quarter. Seahawks. to Tropical Storm Eta County in tackles with nine, sprinting 53 yards for a Taylor’s defense would The Bulldogs advance to followed by Cobb with six touchdown on his second quickly force Franklin’s the FHSAA Class 1A state Friday night’s second-round high school playoff game tackles. carry. offense to turn the ball over quarterfinals to host the against Jefferson County has been moved to Thursday Jayden Florence recorded Clayton punched in the on downs, which brought Jefferson County Tigers, night to avoid possible inclement weather associated with five tackles for the Bulldogs’ two-point conversion to put the Bulldog offense back who received a bye in the Tropical Storm Eta. defense, followed by Daniel the Bulldogs ahead 16-0 in out at midfield. On first first round. Taylor County High School (TCHS) Principal Heather Walker, Chance Glanton the first quarter. down, Thomas found Na’jeh Jefferson County finished McCoy reported Monday that Jefferson County and Taylor and Jonah Branch with four Franklin’s offense Glanton for a 50-yard the regular season winless County school district officials agreed to move the game tackles each. attempted to get on the completion that was ruled (0-6) and have been to Thursday night to reduce the risk of the game being Travin Barnes had three board, as they picked up down at the two-yard line. outscored by a combined postponed due to weather. tackles, followed by a host 33 yards on seven plays, A’jari Harris punched it score of 224-34 in their Kickoff was also moved up 30 minutes to 7 p.m. of Bulldogs who had two before Cobb picked off a in from two yards out to seven losses. The Bulldogs (4-4) will host the Jefferson County tackles each, including: pass and came down with increase Taylor County’s Kickoff is slated for 7 Somerset Tigers (0-6) in the Class 1A playoff game, with Casen Heartsfield, Drewthe interception at his own lead to 32-0 after anotherp.m. at Dorsett Stadium the winner advancing to face the winner of the Panama McElveen, Na’jeh Glanton, 18-yard line. successful two-point this Thursday night, as the City-Bozeman (1-5) vs. Wewahitchka (6-3) game Friday Cam Flowers, Cecil Cobb The Bulldogs then had conversion run by Thomas. Bulldogs will try to advance night. and Tony Hinkle. their longest drive of the After heading into to the region semifinals the Jaaron Williams, Calvin night, driving 82 yards in 12halftime with a 32-0following lead, Friday against the Washington, Aiden Samano plays before scoring another Taylor County called off winner of Bozeman (1-6) TCMS boys soccer and Stylez Williams touchdown. the dogs in the second and Wewahitchka (6-3). recorded one tackle each in the shutout victory over the will kick off Nov. 16 Seahawks. The Taylor County Williams, Bradley Murphy, The Bulldog offense took Middle School (TCMS) Trey Lytle , Tristian the field first after Franklin boys soccer squad will Murphy, Zack Tomlinson, County kicked the opening begin play Nov. 16 in Knyon Simmons, Landon kickoff out of bounds. Wakulla County under Patrick, Slade Kallschmidt Thomas kept it himself on first year Head Coachand BrettWill Freeman. Taylor’s first play and busted Joiner. The Bulldogs are slated free up the middle 65 yards Coach Joiner selected to play in nine matches for a touchdown behind 18 young men to represent during the regular season great downfield blocking TCMS, including: Talon before the conference by Cam Flowers and Jonah Abjeris, Austin Terrel, Vern playoffs begin Dec. 14. Branch. Faulk, Macon Folsom, The TCMS Bulldogs’ Na’jeh Glanton picked up the three yards necessary for Walker Heartsfield,first home basketball game Cooper Wiles, Case is scheduled for Nov. 19 the two-point conversion on Poppell, Colson Patrick, against Lafayette County a jet sweep to give Taylor an Bain Brannen, Kingston beginning at 6:45 p.m. early 8-0 lead. Franklin County’s offense managed to complete three passes for 13 yards before State champions! Jayden Florence sliced into The Taylor County War Eagles had both their 10U and 12U squads play the backfield and sacked thein the UYFL State Championship this past Saturday in Valdosta, Georgia. quarterback for a 10-yard Above, Zakari Jackson crosses the goal line for a touchdown. The 12U loss to bring up third down squad claimed the State Championship by defeating the MOT Cowboys for the Seahawks. 28-0. The 10U team was edged in the championship game by the MOT Florence and Jordan Tyler Cowboys, 32-30. More details on the two games can be found in Friday’s came off the edge in a hurry, edition of the Perry News-Herald. A-10 Taco Times November 11, 2020 CLASSIFIED ADS Published each Wednesday and Friday. Deadline for Wednesday: Monday by 5 p.m. Deadline for Friday: Wednesday by 5 p.m. Call (850) 584-5513 or email classifieds@ Classifieds perrynewspapers.com

