TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1874 | 75¢ Lake City Reporter
LAKECITYREPORTER.COM Fire grows to 14,000 acres
‘Smoke is our number tripled in size over the weekend and has “Unfortunately the smoke and ash is Baker and Columbia counties, about two now consumed an estimated 14,000 acres. going to be unavoidable for some time,” miles south SR 2. A few private tracts have one concern right now,’ The fire is reported to be about 20 percent Hudson said. “It’s a fire, within the swamp, been impacted by the fire. There have says forest service rep. contained. so until we get a major rain event we can been no evacuations and no structures As of Sunday morning the County Line do as much as we can, but ultimately are immediately threatened by the blaze. By TONY BRITT Fire was reported to have consumed there’s still going to be smoke coming There have been no recreational area or [email protected] roughly 5,000 acres. from that for sometime. Unfortunately road closures due to the fire. The last few days the fire has been head- we’re going to feel the effects of the smoke “The fire is in the middle of the swamp The County Line Fire, which began ing east, pushed by westerly winds. That for some time.” and we’ve got a good, secure line along the with a lightning strike Thursday, nearly pattern is expected to continue today. The fire is in the Pinhook Swamp area of FIRE continued on 3A Town mgr. of WS out, for now Robert Townsend is subject of FDLE probe, according to mayor.
By TONY BRITT [email protected]
WHITE SPRINGS — Local offi- cials say they don’t know when or if longtime town manager Robert Townsend will be returning to his post. Townsend was placed on paid administrative leave because he is JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to town officials. A friendly game of pool White Springs mayor Helen Florida Gateway College students Colby Odowski (left), 19, watches as Schiefer Buckles, 20, concentrates on a shot while playing pool in the new Miller said Townsend was placed Charles W. Hall Student Center, which opened Monday. on administrative leave with pay on March 28. Townsend has been the White Springs town manager for close to 13 years, she said. “It was a town council vote by all Homeowner association could be five town council members” to place Townsend on paid administrative leave, Miller said. “We don’t know how long Mr. Townsend will be on sued in Martin case, say attorneys administrative leave.” Miller offered no details as to why By MIKE SCHNEIDER and TONY WINTON TOWNSEND continued on 3A Associated Press
SANFORD — If Trayvon Martin’s family sues over Water his death, they might not target George Zimmerman group but instead the homeowners association of the neighbor- hood where the shooting in search happened and Zimmerman lived. That’s because if of plan Zimmerman’s claim that he shot the unarmed 17- By HANNAH O. BROWN year-old in self-defense is [email protected] upheld by prosecutors, a judge or a jury, Florida’s The Florida Leaders Organized so-called stand your ground for Water met Monday to discuss law would protect him from strategies for developing a plan to a lawsuit. But his clearance tackle water issues in the state. or acquittal wouldn’t stop Committee members divided Martin’s parents from suing themselves into four focus groups: The Retreat at Twin Lakes science, legislative, legal and public homeowners association information. The subgroups were — and its insurance policies assigned the objective of developing and assets would make it a strategies for action for FLOW. much more lucrative target County Manager Dale Williams than Zimmerman, even if explained to the FLOW board the he is eventually convicted importance of developing specific of a crime. strategies. “You are going to be identified by Plus, lawyers say, Exhibit the strategies you adopt,” Williams A would be a newsletter said. “In the absence of having those sent by the association to strategies, people tend to formulate residents in February, the what they believe your purpose is.” same month as the shoot- Committee member Chad Johnson ing. It said Zimmerman ASSOCIATED PRESS from Levy County expressed con- was the go-to person for Cheryl Brown walks her dog in the Retreat at Twin Lakes neighborhood in Sanford. The Retreat at Twin Lakes is where 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman on Feb. WATER continued on 3A LAWSUIT continued on 3A 26.