MISCELLANEOUS HELP WANTED SERVICES LEGALS

WE BUY NEW HOME BAPTIST CHURCH ASSISTANT NEEDED for artist VINYL FAB NEEDED C&R LAWN SERVICE, LLC North Florida College will hold its Scrap Metal and Junk Cars. IS SEEKING a part-time church/ studio located in Perry. Call (850) Minimum Qualifications: Affordable lawn service for all regular monthly meeting Tuesday, (850) 838-5865. financial secretary. The church/ 843-0422 for more information. • Able to read a tape measure to your needs. No jobs too big November 17, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. financial secretary provides11/20 or small. Hedge trimming and in the NFC Student Center Lakeside RC 1/4th inch and do mathematical Room (Bldg. #9), 325 NW Turner efficient administrative services calculations brush clearing now available. • Storm clean up, Davis Dr., Madison, FL. For more and a warm welcome to callers SALES ASSOCIATE • Job requires heavy lifting (50 lbs) information, an agenda or to request FOR RENT and guests in cooperation with the We are looking for a new Sales • Must read and speak English • Debris removal, disability-related accommodations, • Fence clearing, Pastor, staff and Church officers. Associate to join the Big Top • Skills to learn how to operate and contact the President’s Office Applicant must possess a vibrant, Team. Ideal candidates must pass the forklift operators test • Leaf removal, at (850) 973-1618 or email • Tree trimming. TWO-BEDROOM growing personal relationship with have experience developing and • Able to read & understand [email protected]. North Florida Call for a free estimate. (850) APARTMENTS AVAILABLE Christ and a desire to work in a maintaining solid customer rapport. complex CAD sketches College is deeply committed to the 843-3744. 2/5 safety of our trustees, employees, • Specials running ministry environment. They must Sales experience in military, • Basic understanding of hand be proficient in MS Windows, MS building trades, marine industry, and community members who may • Pet friendly tools and ability to use them choose to join us. This in-person • HUD considered Office Suite and to have or learn environmental industry and/or • Able to follow verbal and written the use of Publisher and Intuit construction industry is a plus. LEGALS meeting will follow Department Email: [email protected] instructions of Health guidelines for wearing Phone: (850) 584-6444 QuickBooks. They must maintain Sales Associates are required • Proficient communication skills, masks and social distancing. If you Text: (352) 232-6691 consistent office hours, have some travel within their respective both written and oral would like to attend this meeting, INVITATION TO BID strong administrative skills – both region. This is a performance- please notify Michelle Wheeler by • Able to work closely with others The City of Perry is accepting sealed verbal and written, and have the based position with an emphasis phone 850-973-1618 or by email NOW ACCEPTING as a team bids for a 2020 or newer 4 X 2 - 3/4 ability to acquire new skills and on continued growth. [email protected] at least one day APPLICATIONS for a nice, • Must possess a valid driver’s ton extended cab truck with a utility enhance job performance and Experience in the follow areas is prior to the meeting, so we may license bed. spacious 2 BR, 2 bath single-wide. provide the proper accommodations efficiency. Applications may be preferred, but not required. For more information regarding this Applicants must pass background Interested and qualified candidates and spacing for this gathering. NFC downloaded from http://nhbcperry. • Microsoft Office Suite Software must either call 850-584-7786 to bid visit the City of Perry website: check. $625 per month plus com/secretary. 11/22 • Auto-Cad/Micro Station is an equal access/equal opportunity make an appointment to fill out www.cityofperry.net or contact Mrs. security deposit. Please call (850) • Reading technical drawings, employer. 584-7094. EMH an application in person or visit Duckworth at 850-584-2189. RANCH & HEAVY EQUIPMENT proposals, & contracts. Taylor Brown, City Manager bigtopshelters.com/careers to fill PERSONNEL NEEDED Educational Requirements: Alan Hall, City Mayor out an online application. NOW ACCEPTING Growing organization in Madison • High school graduation required APPLICATIONS for a 2 BR, 1 bath Big Top Manufacturing, Inc. is an SECTION 000020 - County • Bachelor’s degree from an INVITATION TO BID single-wide. Applicants must pass Equal Opportunity/Affirmative AUCTION SALE NOTICE • Minimum 5 years experience with accredited school is required TAYLOR COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT a background check. Action Employer that does To: Iatosha Glover, Unit #3-26 references A preference will be given for an TAYLOR TECH BLDG ‘C’ $500 per month plus security not tolerate discrimination in Helene Haldi, Unit #2-35 • Skilled in operating log skidders, applicant with a 4-year college WELDING SHOP ADDITION employment based upon age, Taylor Storage Center, 3498 Hwy deposit. Please call (850) 584- choppers, loaders, and tractors degree, a ranking officer of the 2333 S. BYRON BUTLER PKWY race, color, religion, national origin, 19 S. Suite 1, Perry, Fla., 32348, 7094. EMH with mechanic and ranch US Military, or 5 years of sales sexual orientation, gender identity, has possessory lien on all of the ➟ Please see page 11 experience experience with one company. goods stored in the prospective WOODRIDGE APARTMENTS disabled, veteran, or any other • Good pay, full-time work Qualified applications can apply units above. All these items of characteristic protected by law. Accepting applications for 1, 2 Send resumes to saconstruction@ online at www.bigtopshelters.com/ personal property are being sold 12/4 BAD WATER? and 3 BR HC and Non-HC embarqmail.com or mail to 9501 S careers, or in person at Big Top pursuant to the assertion of the lien Call Pure Water Pros accessible apartments. HUD Istachatta Rd, Floral City, FL 34436 Manufacturing, Inc. 3255 N US on November 14, 2020 at 10 a.m. vouchers considered. Call (850) Alcohol & drug-free workplace. 19, Perry, Florida (by appointment SERVICES in order to collect the amounts due (352) 578-5096 584-5668. 709 W. Church St., only). from you. The sale will take place at (850) 693-8844 12/4 3498 Hwy 19 S. Suite 1, Perry, Fla., Perry, FL 32348. TDD 711. Equal Driving record report and Drug test Free H2O Analysis Housing Opportunity. WA will be required if hired. A TO Z LAWN AND 32348. WELDERS NEEDED St. Lic. #2632 Minimum Qualifications: EEO/AA/m/f/vets/disabled FARM SERVICES Licensed and Insured Insured HELP • High School diploma or equivalent BT NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: Complete Lawn Services • Ability to read and understand The District Board of Trustees of Tree trimming/removal, dump WANTED CAD sketches CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL truck services, harrowing, bush PORTWOOD’S LAWN CARE • Able to read a tape measure to hog mowing, rake work, dirt the 1/16th ENGINEER-IN-TRAINING We do it all: mow, weedeat, edging, MADISON COUNTY We are looking for a Civil/Structural leveling. Call (850) 838-5996 or flower beds, hedges, leaves, pine • Minimum of two years welding (850) 584-7972. AZ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL experience or a graduate of a Engineer-in-Training to join the Big straw raking, palm trees, small Is now hiring for emergency room certified welding program Top Team. The ideal candidate tree and bush removal, as well as night shift RNs and paramedics for this position should possess JOE COXWELL WELDING LLC pressure washing and other odd • Must pass Weld Certification Test Welding Fabrication & Repair • 12-hour shifts a strong structural design and jobs. on-site Mobile Service. (850) 843-3500. • $2,000 sign-on bonus, full-time architecture background. Solid • Must read and speak English JC Before • $1,000 sign-on bonus, part-time • Heavy lifting is required on a knowledge in steel, concrete, Apply Online MCMH.US or call regular basis (50 lbs) and masonry are essential STEVE SMITH WELDING, (850) 973-2271 • Must possess a valid driver’s skills. Responsibilities include SANDBLASTING, HOME MCMH is an Equal Opportunity license assessment, planning, and REPAIRS AND LAWN CARE. Employer and a drug-free Qualified applications can apply execution of structural designs No job too small. 30+ years workplace. 11/13 online at www.bigtopshelters.com/ on a wide range of projects. experience. Quality work for a Majority of work will be designing careers, or in person at Big Top reasonable price. Call for a quote: After TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF Manufacturing, Inc. 3255 N US or consulting on the installation of (850) 838-6551 (or 6552). COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 19, Perry, Florida (by appointment Shelter projects. Travel to project 11/27 Job Vacancy Announcement. only). locations will be necessary. The job description and our EEO/AA/m/f/vets/disabled Must have experience in: 2-step application process can ~ Metal Truss Structures be found on our website at www. BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE ~ Commercial taylorcountygov.com or in the lobby AND MORE is now accepting ~ Industrial of the County Annex. Applicants applications for a full-time ~ Government Call for a free estimate! must apply through Career Source. warehouse/delivery person and a Minimum qualifications and job Taylor County is an EEO employer. (850) 838-7635 full-time sales person. Background responsibilities will also include: Engineer - full-time. Roll-off check required. Must be 18 or • Designing structures to withstand Site Attendant - call-in. HEOI older. No phone calls. Apply in pressures and forces which they - part-time, solid waste. Road person at 1225 S. Jefferson Street must endure, Maintenance Technician - full- in Perry. BF • Collaborating with other designers time. TCBCC and/or architects as it relates to the safest designs and how they may fit in with the aesthetic concept of the construction • Applying expert knowledge of forces and their impact on various structures • Solid working knowledge in the strength of different materials (e.g. concrete, steel, or wood) and understanding of how their inclusion may necessitate a change of structural design • Analyzing suitable configurations of the basic structural components of a building or other structure • In-process inspections, as well as providing guidance/feedback to contractors. Educational Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Qualified applications can apply online at www.bigtopshelters.com/ careers, or in person at Big Top Manufacturing, Inc. 3255 N US 19, Perry, Florida (by appointment only). EEO/AA/m/f/vets/disabled BT

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4-H preps for BBH volunteer Wheeler livestock show is nationally recognized Big Bend Hospice volunteer Ginger Wheeler was recognized as the 2020 National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Patient- Family Volunteer of the Year. “This award is given to volunteers who best reflect the universal concept of volunteerism in its truest sense – serving as an inspiration to others,” organziers said. “Recipients of these awards have demonstrated considerable commitment in terms of time, amount of responsibility assumed and longevity. They have made a notable impact by Big Bend Hospice volunteer Ginger Wheeler (above) was recognized as the 2020 National Taylor County 4-Hers are gearing up for the annual North Florida significantly strengthening Livestock Show and Sale, which is scheduled to take place in February. a hospice program or the Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Approximately 29 4-Hers tagged their swine and steers on Saturday, lives of patients/families Patient-Family Volunteer of the Year. Oct. 24, in Madison. Over the the next four months, the local youth will served; and have undergone volunteering with Big Bend responses.” spend countless hours preparing their livestock for the February show. substantial personal growth Hospice for 10 years. According to BBH, when as hospice volunteers.” “She has the perfect volunteer opportunities Wheeler has been mixture of confidence wereand suspended due to compassion in her approach COVID-19, Wheeler to patient care. She can immediately channeled her walk into a room, assess energy into making masks the situation and adapt to and sewing gowns for the what the patient and family organization’s staff and need for the time she is with guests. them,” BBH said in a press “Our volunteers release. demonstrate remarkable “In addition to providing service, compassion and excellent social and commitment. Their gift emotional support, Wheeler of caring has a profound has sat with many patients impact on patients, families, in their final hours, softly and the communities they reading, singing or praying serve, and we cannot say with them so they know thank you enough for the they are not alone. support they provide,” “As intuitive as she is, said Betty Morales, BBH what really impresses the volunteer coordinator. staff is her eagerness to “Through Wheeler’s Rep. Neal Dunn visits Kiwanis Club learn more,” BBH said. competence and ability Congressman Neal Dunn visited the Perry Kiwanis Club on Oct. 28, just “Wheeler continues to sincerely care about a days before he won a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives. to attend Volunteer In- patient and their needs, she Dunn won re-election over write-in candidate Kim O’Connor by a margin services, engaging with reminds us all to cherish of 98.04 percent. great questions and every moment,” BBH said.