Vol. 138, No. 54 Opinion ...... 4A TODAY IN COMING CALL US: People...... 2A (386) 752-1293 85 54 Obituaries ...... 5A PEOPLE WEDNESDAY SUBSCRIBE TO Mostly sunny THE REPORTER: Advice & Comics ...... 3B Mike Wallace Local news Voice: 755-5445 WEATHER, 2A Puzzles ...... 2B dead at 93. roundup. Fax: 752-9400 2AWEATHER
2a LAKE CITY REPORTER daily briefing TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012 Page Editor: Jason M. Walker, 754-0430 Celebrity Birthdays n Actor Max von Sydow is n Sportscaster John Madden Saturday: Monday: Monday: 83. is 76. 7-14-16-23-36-43 Afternoon: 3-9-2 Afternoon: 7-8-2-2 Sunday: n Actress Liz Sheridan is 83. n R&B singer Bobbie Smith x3 Evening: N/A Evening: N/A 2-9-21-35-36 n Actor Omar Sharif is 80. (The Spinners) is 76. Daily Scripture PEOPLE IN THE NEWS “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact rep- Mike Wallace, ‘60 Minutes’ reporter, dies resentation of his being, sus- NEW YORK taining all things by his power- ike Wallace is here ful word. After he had provided to see you.” The “60 Minutes” purification for sins, he sat newsman had such down at the right hand of the a fearsome reputa- Mtion that it was often said that those Majesty in heaven.” were the most dreaded words in the — Hebrews 1:3 English language, capable of reduc- ing an interview subject to a shak- Thought for Today ing, sweating mess. “Take from me the hope that I Wallace, who won his 21st and final Emmy Award at 89, died can change the future, and you Saturday in the New Canaan, Conn., will send me mad.” care facility where he had lived the — Israel Zangwill, last few years of his life. He was 93. Wallace didn’t just interview English dramatist (1864-1926) people. He interrogated them. He cross-examined them. Sometimes he Lake City Reporter eviscerated them pitilessly. His weap- How to reacH us ons were many: thorough research, Main number . . . . .(386) 752-1293 BusINess a cocked eyebrow, a skeptical “Come ASSOCIATED PRESS Fax number ...... 752-9400 Controller Sue Brannon . . .754-0419 Circulation ...... 755-5445 ([email protected]) on” and a question so direct it took Online . . . www lakecityreporter. com. your breath away. Longtime CBS ‘60 Minutes’ correspondent, Mike Wallace, is seen during an inter- cIrcuLatIoN The“ Lake City Reporter, an affiliate of Lake City Reporter He was well aware that his reputa- view at his office in New York on May 8, 2006. Wallace, famed for his tough inter- Community Newspapers Inc., is pub- Home delivery of the” tion arrived at an interview before views on ‘60 Minutes,’ died, Saturday. He was 93. lished Tuesday through Friday and should be completed by 6:30 a.m. he did, said Jeff Fager, CBS News Sunday at 180 E. Duval St., Lake City, Tuesday through Friday, and by 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. chairman and Wallace’s long-time actress Jennifer two months after Fla. 32055. Periodical postage paid at Lake City, Fla. Member Audit Bureau of Please call 386-755-5445 to report any producer at “60 Minutes.” Hudson appeared on they separated. Circulation and The Associated Press. problems with your delivery service. “He loved it,” Fager said Sunday. the show. But she The supermodel’s All material herein is property of the Lake In Columbia County, customers should “He loved that part of Mike Wallace. said that wouldn’t divorce filing in a City Reporter. Reproduction in whole or call before 10:30 a.m. to report a ser- in part is forbidden without the permis- vice error for same day re-delivery. After He loved being Mike Wallace. He affect her ability to Los Angeles court