LEGALS

TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, Dated this 21 day of October, 2020 Technical Evaluation and Preliminary [email protected], specific rules or statutes; and, (g) (continued from page 10) DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, Signature: Annie Mae Murphy, Determination, the application before the deadline. The failure of A statement of the relief sought by PERRY, FLORIDA 32348 GRANTEES, ASSIGNS, CREDITORS, Clerk of Circuit Court and information submitted by the any person to file a petition within the petitioner, stating precisely the CLEMONS, RUTHERFORD & LIENORS AND TRUSTEES OF Taylor County, Florida. applicant (exclusive of confidential the appropriate time period shall action the petitioner wishes the ASSOCIATES, INC. LEONARD C HILL, DECEASED records under Section 403.111, constitute a waiver of that person’s agency to take with respect to the 2027 THOMASVILLE ROAD Last Known Address: Unknown F.S.). Interested persons may right to request an administrative agency’s proposed action. A petition TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32308 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a contact the Permitting Authority’s determination (hearing) under that does not dispute the material PHONE (850) 385-6153 civil action has been filed against PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO project engineer for additional Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S., facts upon which the Permitting You are invited to bid on a General you in the Circuit Court of Taylor ISSUE AIR PERMIT information at the address and or to intervene in this proceeding Authority’s action is based shall state Contract, including selective County, Florida, to replevin certain FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF phone number listed above. In and participate as a party to it. that no such facts are in dispute and demolition and an addition for real property described as follows: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION addition, electronic copies of these Any subsequent intervention (in otherwise shall contain the same the existing welding lab in Perry, 2002, 64X28 Hickory Hill, Mobile DIVISION OF AIR RESOURCE documents are available on the a proceeding initiated by another information as set forth above, as Florida. The addition consists of Home. MANAGEMENT, OFFICE OF following web site by entering the party) will be only at the approval of required by Rule 28-106.301, F.A.C. approximately 2,226 S.F. All Bids Serial Number(s): GAFL154A86650, PERMITTING AND COMPLIANCE draft permit number: https://fldep. the presiding officer upon the filing Because the administrative hearing must be on a lump sum basis; GAFL154B86650. DRAFT AIR PERMIT NO. dep.state.fl.us/air/emission/apds/ of a motion in compliance with Rule process is designed to formulate segregated Bids will not be accepted. Property address: 1095 Kays Road, 1230001-096-AC default.asp. 28-106.205, F.A.C. final agency action, the filing ofa All Bidders are to submit with Perry, FL 32347 FOLEY CELLULOSE LLC, FOLEY MILL, Notice of Intent to Issue Air Permit: A petition that disputes the material petition means that the Permitting Bid Package, a properly executed You are required to file a written TAYLOR COUNTY, FLORIDA The Permitting Authority gives facts on which the Permitting Authority’s final action may be “Contractor’s Qualification response with the Court and serve Applicant: The applicant for notice of its intent to issue an air Authority’s action is based must different from the position taken Statement” AIA Document A305 a copy of your written defenses, if this project is Foley Cellulose construction permit to the applicant contain the following information: by it in this Public Notice of Intent which is to include a current any, to it on Padgett Law Group, LLC. The applicant’s authorized for the project described above. The (a) The name and address of each to Issue Air Permit. Persons financial statement, an experience,whose address is 6267 Old Water representative and mailing address applicant has provided reasonable agency affected and each agency’s whose substantial interests will be competence and performance Oak Road, Suite 203, Tallahassee, is: Thomas Kicklighter, V.P. and assurance that operation of proposed file or identification number, if affected by any such final decision report, and references from at least FL 32312, at least thirty (30) days General Manager, Foley Cellulose equipment will not adversely impact known; (b) The name, address, any of the Permitting Authority on the three prior projects similar in size from the date of first publication, LLC, Foley Mill, One Buckeye Drive, air quality and that the project will email address, telephone number application have the right to petition and scope, along with the name of and file the original with the clerk Perry, Florida, 32348. comply with all applicable provisions and any facsimile number of the to become a party to the proceeding, a contact person on each of those of this court either before service on Facility Location: Foley Cellulose of Chapters 62-4, 62-204, 62-210, petitioner; the name, address any in accordance with the requirements projects. Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately LLC operates the existing Foley Mill, 62-212, 62-296 and 62-297, F.A.C. email address, telephone number, set forth above. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will thereafter; otherwise, a default will which is in Taylor County at One The Permitting Authority will issue and any facsimile number of the Extension of Time: Under Rule 62- be held for General Contractors on be entered against you for the relief Buckeye Drive in Perry, Florida. a Final Permit in accordance with petitioner’s representative, if 110.106(4), F.A.C., a person whose November 18, 2020, at 10:00 AM demanded in the complaint. Project: The Foley Mill is an existing the conditions of the proposed Draft any, which shall be the address substantial interests are affected by EST at Taylor County School Board DATED this the 28 day of October, softwood Kraft Process Pulp Mill Permit unless a timely petition for an for service purposes during the the Department’s action may also Office located at 318 N Clark Street, 2020. that manufactures bleached market administrative hearing is filed under course of the proceeding; and an request an extension of time to Perry, FL 32347. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT pulps and dissolving cellulose pulps Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. explanation of how the petitioner’s file a petition for an administrative Taylor County School Board will As Clerk of the Court consisting of the following major or unless public comment received substantial interests will be affected hearing. The Department may, receive sealed bids until 10:30 AM BY: Marti Lee, Deputy Clerk activities: two Kraft pulp mills, in accordance with this notice results by the agency determination; (c) A for good cause shown, grant the EST on Wednesday, December 02, Plaintiff Atty: Padgett Law Group chemical recovery, causticizing, in a different decision or a significant statement of when and how each request for an extension of time. 2020 at the Taylor County School 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 purification (i.e. bleaching),change of terms or conditions. petitioner received notice of the Requests for extension of time must Board Office, 318 N Clark Street,Tallahassee, FL 32312 papermaking, woodyard, and utility Comments: The Permitting agency action or proposed decision; be filed with the Office of General Perry, FL 32347. Bids received after [email protected] operations. Authority will accept written (d) A statement of all disputed Counsel of the Department at 3900 that time will not be accepted. Bids The purpose of this project is to comments concerning the proposed issues of material fact. If there are Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail will be immediately opened publicly replace the plates and electrodes Draft Permit for a period of 14 days none, the petition must so state; Station 35, Tallahassee, Florida and read aloud at 10:35 AM of the in four of the eight electrostatic from the date of publication of the (e) A concise statement of the 32399-3000, or via electronic same date. TDA 20-024 precipitator fields on the No.Public 2 Notice. Written comments ultimate facts alleged, including the correspondence at Agency_ Copies of the Bidding Documents NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR Recovery Furnace and include inlet must be received by the Permitting specific facts the petitioner contends [email protected], before the may be examined at the Architect’s TAX DEED field controllers. This project did not Authority by close of business (5:00 warrant reversal or modification of deadline for filing a petition for an office: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that cause an increase in any emissions p.m.) on or before the end of this the agency’s proposed action; (f) administrative hearing. A timely Clemons, Rutherford & Associates Buffalo Bill LLC the holder of the of pollutants from the facility; 14-day period. If written comments A statement of the specific rulesrequest for extension of time shall 2027 Thomasville Road following certificate has filed therefore,said is not subject to PSD received result in a significant or statutes the petitioner contends toll the running of the time period Tallahassee, Florida certificate for a tax deed to be issuedreview. change to the Draft Permit, the require reversal or modification for filing a petition until the request (850) 385-6153 thereon. The certificate number, Permitting Authority: Applications Permitting Authority shall revise of the agency’s proposed action is acted upon. Bid Security in the amount of five year of issuance, description of the for air construction permits are the Draft Permit and require, if including an explanation of how Mediation: Mediation is not available percent (5%) of the Bid must property and the names in which subject to review in accordance applicable, another Public Notice. the alleged facts relate to the in this proceeding. accompany each Bid in accordance the property was assessed are as with the provisions of Chapter 403, All comments filed will be made with the In-structions to Bidders. A follows: Certificate Number: 1190 Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Chapters available for public inspection. letter from a bonding company must Year of Issuance: 2018 62-4, 62-210 and 62-212 of the Petitions: A person whose accompany each bid, stating that Description of Property: Parcel Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). substantial interests are affected the bidder is capa-ble of obtaining all Number: R08527-000 The proposed project is not exempt by the proposed permitting decision bonds required by the Construction Commence South east corner of the from air permitting requirements and may petition for an administrative Documents. Southeast ¼ of the Southeast ¼ an air permit is required to perform hearing in accordance with Sections The Taylor County School Board then run West 360.65 feet to West the proposed work. The Permitting 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. Petitions reserves the right to waive right of way of state road 361 then Authority responsible for making a filed by any persons other than irregularities and to reject any and run North along right of way 194.7 permit determination for this project those entitled to written notice all Bids. feet for a point of beginning then is the Office of Permitting and under Section 120.60(3), F.S., must END OF SECTION 000020 run North 79 degrees West400 feet Compliance in the Department of be filed within 14 days of publication then run North 10 degrees East 300 Environmental Protection’s Division of the Public Notice or receipt of a feet then run South 79 degrees East of Air Resource Management. The written notice, whichever occurs IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 400 feet to right of way of 361 South Permitting Authority’s physical first. Under Section 120.60(3), THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 10 degrees West 300 feet to Point address is: 2600 Blair Stone Road, F.S., however, any person who IN AND FOR TAYLOR COUNTY, of beginning. Located in Section 18 Tallahassee, Florida. The Permitting asked the Permitting Authority for FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL Township 05 Range 08 Containing Authority’s mailing address is: notice of agency action may file a DIVISION 2.70 acres MOL Recorded in Taylor 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #5505, petition within 14 days of receipt of CASE NO.: 20000348CAC County official record 588, page Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400. that notice, regardless of the date NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT 675. The Permitting Authority’s phone of publication. A petitioner shall MORTGAGE SERVICING Name in which assessed: Willa & number is 850-717-9000. mail a copy of the petition to the Plaintiff(s), vs. THE UNKNOWN William Matthews. Said property Project File: A complete project applicant at the address indicated HEIRS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, being in the County of Taylor, State file is available for public inspectionabove, at the time of filing. A GRANTEES, ASSIGNS, CREDITORS, of Florida. Unless such certificate during the normal business petition for administrative hearing LIENORS AND TRUSTEES OF shall be redeemed according to hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., must contain the information set LEONARD C HILL, DECEASED; THE law, the property described shall Monday through Friday (except forth below and must be filed UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION be sold to the highest bidder at the legal holidays), at the address (received) with the Agency Clerk in OF 1095 KAYS ROAD, PERRY, FL courthouse door on the 23 day of indicated above for the Permitting the Office of General Counsel, 3900 32347, Defendant(s). November, 2020 at 11:00 o’clock Authority. The complete project Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 35, NOTICE OF ACTION a.m. file includes the Draft Permit,Tallahassee, the Florida 32399-3000, A-12 Taco Times November 11, 2020

In honor of those who serve High school JROTC hosts Veterans Day ceremony (Bottom, right) JROTC cadet leaders shared what the program meant to them during speeches delivered at the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the high school Tuesday. Shown are (l to r) Cadet Capt. Frederick Knowles, Cadet Capt. Lucas Weatherly, Cadet CSM Colin Wilson, Cadet LTC Julian Richardson, Cadet Maj. Hailey Dubea, Cadet 1st Lt. Dakota Hodges and Cadet Maj. Joshua Hodges. (Right) Cadet Alex Inherst shouted an enthusiastic Elks honor local POW survivor ‘hooyah’ at the closing of the program. (Bottom left) Honor Guard Perry Elks Lodge #1851 members taking parting honored local veterans with a in the ceremony included special luncheon on Sunday, (l to r) Nate Tedder, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. The lodge Christopher Wright served a complimentary lunch Watson and Trenton to all veterans. One guest in Delacruz. attendance was Perry Elks Lodge member Ed Sheffield, who survived a harrowing near- death experience as a prisoner of war (POW) after being declared missing in action (MIA) during the Korean War. He is photographed below with his wife, Jamie, and Perry Elks Exalted Ruler Kevin Cruce. B-1 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

for love of COUNTRY

A Salute to Taylor County Veterans Haunted by horrors of Haiti Taylor County veteran recounts time in U.S. Coast Guard

By CAITLYN BURCHETT Hodges’ brain despite the eyes. the assumption he would Rights Watch, thousands U.S. Coast Guard ships Staff Writer four decades separating As a United States Coast spend his days patrolling were killed and tortured, returned any seized boat HAITI, 1994: The then from now, haunting Guard (USCG) gunner’s the breezy Taylor County and hundreds of thousands carrying Haitian refugees stagnant air is ripe with him every time he closes his mate, Hodges served waterways, checking life of Haitians fled into to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. the pungent, sour odor of on the front lines of the jackets and navigating exile under Duvalier’s On Sept. 17, 1994, death. A 40-foot boat drifts United States’ fight againstaround manatees. presidency. President Bill Clinton in the crystal-blue Haitian Don communism throughout “I ended up patrolling a The U.S. policy at the sent a delegation, which waters -- the only sign of Hodges his 20-year military career, river, but it was the Amazon time stated Haitians were included former President life is a goat on the bow, witnessing the overthrow River – not the Suwannee,” ineligible for asylum Carter, to Haiti in hopes of bleating as a United of dictator regimes from Hodges said, letting out a because they were brokering a peace deal and States Coast Guard the Caribbean Islands to the deep belly laugh. economic immigrants who solving the ongoing human crew approaches. Persian Gulf. At 19 years of age, sought jobs and better living rights crisis. Before he steps foot “Most years are all Hodges enlisted in the conditions, as opposed to “We were all offshore on board, Don blurred together now, but Coast Guard on Oct. 15, political refugees who have waiting, and once Carter’s Hodges knows what you never forget your 1978, at the peak of the a “well-founded fear of plane left, we hit the is awaiting him worst days,” Hodges said Haitian refugee crisis persecution” in their home beach,” Hodges said. “I was below deck. gruffly. during a time when more country. one of the very first people Hodges brings a In 1978, this than 50,000 Haitians President Jimmy Carter to touch the sand that day -- trembling hand to his calloused seagoing sailed to South Florida, created a “status pending” me and Ed Seigan.” lined face, attempting veteran was just a boy attempting to escape the class of immigrants, The U.S. troops were to disguise the tears -- a delinquent teenager Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” allowing Haitians who had instructed to take control of streaming down his making as much trouble Duvalier dictatorship. entered up until October all Haiti’s piers. cheeks, trickling into around Taylor County as he “Baby Doc was bad. 10, 1980, to apply for “Once you took the piers, his greying beard. could afford on his Winn He was killing his own asylum. Any Haitian you took down their whole The horrific images Dixie bag boy salary. people in mass, basically entering after that date was economy, because that was of 143 decomposing In an effort to committing genocide,” faced with incarceration the only way they could Haitian men, women straighten up, he joined Hodges said. and deportation. ➟ Please see page 3 and children are seared into the Coast Guard under Accoding to Human For the next 10 years, B-2 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

The Legacy of Veterans Day Veterans Day is a National Holiday celebrated each year “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will on Nov. 11. This day was originally referred to as Armistice be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, in 1919. In 1938, this day became a national holiday. both because of the thing from which it has freed us and In 1954, this day was changed to encompass the because of the opportunity it has given America to show time served by all United States Veterans. her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the In November of 1919, President Woodrow nations...” Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first Let’s all take a moment on Veteran’s Day to honor those commemoration of Armistice Day with ordinary people who have done something extraordinary the following words: so that we may all enjoy the freedom we treasure today. Taylor County comes together to honor veterans While Taylor County High School’s by the annual Veterans Day Luncheon following the program. Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. annual JROTC Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by the Taylor County Board of Attendees are asked to wear masks A complimentary lunch will be served was held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, there are Commissioners. when social distancing is not possible, and to all veterans (plus one guest). Tickets are a number of events planned for today The outdoor luncheon will be held at servers will deliver food and drink to the $10 per person for each additional guest. (Wednesday). Heritage Pavilion at Forest Capital Park tables. Children ages six and under are free. A flag-changing ceremony at Veteransstarting at noon. Perry Elks Lodge #1851 will honor To reserve tickets, please contact Wendy Memorial will begin at 11 a.m., followed A free BBQ lunch will be served veterans with a special luncheon planned Cruce at (850) 838-5190. A Tribute to Veterans in Downtown Perry

If you are looking for a way to honor local veterans this Veterans Day, visit Veterans Memorial Park off of Jefferson Street in Perry. A vision that took root in 2002, the park now features the names of more than 924 Taylor Countians, who dedicated themselves to defending our freedom. The names of Taylor County veterans of past and present are etched into 10 granite walls, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice are engraved on the “Wall of Remembrance.” Veterans Memorial Park also features nine-foot-tall black granite monuments in honor of those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the War on Terror. Approximately 50 benches are located throughout the park to provide ample seating for those who visit. (Photo by Valena Driggers, Air & Opportunity Aerial Photography) B-3 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2019 ‘I see all their faces every day’ HAITI and I have been to a lot when the picture was taken, deck, I knew….I knew Continued from page 1 of places,” Hodges said, we had an explosion go off what I would find,” Hodges using his fingers to abouttick 50 yards to my right. said, his breath catching in trade imports and exports,” off Grenada, Panama, It was like “click” and then his chest. Hodges explained. Guantanamo Bay and the ‘BOOM’,” Hodges said, “There were 143 people The key to brokering a Persian Gulf -- 60 miles off his eyes growing wide. “It down there. Dead. Men. peace deal, was that the U.S. the coast of Beirut. was a mortar.” Women. Children,” Hodges would not get involved in “But in Haiti, I saw so During his six-month said, as his voice drops to a Haitian matters, including much death there. I would Haitian tour, Hodges whisper, “I wish that I had Haitian on Haitian attacks. see dead people in the and his team slept in a sent someone else over.” “Our standing orders streets every day,” Hodges dirt-floored warehouse, The 143 people on board at that time were that if said before falling silent. sharing the space with an reportedly perished from fired upon we could return Hodges, who underwent infestation of rats that also exposure and salt poisoning fire, but we couldUSCG not Gunner’s Mate “A” called the structure home. as a result of drinking salt initiate. We could not get (GMA) School, as well as “I laid there in my rack, water. involved,” Hodges said a Coast Guard-modified with a mosquito net draped They were attempting with a grimace. sniper program with the over me -- sweating, not to flee the poor livingDon Hodges (left) and Ed Seigan (right) were Anxiously rubbing his conditions in Haiti. the frst two people on the beach in Haiti as the hands together, Hodges Gradually, between the bullets zinging Hodges retired from U.S. troops moved in to sieze the country’s takes a deep breath and past my head and the mortars nearly blowing the U.S. Coast Guard in piers. closes his eyes. “me up, I realized that I was willing to give my 1998 at the age of 39 as a went to South America and the best for their families -- “One of the most vivid chief warrant officer after thought ‘This isn’t what I just like anyone else. That pictures that I still have in life for my country. climbing up the ranks as a wanted to do,’ but I did it is the reason it hurts me my brain,” Hodges said, -- Don Hodges, USCG gunner’s mate. anyway, because I was in more than anything else,” his eyes remaining closed, During his 20-year the military now, and I did he said as tears started to “was when a group of U.S. Army, was assigned to knowing what creature career, he served on board what I had to do,” Hodges stream down his face again. Haitians were chasing a Navy Seal team of snipers might crawl on me or bite eight different Coast Guard explained. After taking a breath and another Haitian.” to gather intelligence and me in the night -- and I cutters -- some of which “But gradually, between pausing to blot his eyes “They caught him, and maintain order in the civil was thinking about home,” were more than 370 feet the bullets zinging past my with a red paisley bandana, they put tires over him war-torn country for six Hodges said, a smile long -- and accumulated head and the mortars nearly he continued, “People don’t and filled those tires months. with tugging at the corner of his more than 16 years of sea blowing me up, I realized realize how bad it is unless gasoline. They lit him on One day, as they mouth. time. that I was willing to give they are there. People fire and rolled him overlookeddown a scenic ridge, “I was thinking ‘Man, His seafaring travels my life for my country,” there were chopped up by a hill,” Hodges said, tears the team decided to take I am going to have a included crossing the Hodges sighed. machetes, captured and set forming in his eyes. “And photos -- unaware that they Johnson’s Bakery donut international date line in the According to Hodges, on fire or were forcefully we could do nothing.” were capturing what could when I get back,” and how Pacific Ocean, traversing it is not his brushes with put onto boats to be carried the next place I was going the Panama Canal twice death that still affect him 22 out to sea and told ‘don’t would be to Roy’s for some and cruising across the years after he retired from you come back’,” Hodges mullet,” Hodges laughed. equator. his communism-fighting said. It was those mouth- Hodges and his team Coast Guard career. He sorrowfully stares at watering daydreams that were also responsible for “It was the other people the tear-stained bandana inspired Hodges to keep intercepting and engaging that I saw – like the people in his calloused hands, Taylor County close with countless motor on the Haitian boat – that his glasses smudged with to his heart during his vessels, one of which was affects me more than fingerprints from wiping international, nautical carrying nearly 300 pounds anything,” Hodges said, his his now-puffy eyes. travels by requesting that of cocaine and 26 tons of voice trembling. In a low voice, he his mom, Irene Hodges, marijuana. “Those people were whispers, “I live those send him Johnson’s Bakery “When I went in, it was trying to better themselves scenes every day. Every donuts. about getting to go out and by fleeing. They had day. I see all of their faces “She made the mistake of have fun on a boat. Then, I families, and they wanted every day.” sending me a dozen. That dozen rose to two dozen, then three dozen, all the way up to like eight dozen donuts,” Hodges laughed. Hodges shared the donuts with his crew and collected Don Hodges with his dad, Bobby Hodges, after money to send back home he graduated from the United States Coast so his mom could continue Guard boot camp in December 1978. long distance mailing Taylor County’s famous The atrocity Hodges have been Hodges’ last sweet treats. witnessed that day was moments. “Johnson’s Bakery only the beginning -- his “I was set up as a sniper donuts were known six months in Haiti were overlooking Haiti when throughout the Caribbean,” stained red with blood, and this photo was taken,” he he added. the stench of death clings to said, referencing a photo of When he wasn’t his memories to this day. his 35-year-old former self dreaming of home and “That was the worst in the Haitian mountains. distributing donuts, place I have ever been, “For some reason, right Hodges’ days in Haiti were dedicated to gathering intelligence, monitoring pier and port security, patrolling Haiti and the surrounding Caribbean Islands and responding to distressed or suspicious vessels. Hodges and his crew were monitoring a security building when they received a report about a suspicious vessel floating off the coast of Haiti. It was the tragic memory that Hodges would carry with him for the rest of his life. Don Hodges and a sniper team were gathering information in the Haitian “When we came upon mountains when this photo was taken. According to Hodges, moments the boat, I could smell it later a mortar exploded 50 yards from him. immediately,” Hodges said, wrinkling his nose as if he can still smell the pungent, sour odor. Hodges instructed his boarding team to stay on board their Coast Guard boat while he climbed into the eerily-silent 40-foot sailing vessel. “Before I went below B-4 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