sion of the publisher. U.S. Postal Service 10:30 a.m., next day re-delivery or ser- loved the fact that if he showed up be fair to a defendant draws to a close a No. 310-880. vice related credits will be issued. for an interview, it made people ner- who’s accused of storybook romance POSTMASTER: Send address changes In all other counties where home delivery to Lake City Reporter, P.O. Box 1709, vous. ... He knew, and he knew that murdering the Oscar that included numer- is available, next day re-delivery or ser- Hudson Klum Lake City, Fla. 32056. everybody else knew, that he was winner’s mother, ous testaments vice related credits will be issued. Publisher Todd Wilson . . . .754-0418 going to get to the truth. And that’s brother and nephew. Jury selection to their affection for one another, Circulation ...... 755-5445 ([email protected]) what motivated him.” began in earnest Monday in the trial including renewing their wedding ([email protected]) Wallace made “60 Minutes” com- of William Balfour. vows annually and throwing elabo- News Home delivery rates pulsively watchable, television’s first Among those retained in the jury rate Halloween costume parties. Editor Robert Bridges . . . .754-0428 (Tuesday -Friday and Sunday) ([email protected]) 12 Weeks...... $26.32 newsmagazine that became appoint- pool for now is a junior high school 24 Weeks...... $48.79 ment viewing on Sunday nights. His teacher whose brother was a former Cyndi Lauper memoir aDVertIsING ...... 752-1293 52 Weeks...... $83.46 last interview, in January 2008, was Cook County’s state attorney. ([email protected]) Rates include 7% sales tax. with Roger Clemens on his alleged Out of the first dozen would-be due out this fall Mail rates 12 Weeks...... $41.40 steroid use. jurors questioned Monday, the judge NEW YORK — Cyndi Lauper cLassIFIeD 24 Weeks...... $82.80 dismissed half. swears her book will show her true To place a classified ad, call 755-5440 52 Weeks...... $179.40 Hudson family murder colors. The award-winning perform- trial jurors queried Heidi Klum files for er has a memoir coming out this fall, CORRECTION divorce from Seal in LA Atria Books announced Monday. CHICAGO — A potential juror “Cyndi Lauper” will cover the sing- The Lake City Reporter corrects errors of fact in news in Chicago who works as a physi- LOS ANGELES — Heidi Klum er’s story from her troubled child- items. If you have a concern, question or suggestion, please cal therapist said she watched moved to formally end her marriage hood to superstardom in the 1980s. call the executive editor. Corrections and clarifications will run “American Idol” during the year Friday from singer Seal a little over n Associated Press in this space. And thanks for reading. AROUND FLORIDA Man dies after head-on crash NEW PORT RICHEY — Officials said a 68-year-old man died fol- lowing a head-on crash with a Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy Monday in New Port Richey. The Florida Highway Patrol said Arthur Marion Lent Jr. may have suffered a medical emergency when his vehicle veered ASSOCIATED PRESS into the path of a deputy’s cruiser. Getting a sunrise baptism FHP said Lent was taken to the hospital, where he The Rev.Tom Louis gets a hug from Lucille Lambruschi, 66, died. after she was baptized in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico The sheriff’s office said following a sunrise worship at Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, on the deputy was not injured Easter Sunday. Over 200 people attended the service hosted in the low-speed crash. by Community Congregational Church.
Justices refuse fennec fox kits. They were betting on quarter horse born last month but had barrel racing. to stay execution been burrowed under- Judge Cathy Sellers TALLAHASSEE — The ground until last week. began the hearing Florida Supreme Court Their births bring the Monday. It could take sev- has refused to stay serial total number of fennec eral days. killer David Gore’s execu- foxes at the Palm Beach Traditional quarter tion. He is scheduled to Zoo to 13. Nine of those horse racing interests are die by lethal injection on foxes, like the most recent challenging a decision Thursday. additions, were born at the by the state Division of The justices on Monday zoo. Pari-Mutuel Wagering to unanimously rejected sev- license barrel racing in the eral arguments by Gore’s Victim of crash small Panhandle town of lawyers. Gretna last year. That includes their dies from injuries The facility’s owners contention a recent U.S. SPRING HILL — The have since used barrel rac- Supreme Court decision Florida Highway Patrol ing to qualify for a poker dealing with ineffective said a man who was hurt room and potentially slot counsel applies to his case. in a crash involving a driv- machines. The state justices ruled er’s rampage almost two that opinion appears to months ago has died. 10 rescued from apply only to federal rather Charles Hesser, 72, died than state court proceed- last week at Tampa Bay overturned boat ings. area hospital. MIAMI — The U.S. One of Gore’s lawyers, Hesser was driving in Coast Guard said it res- Martin McClain, said the Spring Hill on February cued 10 people after the ruling will be appealed 15 when his vehicle was boat they were in capsized. to the U.S. Supreme struck by a minivan driven The agency received a Court and that other fed- by Richard Barrett Jr., 38, call Saturday night that the eral court options also are of New Port Richey. The boaters were clinging to being considered. FHP said Hesser’s pickup the 14-foot pleasure boat truck flipped six times. about 250 yards off Sea 5 baby fennec Isle Marina off the coast of Hearing begins Miami. foxes born at zoo A Coast Guard crew WEST PALM BEACH on barrel racing found the boat 11 minutes — The Palm Beach Zoo TALLAHASSEE — An later. Five adults and five has some new residents. administrative law judge children were pulled from The zoo announced is hearing a dispute over the water. Monday the birth of five whether Florida law allows n Associated Press 3A
Page Editor: Robert Bridges, 754-0428 LAKE CITY REPORTER local & STATE TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012 3a Martin case won’t FLOW: Group in search of a strategy TOWNSEND go to a grand jury Continued From Page 1A Continued From 1A cern about the group’s intentions in the a small portion for some distance. Townsend was placed on leave. By MIKE SCHNEIDER absence of any solid objectives. She based this idea on a study from “We were advised that he was Associated Press “Our objective will be a target,” Johnson the University of Florida in which high under investigation by FDLE,” she said. “Once we identify that objective school students were asked to carry a said, adding FDLE officials have ORLANDO — A grand jury will not look into then we will create our strategy to take gallon of water a mile as a way to com- not given a time frame for comple- the Trayvon Martin case, a special prosecutor over the objectives.” municate the value of water. tion of the investigation. “All we said Monday, leaving the decision of whether Representatives from cities and coun- “To change our behavior, we have to know is that it’s an ongoing inves- to charge the teen’s shooter in her hands alone ties all over North Central Florida were change the way we think,” Miller said. tigation.” and eliminating the possibility of a first-degree in attendance. Many of them shared their “If we struggle with something physical Miller said she was informed murder charge. ideas on potential modes of action that like this, I think it will lead to a change about the FDLE investigation by That prosecutor, Angela Corey, said her deci- the group could take. in behavior which will lead to changes in White Springs Police Chief Ken sion had no bearing on whether she would file Helen Miller, mayor of White Springs, attitudes and values.” Brookins. charges against George Zimmerman, the neigh- pulled a 3-gallon aluminum bucket onto Other representatives spoke about FDLE would not immediately borhood watch volunteer who has said he shot the desk in front of her to illustrate the issues such as desalinization plants, confirm Townsend is the subject the unarmed black teen in self-defense. Corey effect of developing creative approaches replenishing the Floridan aquifer and of an investigation. could still decide to charge him with a serious to communicate with the public. preventing the transportation of water The interim town manager is felony such as manslaughter, which can carry a “On average, people use about 100 from this area to other