Saluting Taylor County Veterans

Deborah Adkins Samuel S. Agner Hubert Allen Jr. Renita Allen Joseph Amico Chris Anderson Keistin Anderson Ralph Anderson U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army

Wayne Anderson John Andrews Malloy Andrews Jim Arnold Charles S. August John Avery Wendy Avery William Barnett U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy

Jessie Bass Carey Bell Richard Bennett Hannah Blanco Earl Blanton Sr. Charles Wesley Blue Johnny Blue Cecil D. Bowden U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Navy

James Dudley Boy Hal Brafford Ned Brafford Vernon Brickey Harry A. Brooks Morgan W. Burns Joseph Burroughs Steven Burroughs U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army

Virgil Burroughs Robert L. Burton Charles K. Bush Joseph “Tac” Byrd William “Buck” Byrd Earl Cannon Ervin Carlson Ralph Carlton U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army Air Corp Air Corp U.S. Army USAF U.S. Army

Price Carmichael Kenneth Carroll Tillman R. Clark Vern R. Clark Carson Coakley Kirk Coker James E. Cole John Q. Colson U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army U.S. Army

Mack Colson Ted Colson John Compton Roy Copeland Edward G. Courtney Joe Courtney Joseph H. Courtney William D. Courtney U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army U.S. Army B-5 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

Saluting Taylor County Veterans

Tyler J, Cruse Eric C. Culbreath Kenneth Alan Dalton Lloyd Chandler Dalton Ronald Burt Dalton Ronald Francis Dalton Richard Davis Jr. Ben Davis U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army

Billy Davis Claude Lee Davis Richard Allan Davis Mary Lewis Day Richard S. Day Jr. Corey Demps Harry Demps - Nute Demps - Chester Demps U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Air Force

Robert Anthony Demps Thomas Demps Jr. Willie James Dennis Ajay Dodge K.C. Donaldson Bernard J. Dowling Sr. Sara Bailey Black Dowling Sam H. Duckworth U.S. Air Force Fl. Army Nat. Guard U.S. Army U.S. Army Nat. Guard U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force

Arvil Dunaway Lamar E. Dunkle Hardy W. Durden James Buster Durden Margaret Wiley Dyson Earnest Eakins Robert Lee Edwards Sr. Hayward Foye Edwards U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy

Robert S. Edwards Charles Calvin Ellis Lachaddrick Ellis Robert Levi Ellison James Robert Ely Billy W. Ernst Loren Ezell Frank B. Faircloth U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army

James E. Farmer Benjamin B. Ferns Jr. Custodio C. Ferrer Carol Noles Flores Charles Fountain Bill Fowler Dale K. Franklin Dodd Franklin U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force U.S. Army

Kevin Frisby Douglas Gaines Jr, Jane Ryan Gainey Benny Gant Henry L. Gent Willie James Gent Will Gonzalez Benjamin L, Goodman U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army B-6 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

Saluting Taylor County Veterans

Charles H. Goodman Edward L. Goodman Henry E. Goodman Jerry R. Goodman Barney McCoy Green Jr. Cuthbert Thomas Green Glennis Raymond Green Robert John Green U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army

David Greist Louie F. Grubbs Bill Gunter Eustis Perry Gunter Hunter Gutshall Billy Hall Barry B. Hampton William A. Haney U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army USMC, U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army

William Hardy Harless James Harris Billy Jacob Hartsfield Edward C. Harvey Jr Richard Hatcher Jack Stuart Hays David L. Hicks Billy K. Hillhouse U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps

Frank J. Hillhouse George F. Hillhouse John Hilton Bobby Joe Hires Don J. Hodges Larry Lee Hodges Russell Hodges Stephen Holcombe U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps

Leo Franklin Holden Sr. Frankie L. Holmes Janet Holmes Steve O. Holton Luther Horner Michael Caleb Horner Seth Chandler Horner James E. Hudson Jr U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army

Delores Hugger Sebastian Hughes Tommy L. Hughes Sr. R.V. Hunter Raylord G. Huxford Sarah Ingram Jimmy Jackson Samuel Eugene Jacobs U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army U.S. Naval Reserves U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy

Ryan James Henry Jay Leeman Leroy Jenkins Clifford L. Johnson Jr. Cornelius Johnson Garrett Johnson Kenneth W. Johnson Ray D. Johnson U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Army B-7 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

Saluting Taylor County Veterans

Curtis Jones Sr. Charles Richard Joyal Lawrence J. Kenny Everett Kimble Helen L. Kimble Selvin L. King Edward E. Knowles Edward Mack Knowles U.S. Army U.S. Navy 101st Airborne U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army

Edward Michael Knowles Dwayne E. Koeller Jacquelyn D. Koeller Walter Scott Lamb Sr. Roy B. Langley Jr. Jody C. Lanier II Ramon Latallade William Lee U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army U.S. Army

Robert W. Lilliott Jr. Joseph B. Lindsey Claude S. Livingston Neil Lockhart III William H. Maddox Seth Mardis Tommy Mauldin Sherald G. McLain III U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Army Corps/USAF U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps Army National Guard U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Air Force

Rufus McMullen Jr. Delbert McNutt Sr. William Paul McNutt Charles A. Miller Jr. Charles A. Miller Sr. Derek Miller Sr. Theodis Miller Jr. Van Miller U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army

Wilber Miller David S. Milton Harold Mixon James Richard Monk Sr. John H. Monroe William Monroe Joey Moody Grady Moore U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army

Terry A. Moore Bryant W. Morgan Karl Morgan Marty Morgan Ponce Morgan Terry J. Morris Renee Hughes Mosley Al Mulling U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy

Larry D. Murphy Luke Murphy Ralph Randolph Murphy Richard Murphy Lowell Thomas Neeley Wallace Nesbitt Jeff Newberry Josh Noland U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army B-8 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

Saluting Taylor County Veterans

Sheila Noles Thomas Randal Noles Tim Noles Richard D. O’Neill Lyn Odom Richard L. Olsen Carl Padgett David Padgett U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army

Elizabeth Inez Padgett Freddy Padgett Harold Padgett Larry Padgett Red Padgett Charles and Cass Pain Bruce D. Palmer U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force

James K. Palmer Jr. James K. Palmer Sr. William P. Palmer Bobby Joe Parker Clarence Warren Parker Danny Parker F.L. Parker Gregory Parker U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy

Derek Levy Parks Joshua Patterson John Pegg Adolph A. Peterson Jr, John R. Peterson Martha F. Pitts William Pitz Chucky Porter U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army Nurse Corp U.S. Navy

Willie Porter Reppard W. Powers Garrett C. Price Larry H. Pridgeon James M. Ratliff Kevin Neal Ratliff Todd Ratliff James Leroy Rawlins U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Navy

Thomas Martin Reams Sr. Charles A. Reaves Thomas Whitney Reed Sherman Rhines Terry Rhines John Daniel Rice John Ronald Rice III Robert W. Ricketson U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Air Force

John Oscar Roberts Freddie E. Rogers Gherry Monte Rolle Jimmy Rollings Isadore F. Rommes Dennis Elvin Ross Joe Sadler Laymon L. Sadler U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army B-9 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

Saluting Taylor County Veterans

Charles M. Sessions Mack Sessions James Norman Shaw Philip Shaw Edward C. Sheffield Preston Sheffield Roscoe Sheffield John R. Silvestri U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy

Larry Simmons Billy Ray Simpson Jerry Singletary Paul M. Sisk Lum L. Slaughter Aubrey Smith Jack Stephen Smith James D. Smith Sr. U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps Navy, Army, Air Force

Richard Todd Smith Mayo McKeown Snow John D. Sons Jr. John David Sons Sr. Jim Southerland Samual Robinson Spence Joel W. Stanaland Tommie Stanaland U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army, U.S. Airforce U.S. Air Force

Charles Starling Oscar Starling Sr. Morris G. Steen Sr. Kelsey Stephens Max Stephens Eugene Stewart Jr. Samuel Stockton James L. Strawter Sr. U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Army

J.C. Strickland Robert Bryant Stripling Larry E. Stroud Jim Sullivan Jimmie Sullivan John W. Sumpter Quinton E. Sumpter Clayton Swearingen U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps

Arlys Talbert Barry L. Taylor James Taylor Roy Eugene Taylor Wilton Walt Terrell Lewis Thomas Robert Lee Thomas Beverly Thompson U.S. Navy Army National Guard U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy

Troy Lee Thompson Charles Henry Turner Richard M. Tuttle James B. Tyler Stan W. Tyler Jr. Richard A. Varn Virgil Villa Edward Viola U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Army Air Corps U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army Reserves U.S. Army U.S. Navy B-10 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020

Saluting Taylor County Veterans

Timothy E. Walker Eddie Wambolt Merle Lee Watford William Steven Watford Cebrum Watkins Jr, Berlon James Weeks Lowery Wentworth William Wentworth Sr. U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy

Erdman West Jr. John Shanon Westberry John Thomas Westberry Clinton Dawson Wheeler Lewis Leon Whetsel Theodore Whetsel Jr. Warren G. Whetsel E.W. Whiddon U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Army

Thomas B. Whitfield Sr. Thomas B. Whitfield James E. Wiggins Chris R. Williams Edwin E. Williams Kelby Williams Robert Williams Jr. Robert Williams Sr. U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Army U.S. Navy, U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Army Many thanks We extend our sincere appreciation to Supervisor of Willie Williams Fulton L. Williamson William C. Wood Sr. Elections Dana Southerland and U.S. Navy U.S. Army her staff for their tireless work to ensure local veterans were honored this Veterans Day by way of this special edition. Thanks to Southerland, who initiated the “Veterans Wall of Honor” on display at her office, there are photos of more than 370 local veterans included within these pages. Southerland also extends Courtney Woodfaulk Bill Wright Graham Wright her gratitude to those who U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force shared veteran photos with her throughout the 2020 calendar year. “We know we have had several photos brought in over the course of this election cycle and we may not have had the time to place all of these photos on our Veteran’s Wall of Honor. We hope to be The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #9225 able to dedicate more time to this awarded Dana Southerland a certificate of recognition for task during the 2021 year when her “outstanding Americanism and continued support of we are not busy preparing for an local veterans.” Southerland is shown here with VFW Post Joe Yarbrough Robert W. York Harold W. Young election,” Southerland said. #9225 Commander Michael Thrift. U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Navy B-11 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020 Local veterans honored at Veterans Memorial Park