regions. Shirley Heath, who is also the lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted. gallons of water a day. Each gallon of Chair of the organization, Columbia town clerk. A grand jury had been set to meet Tuesday in water weighs 8.33 pounds. So for one County Commissioner Ron Williams, “It’s a sad situation for Mr. Sanford, about 20 miles northeast of Orlando. person, 833 pounds of water. That’s a encouraged the group to stay focused. Townsend and the town,” Miller Corey has long had a reputation for not using lot of water,” Miller said, referring to “It’s obvious that collectively we want said. “Prudence dictated that we grand juries if it wasn’t necessary. In Florida, data from St. Johns Water Management the same identical goal, but how we get take this action and place him on only first-degree murder cases require the use of District. there, we have various ideas,” Williams administrative leave with pay.” grand juries. Miller suggested teaching the value of said. water to individuals by having them carry LAWSUIT: Homeowner association could be taken to court in Martin case Continued From Page 1A residents who had been the if it’s sued, said Justin him from behind. band entered the gated victims of a crime. Clark, an attorney based Then-Police Chief Bill Lee community and killed Under the heading in Longwood, Fla., whose said detectives were unable her. “Neighborhood Watch,” the practice includes real estate to arrest Zimmerman Who would pay in the newsletter’s message rec- law. because of Florida’s self- event of such a lawsuit Discount. ommended that residents “So, if you’re going to defense law, which gives would probably be deter- first call police and then send out a newsletter say- wide leeway to use deadly mined by the type of Discount. “please contact our Captain, ing, ‘Hey, he is the captain. force and eliminates a per- insurance coverage the George Zimmerman ... so Whatever he says goes,’ son’s duty to retreat in the association has, Clark he can be aware and help You have now basically face of danger. said. Some policies may Discount. address the issue with rented a free police officer The decision not to be wide enough to cover other residents.” for your neighborhood,” arrest Zimmerman has Zimmerman’s actions. If That seeming endorse- Clark said. “He certainly provoked an international there is no policy or the ment of Zimmerman expos- took on that role with the outcry, prompting Lee to policy in place is very es the 7-year-old associa- homeowners association, step down temporarily and narrow in its coverage, John Kasak, Agent Get them all with tion to possible legal action and it seems to me that the state attorney who nor- homeowners likely would 904 SW SR 247 Branford Hwy ™ Lake City, FL 32025 Discount Double Check . by Martin’s parents, hom- they recognized that.” mally handles cases out of have to pay out of their Bus: 386-752-7521 eowners association attor- One of the Martin fami- Sanford to recuse himself. own pockets through www.johnkasak.com It’s a quick and easy way neys said. ly’s attorneys, Daryl Parks, Gov. Rick Scott appointed a higher monthly assess- to make sure you’re saving “It’s almost like if you indicated last month that special prosecutor to inves- ment fees because most all you can. And it’s free. give your son the keys to a a civil lawsuit against the tigate and decide whether associations don’t have Like a good neighbor, ® brand new Corvette when homeowners’ association to file charges. very deep reserves, he State Farm is there. he turns 16” and he gets in was likely. Zimmerman had devel- said. He noted that poli- CALL ME TODAY. an accident, said Roberto “They mention George oped a reputation for cies typically cover about Blanch, a South Florida Zimmerman by name monitoring the neighbor- $1 million. attorney who specializes as the captain for the hood. He was well known “I almost guarantee in homeowners associa- neighborhood watch, to local police dispatchers, you there are going to tions. “You may be seen as and they tell you if you having made 46 calls to be checks written,” Clark enabling the occurrence or see something suspi- them since 2004, accord- said. the loss.” cious, call the Sanford ing to department records. Errin Haines in Atlanta Zimmerman has admitted Police Department and Some of those records list contributed to this report. to fatally shooting Martin call George Zimmerman,” the caller familiarly as just 0901116.1 6WDWH)DUP+RPH2ǦFH%ORRPLQJWRQ,/ during a confrontation Feb. Parks told board members “George.” The neighbor- 26 but has said it was in self- of the National Association hood had experienced a defense. Zimmerman spot- of Black Journalists last recent rash of burglar- ted Martin from his truck month. “So the close ies, and some neighbors as the teen was returning nature of the working welcomed Zimmerman’s to the house of his father’s relationship is as clear as efforts. fiancée from a convenience it can be.” A PowerPoint presenta- store. It was dusk on a rainy Don O’Brien, an officer tion put out by the Sanford evening. with the Retreat at Twin Police Department for “This guy looks like he is Lakes homeowners associa- neighborhood watch up to no good,” Zimmerman tion, said, “No,” and closed groups, however, makes told a police dispatcher the door on a reporter who it clear that Zimmerman’s before the confrontation. contacted him at his home. role had limits. The pre- When Zimmerman No one answered the door sentation warns volun- got out of his truck and at the homes of two other teers not to try to be police started following him, the association officers, Jenna themselves but to “work dispatcher told him, “OK. Lauer and Cynthia Wibker. with the police.” We don’t need you to do All live inside the complex If Zimmerman were to that.” of more than 250 town- be convicted of a crime, Moments later, residents homes. the door would likely be of The Retreat at Twin A woman who answered wide open to a lawsuit — Lakes heard screaming the telephone at the associ- Florida courts have held and at least one gunshot. ation’s management com- that homeowners associa- Police officers arriving at pany, Leland Management, tions can be held liable in the gated community found said no one would com- wrongful-death cases. Martin shot dead in the ment. She declined to give A state appellate court chest. her name. in South Florida ruled By designating Zimmerman told Sanford seven years ago that a Zimmerman the neighbor- police detectives he had Miami homeowners asso- hood watch captain in the lost track of Martin and ciation was partially at newsletter, the homeown- was returning to his vehi- fault in the death of a visi- ers association “is stuck” cle when Martin attacked tor whose estranged hus-
FIRE: Has grown to 14,000 acres Continued From Page 1A west side of it,” Hudson said. “We’re us more time to work on the firebreak working on the east side of it right now. on the east side of the fire. The west We’re feeling pretty good about it, but side is looking real good. We’re kind of at the same time we’re bringing in the focusing on the eastern side of the fire appropriate number of resources to right now.” address it. It is a large fire.” The U.S. Forest Service has also been Predicted weather conditions for working with the Greater Okefenokee Tuesday are favorable for the firefight- Association of Landowners and other ing effort. private landowners as containment “The smoke is our number one con- efforts continue. cern right now,” Hudson said. The firefighting force is expected to U.S. Forest Service and Florida increase significantly within the next Forest Service personnel are working few days as additional resources pour to douse the blaze, along with some pri- into the area. vate landowners. Firefighting resourc- “Today (Monday) is a transition es include: Approximately 120 people, day and we’ve got more folks coming 15 tractor/plows, four helicopters and in,” Hudson said, noting an incident other aerial resources. management team will be overseeing “We’ve used very little retardant,” firefighting operations. “The smoke is Hudson said, noting they are mainly going to be around for some time. Until dropping water on the fire. “When and we get a major rain event there are if we drop retardant we just drop water going to be periods of smoke.” on top of the retardant once it’s estab- The fire, originally dubbed the lished. Columbia Line Fire, was renamed the “We’re dropping water along the County Line Fire on Sunday. eastern of edge of the fire to keep it in check,” Hudson added. “That gives OPINION
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 www.lakecityreporter.com 4A
ONE A N O T H E R OPINION VIEW Jobless Obama’s war on rate the courts down – ord seems to have gone out in liberal circles that barely Obamacare Wis in trouble with the Supreme Court. A systematic and arch’s jobless unprecedented assault is rate was 8.2 undermining the integrity of percent, a good the system in an attempt to number, the defend this highly unpopular lowest level in law. Mthree years and continuing a President Obama claimed steady monthly decline that Tuesday that the court has not began last August, and that’s overturned a congressional how the White House will spin economic regulation in more it. than 80 years, saying, “a law But there’s no getting around Republicans’ challenge like that has not been over- the fact that the 8.2 percent fig- turned at least since Lochner, ure was both a disappointment right?” Well, wrong. The 1905 and an unpleasant surprise. with blacks and Hispanics case of Lochner v. New York It was that low only because dealt with a state statute and many Americans stopped look- ational Journal’s Hispanics prefer bigger govern- had nothing to do with the ing for work and thus weren’t Ron Brownstein ment compared to 41 percent of powers of Congress. The law counted in the survey. provided an eye- the general population. professor should check his The hopes were that