L.D. Adams Joseph C. Byrd Chester Demps Raymond S. Guess Timothy C. Keely Michael Mesaros Terry Gene Page W. Ralph Reddick Artis P. Scott William Tom Smith Henry B. Thomas Richard M. Westberry Jack D. Agerton William C. Byrd Timothy A. Dennis Daryll Gunter Martin H. Kelley Paul M. Millard Jr Bruce D. Palmer George Reddick Jr. Morris “PG” Scott Kenneth Bruce Smith Shon Ray Thomas John S. Westberry Sam Agner Earl R. Cannon George L. DeVane Eustis P. Gunter Benjamin Kimmell Paul G. Miller William P. Palmer Frederick Redding Steven P. Scott James P. Smith Willard D. Thomas Olison O. Wheeler John R. Agner Joseph W. Cannon Leon T. Dice Eustis T. Gunter Andrew F. King Charles A. Miller Jr. James K. Palmer Jr. Frederick Redding Jr Oscar L. Scott Jr. James Mack Smith John Henry Thomas Jr. Lewis L. Whetsel W. M. Agner Earl Cannon R. Pope Dice Luther E. Gunter Freddie J. Kinsey J. Horace Millican James K. Palmer Sr. Marvin Redmon Idolph S. Sealey Ira L. Smith Wilton D. Thompson J. Lawton Whiddon Chad E. Albritton Robert Cannon Jr John W. Dickert Hartzel V. Gutshall Gregory E. Kirchberg Michael G. Millican Darrell W. Pampel Alton C. Register Peter D. Sealey Hubert H. Smith Troy L. Thompson III Darren K. Whiddon J. Carl Albritton Thomas Ted Carlton Jerry Dewitt Dickert Hunter W. Gutshall Richard B. Knight Robert J. Millinor Charles N. Paris Jr. PS Sam Register Mack D. Sessions Ralph W. Smith Wyly C. Thornton John Odis Whiddon Clif W. Allbritton C. Ralph Carlton A.C. Bud Dickey Jane Guzman Huel A. Knowles Huey Mills Felix L. Parker Samuel G. Register Charles M. Sessions James D. Smith Sr. Clifford R. Titus Edward W. Whiddon R. Maurice Allen T. Franklin Carlton John C. Dixon Larry Guzman Joel H. Knowles Owen Otto Mills Warren C. Parker Frank D. Register Sharon D. Sessions McKeon Mayo Snow Donald J. Todd Jimmy E. White Bradley C. Allen Marvin Hoyt Carlton Donnie Ray Dixon Eddie J. Hamilton Horance W. Knowles Ray Mills Jerry D. Parker Tilford Register Raymond O. Sharp James Southerland Sr. Thomas W. Todd John T. Whitfield Ralph Anderson Perry A. Carlton KC E. Donaldson Barry Hampton Wilburn T. Knowles Shearl D. Mills Kansas C. Parker Don Rice Jerry Shaw David R. Stalans Cleveland Touchton James E. Wiggins Louis Anderson Samuel P. Carlton Charles Dorman William A. Haney Eldon H. Knowles Larry B. Mims Ralph K. Parker Jack Rice Otis Cleo Shealy Morris G. Steen Randy Trammell W.U. Wigglesworth John H. Andrews W.L. Carlton William L. Dorman David Y. Harden Mack Knowles Jim Frank Mincy James C. Parker John Daniel Rice Edward C. Sheffield Morris G. Steen Jr. C.Q. Traywick William B. Wilbur Malloy Andrews Fred D. Carlton Handin C. Dorman Jeanne L. Harden Glenn Knowles Jimmy R. Mincy Sr. Ira Chester Parker Sarah A. Rice Jimmie R. Sheffield Charles W. Stephens Robert P. Traywick Bill Wilbur Will Andrews Jr. Joseph B. Carlton Douglas G. Dorman J. David Harden Edward Knowles C. Donald Mixon John H. Parker Jr. John R. Rice III John S. Sheffield Leon G. Stephens Johnny F. Tucker Samuel R. Wilcox James D. Arnold Price C. Carmichael Eddie C. Dorman Linda V. Hardin Edward M. Knowles Harold W. Mixon Joe Patterson Ralph M. Richard Otis H. Sheffield Phillip D. Stephens Lewis Turner M.E. Mac Wiles Clarence Askew Robert R. Carter Samuel Duckworth Robert A. Hardin Dale Phillip Krejcar George P. Mixon Sherry K. Payne Robert W. Ricketson Preston Sheffield Fred E. Stephens Joseph A. Turner Ed J. Williams Charles S. August T.L. Tom Carter Sam H. Duckworth Alvin H. Harry James E. Kuhn lll Greg S. Mixon Wilburn H. Peacock Matt A. Rigoni A. Glen Sheffield Lamar Stephens Jr. Benjamin P. Turner Keith Williams Henry T. Austin Gene Carter Sam Duckworth Jr. Gus R. Hart Donald W. Lago Hiawatha Mohawk Tom Pearson Jr. Wayne C. Ritch Floyd Sheffield JC Strickland Silas A. Turner Chris R. Williams Archie L. Austin Darrell R. Cash James O. Duff Hiram M. Hart Luther J. Langford Jayne Molyneaux Joseph E. Peltier Loys Roberson Jerry R. Sheffield Sam A. Strickland Luther S. Turner Carl R. Williams Roy A. Barker Edward Causseaux A. Benny Duff Jr. Mack J. Hartley Irving G. Lawrence Richard Molyneaux E Powell Perkins Joseph A. Roberts Jerry W. Sheffield John W. Strickland Benjamin P. Turner Jr. L.E. B. Williams John Barnett Sr. B. Glenn Chapman J. Buster Durden Pervis Hartsfield Thomas Lamar Lee John Thomas Moore Ralph E. Perkins Joe R. Roberts Jr. Roy H. Sheffield Norman Strickland Jr. Donnie Tuten Wayne M. Williams John Basnar Jr. Michael V. Chapman Jonnie P. Durden Billy Hartsfield William Buck Lee Grady C. Moore Sr. Beria E. Pettitt Nobie Roberts Jr. W. Andy Sheffield Theron Strickland Sr. Richard Dick Tuttle Marlin F. Williams John Basnar Sr. Daniel M. Chapman Bernard W. Eastman Edward C. Harvey Jr J. Henry Lee Bryant W. Morgan Raymond P. Pettitt Willie Robinson Marvin Sheffield R. B. Bry Stripling James B. Tyler Otis Lee Williams JW Bass Norman Chapman Jr Robert S. Edwards Henry M. Hathcock William E. Lee Ponce D. Morgan Neville W. Pettitt Henry Lee Roe James B. Sheffield Larry Edsel Stroud James Tyler Jr. Earnest Williams Jr Reed W. Bass Norman Chapman Sr Hayward F. Edwards Richard H. Hathcock George J. Lee Alton Jackie Morgan Bud HK Phillips Freddie Rogers Claude Shell Joe W. Sturdivant Stan W. Tyler Jr. Bill E. Williams Jr. Luther Bates Charles Chasteen Leslie N. Edwards Chris Haworth Jim M. Lee John A. Morgan Donald L. Phillips Gherry M. Rolle Morris P. Shingler W. C. Sturdivant Oby Lee Vann Fred Williams Jr. Ted Baumgardner Jr. Emery J. Chester Thomas H. Edwards WC Bill Haworth James Edward Lee Karl A. Morgan Tular Pitts Lester C. Rollins Calvin Shipman Albert L. Suber Henry Earl Vann Earnest Williams lll Gerald W. Bayless Curtis A. Clark Robert L. Edwards Sr W. Elton Hayes James H. Lee II Robert O. Morgan Jr Ellis F. Platt R Gene Rollins Charles L. Shipman J D. Suber Estil D. Vanover Fulton L. Williamson Douglas G. Beach Tillman R. Clark Billy H. Ernst Carl Don Helton Alvin Henry Lee Jr. Robert O. Morgan Sr Kenneth W. Platt Isadore F. Rommes James A. Shipman Rufus J. Summerlin Richard A. Varn Thomas Williamson Samuel G. Beach Walter Clark Ray Evans Jerry D. Hendry Alvin H. Lee Sr. Robert E. Morrison Frank L. Polkhill Elton Bunny Ross Luther C. Shipman Phillip H. Sumrall Horace E. Varn Charles C. Willis Joseph Beach Jr. Willie J. Clark Raymond Evans J. Talmadge Hendry Julian D. Lewis C. Pete Morrison Robert D. Poole L M Biddie Ross William F. Shipman William Swearingen Henry A. Verhine Joseph D. Wilson H. Blair Beaty II James G. Clark Patricia C. Evans Auley R. Hendry Shawn P. Lewis Frank C. Morrison James Bryan Poore Dennis Ross John R. Silvestri Roy E. Taylor Virgil V. Villa James W. Wilson Gordon T. Bell Marvin J. Clark Frank B. Faircloth Clyde A. Hendry Benjamin F. Lewis Jr. R. Marvin Morrison J. Willard Poppell ER Jim Ross Amos J. Simmons Dan Gordon Taylor Edward Viola James R. Wilson Leon K. Bennett Olan C. Clark John J. Faircloth Wilson S. Hendry Joe C. Lewis Jr. Donald Mosley Burl F. Poppell Terry Rouse Chesley T. Simmons Joseph Gordon Taylor Norman O. Wages Thomas M. Wilson Richard E. Bennett Robert R Bo Clark D.J. Faircloth III Wilson T. Hendry Inman Ray Lilliott Henry L. Moss Charles D. Poppell C. Auley Rowell John Capers Simmons WM Virgil Taylor Kelly Bruce Wages Jr John L. Wood Dennis M. Bennett Wilton Rabbit Clark Ollie Farnam Larry Allen Hendry William S. Lilliott L. C. Buck Murphy Clayton B. Poppell Ruel D. Rowell Larry D. Simmons Carolyn M. Taylor David L. Walby Thomas G. Wood David O. Bennett George W. Clark Harold Curtis Farnell John Arthur Hendry RW Lilliott Jr. Larry D. Murphy Elbert B. Poppell Lawrence D. Rowell Thomas Simmons Jr. Walter D. Taylor Douglas H. Walker Lloyd D. Woods W. Edward Bennett Bishop Clark Jr. Glenn Farnell Kalmer H. Hendry Ben H. Lindsey Ralph R. Murphy Gary W. Poppell Walter D. Rowell H Glen Simons Larry Huett Teal Hamp Walker Howie D. Woods W. H. Bennett Jr. Clayton O. Clark Sr. James W. Faulkner Thomas Herrington Claude Livingston Grady Murphy Derek E. Portwood Bryant J. Russell Joseph S.Simpson A W Tedder Milton J. Walker James A. Woods Leon Bennett Jr. Edmond D. Clayton Claude O. Faulkner James Herrington Jr. Glen E. Loughridge Luke Murphy Arrie W. Pouncey Gilbert D. Rykard Jr James H. Simpson Jr. Homer G. Tedder Charles J. Walker Joseph T. Wright W.H. Bennett Sr. Stewart B. Clayton C.L. Faulkner Jr. James Herrington Sr. James Lionel Louque Huey Allen Murphy Reppard W. Powers Jr Joe Bryant Sadler John W. Singletary James Byron Tedder George F. Walker William T. Wright Victor L. Benon C. Bill Cleere David L. Feldman Gene P. Higgs Maxwell l. Love Freddie O. Murray J.O. Pridgeon Willie Joe Sadler Jerry G. Singletary John L. Tedder Howell C. Walker John Yarbough Shorty Benton Ervin F. Close Jack J. Fennell Charles Harold Hill Don Love C.H. Musselwhite Kenneth M. Pridgeon James R. Sadler Billy J. Singletary Jr. Oliver Buck Tedder Rick Alan Wallace James A. York Dudley Benton Olin Barney Cobb Travis Ferington George F. Hillhouse James R. Lowry Odell Musselwhite John H. Pridgeon Otis A. Sadler Paul M. Sisk Sr Therion D. Tedder Manley D. Walters Earl W. Young Bill Bettilyon Toby R. Cobb Fred A. Fiegel Richard L. Hires Linda L. Lowry T.F. Musselwhite Edward E. Pruitt Edward R. Sadler Calvin E. Sistruk James E. Tedder Sam W. Walters John P. Young Alan C. Bird Steven Kirk Coker James L. Fletcher Bobby J. Hires Tommie E. Lundy T.R. Musselwhite Leland J. Pruitt Lamon L. Sadler Myles Floyd Slaughter John B. Tedder Clifford Walters John R. Young Leroy W. Bishop Chris J. Coleman C.F. Fletcher Felix Hodge R. Allen Lutz W.H. Musselwhite James T. Ratliff John A. Sadler Larry H. Slaughter Joseph B. Tedder James R. Weatherly Kenneth D. Young Edwin N. Blair George A. Collins Jr. Sonny J. Folsom Larry L. Hodges Joseph Lyles Jr. Earl J. Myers Kevin N. Ratliff William R. Sadler Jr. James H. Slaughter Marie L. Tedder Charles W. Weatherly Harold W. Young Thomas Blankenship Carlos A. Colon Ken Forrest Jr. Samuel B. Holden William R. Lynch Felix Nall Broward E. Ratliff Thomas Sadler Jr. Robert B.Slaughter N. Leroy Tedder James H. Weatherly Ralph Young W. Earl Blanton Sr. Gordon Ted Colson Bruce R. Foster Jackie Holden James E. Lynch Harold David Nall Larry Richard Ratliff Michael P. Sattler Virgil O. Slaughter Samuel R. Tedder William V. Weekly Jerome D. Young James A. Bloodworth W. Maxie Colson Jr Eldon Jack Fowler L.O. Bob Holley Carl Edward Lynch Lowell C. Neeley Harold Raulerson James Perry Sauls William Slaughter Richmond Tedder Charles E. Weeks Allen R. Zeigler Charles W. Blue David Eric Cone Bill L. Fowler Jayson D. Holley Grady W. Lynch Jr Lowell T. Neeley William D. Reams Robert W. Saults Jr. Samuel R. Smigiel James B. Tedder Jr. W. R. Wentworth Sr. Christina Zip Sam Blue Franklin D. Cone Jack L. Franklin James H. Holmes Jr. John E. Lynn Claude A. Neely III James Byrd Rearden George Schrenk Jr Deril L. Smiley John H. Tedder Jr. Erdman West Jr. Steven Zip Dan J. Blue Chester F. Connell Dodd Franklin Norman H. Holt Robert L. Lytle Norman Nelson Samuel K. Blue John Forrest Connell Dale K. Franklin A. Ralph Holton W.S. Maddox Kevin J. Nesbitt Carl Bodiford George W. Cope Brady L. Franklin Steve O. Holton Earl Dean Mann Wallace Nesbitt Jack D. Bodiford Jesse P. Cordova Bryon J. Freeman Jr. Jonnie B. Holton Earl A. Manning Edwin E. Nesmith Charles Borkland Jr. R. Harrell Couey Bryant R. French Charlie B. Hoover Randall T. Markey Ernest Ray Nesmith Winston B. Bowden Joe H. Courtney Henry J. French Luther H. Horner Michael W. Markey Sr Jackie R. Nesmith W. Bill Bowden Joe L. Courtney Henry J. French Jr. James B. Horton Charles W. Markey Sr. John L. Newell Melvin M. Bowden W. D. Courtney John L. Frisby Thomas B. Houch Roy E. Markle Monroe Newman Robert S. Bowden Edward G. Courtney Charles Gandy Sr. George P. Houch Hal Marsh Ronnie Newman Robert H. Bowden Walter A. Cox Sr Willie James Gent Lonnie A. Houch O.B. Marshall Marvin Newman James A. Bowden James Curtis Crews Hoot Gibson Ernest A. Houck N. Joseph Mason Pete Newman Donald D. Bowden William Alvin Crews Wilkie T. Gibson Joe W. Howell Ralph Massey Brian R. Nola JW Bradshaw A. L. Cribbs Wilbur B. Giddens John D. Howell W. Kenneth Massey Thomas J. Nola Jr. Terri Bradshaw Max Edwin Crouse Oscar B. Glenn Ronald M. Hudgens Kevin Mathers Woodruff Norman Sr Wayne Bradshaw Willie Cary Cruce Herbert S. Glickman Ronnie D. Hudgens Lawrence R. Mathews Bruce E. Nowlin Ned P. Brafford James R. Cruce Joseph M. Goff Brun Hudson J.R. Blackie Mathews Lyndal M. Odom Zara A. Brannen Jimmy Cruce F.M. Goodman Thaylon Bobby Hunt Lucas M. Matthews Robert D. Odom Joe E. Brannen Mack Cruce Henry E. Goodman Clyde B. Hunter William T. Mauldin Dean Odom Steve M. Brannen James William Cruce B. Bennie Goodman Herbert Ray Hunter William J. Maurer E. Declan O’Grady William M. Brannen John A. Cruce Jr. Lewis W. Graham Charles O. Hunter Jr. Lonnie J. McCall Daniel F. O’Quinn Walter B. Brannen Eric C. Culbreath Dean E. Grambling Earl E. Hyman Linnie Dale McCall James R. O’Steen Christopher Brannen Donnie R. Cumbus Dennis H. Grant Donnie E. Ingram Dennis W. McClean Ezekiel B. O’Steen Lovett Brasby John C. Curry Olin R. Granthum Jr Tommy E. Ingram David W. McCranie John O’Steen Thomas J. Bratcher Ronald F. Dalton Olin R. Granthum Sr Robert K. Isbell Glen M. McCranie Joyce A. O’Steen Vernon G. Brickey Lloyd C. Dalton David B. Gray Edmond F. Israel Sr. Michael T. McCranie William G. O’Steen Paul Brock Ronald F. Dalton Robert D. Gray Edmond F. Israel Sr. Neal W. McCranie Bryn J. Osten Harry Alonza Brooks Kenneth A. Dalton David G. Gray Parker Jackson Raymond A. McCranie Freddie (Ted) Padgett William G. Brown Ronald B. Dalton Sr. Cherry D. Green James C. Jackson Charles D. McDonald David J. Padgett Charlie T. Brown Robert S. Daniel Tyson D. Green Clarence A. Jackson William J. McDougall E. Inez Padgett J.D. Brown Alfred J. D’Antonio Ralph J. Green James Gary Jackson Noah Edwin McKinney Harold B. Padgett Hubert O. Brown Herman E. Davis H. Russell Gregory Virgil Gary Jackson Zachariah D. McLeod Dennis C. Padgett H. Raymond Brown Claude Davis Warren R. Gregory Broward N. Jackson Andrew L. McLeod Larry Allen Padgett Clyde Brown Johnnie Davis Merrell M. Grier Morgan D.P. Jackson Bernice E. McLeod Ross M. Page Alva Browning Vesbert Davis James R. Grier Jr. Delmar Jackson Andrew L. McLeod Sr Charles T. Page Dave W. Browning Bryan W. Davis Arvil L. Grubbs Ernest L. Jackson Delbert C. McNutt Melvin D. Page Henry S. Browning Harold Luther Davis Louie F. Grubbs Thomas Jackson Jr. John A. McRae Ralph B. Page Robert F. Brunson Jefferson C. Davis Roy A. Grubbs S. Eugene Jacobs Robert W. Meissner George L. Page Robert Bruton Jr. Roy A. Davis Stacy D. Grubbs Don J. Johnson Paul W. Merrill III. Eugene H. Page Charles F. Bryan Jr Robert R. Davis Herbert J. Grubbs Ray D. Johnson Paul W. Merrill Jr. George T. Page Ted Bryant Jr Tom A. Davis John Wesley Grubbs Thomas B. Johnson Clyde Merritt Elmer Earl Page Billy Brynes Benton Lee Davis L.J. Grubbs Wayne E. Johnson Calvin M. Buchanan Henry P. Davis W. Henry Grubbs Kenneth W. Johnson L. Chuck Buckhalter Wm Sam Davis III Herman A. Grubbs Richard R. Johnson R. Sonny Buckhalter Joseph Polk Davis Jr James R. Grubbs Dianna E. Johnson Dallas M. Buckhalter W. Sam Davis Jr. Olvin K. Grubbs Maloy C. Joiner Gaines S. Burford Richard A. Davis Sr Billy W. Grubbs Alton Ray Jones Clement Burgess Jr Harry M. Davis Sr Ralph D. Grubbs Kyle G. Jones Jonny R. Burke Hames H. Deal Jr. Delbert M. Grush Charles R. Joyal Joe E. Burroughs Sr. Ernest J. Dees Donald L. Guenthner Kenneth E. Kasell B-12 A Salute to Veterans November 11, 2020 A special bracelet and bond forged in Viet Nam

By BILLY BLACKMAN Of course, we always somewhere, when as fast as the clouds where my head Columnist had to be back by midnight a lightning strike, my feet had just been. Eddie Rogers was or run the risk of being put and my head exchanged It knocked the breath driving his dad’s ‘66 Ford. afoot. places and I was on the out of me! But we both It was only two years For some reason we must ground. laughed. Me still young old, had a 289 cubic inch not have been drinking that I guess it was just enough to bounce, Eddie equalizer under the hood night because we were not a coincidence that a still young enough to see and three on the column. trying to sneak up to and perfectly-round piece of the humor in it. On some Saturdays that into the Rogers’ house. stove wood was in just the We were just two naive was our mode to wander. We were just walking right spot for me to step on boys whose world travels Other Saturdays it was my across the dark yard, it, causing my penny loafers had just gotten them back dad’s ‘63 Chevy we used. talking about some girl to launch themselves into from the dirt parking lot in downtown Wewahitchka, Florida, where boys gathered to talk about four- barrel carburetors and girls. I do believe that Eddie laughed harder than I did. But hey, that’s what friends do...they laugh at you, then offer you a hand after you fall. But, just four years later Eddie was no longer naive. I was, but not him. Viet Nam had taken that from Nam are not too bad, except from Honeyville,” as our him. for that one. “When I saw daddies would say. And, he was not laughing that helicopter break in half Out there, he and Maxine as he watched 16 of his in the air, I didn’t realize raised two beautiful fellow squad members – his at the time who all was in twin girls and now have friends -- fall out of the sky it,” Eddie said. “That is my six equally-beautiful granddaughters. There were no survivors. He is a long-haul truck driver. And, if he happens “ -- Eddie Rogers, U.S. Marine to be steering that big rig with his left arm draped after a Viet Cong missle hit worst memory.” across the steering wheel, the Chinook helicopter they He found out later it was you might catch a glimpse were in, breaking it in half. part of his squad. of a bracelet – a special A total of 32 died. “I was supposed to be bracelet. “There were no on that Chinook with ‘em, He and his fellow squad survivors,” Eddie said. but my butt saved my butt.” members each got one in Sights like that will Eddie chuckled. Viet Nam. (In the photo knock the naivety right However, his attempt above, shot in 1971, you out of you, just as sure as at laughter was weak and can see the bracelet around falling on a piece of stove didn’t last long. his wrist). wood will knock the breath out of you. I was supposed to be on that Chinook Eddie had quit school in the 11th grade and with ‘em, but my butt saved my butt. hitchhiked to Atlanta, “ -- Eddie Rogers, U.S. Marine running from troubles at home. He explained that at the Each squad member He came back after he time he had a hemorrhoid promised to wear it as a got his draft notice and problem. “So the medics reminder so they wouldn’t landed in Viet Nam in put me on a table, gave me forget each other. They December 1971. a piece of leather to clamp made an oath to wear it for Eddie was already my teeth on and cut it off.” the rest of their lives. familiar with the name Eddie said he didn’t do Those 16 friends in the because of his school bus anything much but recover Chinook were each wearing driver, John Land. for the next two weeks. one. Mr. Land’s son, Freddie, “That’s why I wasn’t on Eddie has not taken his had been killed in the Viet there with ‘em. I was on the off since 1971. Nam war. ground, looking right at it So, on this special day “I was really on the when it happened.” as we honor all veterans, I wrong track in life,” Eddie Eddie says he still thinks salute you Eddie Rogers, said. “So I went ahead and about it today. my lifelong friend. joined up.” “I don’t believe in I salute you, your He was in the 1st Calvary coincidence,” he said. “I bracelet and your friends in Division and was shot at thank God every day that that Chinook! more times than he cares I wasn’t on there. I often Billy Blackman is a former editor to recall. “But the Army wonder why I wasn’t on for “The Havana Herald” made me into the man I am there with them. There and has won several Florida Press today,” he said. must have been a reason it awards for news photography, His memories of Viet happened the way it did. I news writing, columns, political cartoons and newspaper design. think about it a lot.” He is a professional musician and Eddie, a Bronze Star horse farrier. His book, “Seasons recipient, now lives in In Beulah Land,” is a collection of Kansas with his wife, stories about rural lifestyles. It can Maxine. “That’s a fer’piece be purchased at Amazon.com

VFW Gun Raffle Winner is.... Local Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #9225 sold 500 tickets and raised $1,800 during its annual gun raffle. The money will be used to assist Taylor County veterans and their families, as well as to support local youth. Troy Keen (center) was the winner of this year’s raffle and is shown with Post #9225 Commander Michael Thrift and Perry Pawnbrokers’ Scott Wood.