for opening reminder What can be done? notes. the fourth month in a row the in a recent column I believe this is one Another problem with try- economy would add more than aboutN the impact of chang- more powerful reason why ing to invoke precedent is that 200,000 jobs. ing ethnic demographics on Republicans cannot let the Obamacare defenders can’t Instead the economy added America’s political landscape. social agenda fall by the way- keep their story straight on only 120,000 jobs, the least The flashing red light of side and pretend we can talk whether the constitutional since last October, an indication Star Parker Brownstein’s message is point- [email protected] about dismantling big gov- authority for the health care that the job market recovery ed to the Republican Party. ernment and reinventing our takeover was found in the has effectively stalled, one the Democrats -- Obama won America is changing inexo- entitlement programs while the government’s taxing power, hopes only temporarily. 95 percent of the black vote rably into a country that is American family collapses. regulation of interstate com- The private sector added and 67 percent of the Hispanic less and less white and the When Reagan became presi- merce, a necessary and proper 121,000 jobs but that was offset vote in 2008 -- is there anything Republican Party remains today dent, 18 percent of our babies power, or something else. by a cut of 1,000 in government Republicans can do to turn a party whose base is over- were born out of wedlock com- White House attorneys still payrolls. Still, that 1,000 figure around what seems to be an whelmingly white. pared to 41 percent today. can’t seem to agree, and the may be an indication that public inevitable train wreck for their Brownstein estimates that Seventy two percent of grounds kept shifting even sector layoffs have started to party? President Barack Obama could black babies and 53 percent of during oral arguments before plateau. Many Republican strategists be re-elected this year with as Hispanic babies are now born the nation’s highest court. It’s Male participation in the have given up hope regarding little as 39 percent of the white out of wedlock. never a good sign when the workforce was up 14,000, but prospects with black voters and vote. He notes that in 2008, Yet both blacks and Hispanics solicitor general elicits laugh- female participation was down conclude that if there are pos- when Obama won with just 43 attend church more frequently ter in the courtroom. 177,000, mainly due to layoffs sible inroads it’s with Hispanics. percent of the white vote, it was than the national average. University of Houston law in the retail sector, where the But even if this is accurate, the first time ever that a presi- Efforts must be expended to professor David R. Dow sug- workforce is heavily female, it’s long run thinking. Blacks dential candidate was victorious reach black and Hispanic clergy gested impeaching justices and an 8,000 decline in hiring still significantly outstrip with double digit losses of white and community leaders to raise who vote against Obamacare. by temporary help firms. Hispanics in number of voters voters. awareness how big government This is not a new idea - Mr. For what consolation it’s turning out at the polls. To offer additional perspec- and moral relativism six days Dow is cribbing from the worth to the White House, A new report from the Pew tive on the same point, consider a week overwhelms the mes- segregationists who erected other economic indicators -- Hispanic Center adds to the that in 2008, 74 percent of the sage heard from the pulpit on billboards calling for the consumer spending, investing sobering news for Republicans. American electorate was white. Sunday. impeachment of Chief Justice in plant and equipment, factory According to this survey, 30 When Ronald Reagan was elect- Single parent homes are a Earl Warren after the court orders and output -- are strong, percent of Hispanics self identi- ed president in 1980, 88 percent ticket to poverty. This is a mes- began striking down the Jim outpacing that of the European fy as liberal compared to 21 per- of the electorate was white. sage that can save our country. Crow laws. Only one justice Union. cent of the general population. Projections show that this has ever been impeached, If the March jobless figures When asked to express pref- trend will continue, with the ■ Star Parker is president of Samuel Chase in 1805, and are an aberration, President erence for “bigger government white percentage of the elector- CURE, Coalition on Urban he was acquitted. Since then, Barack Obama should be OK providing more services” versus ate continuing to shrink. Renewal and Education it has been a tradition that on that issue come the fall “smaller government providing (www.urbancure.org) and author of With black and Hispanic vot- impeachment would be used campaign. But if they reflect a fewer services,” 75 percent of three books. ers seemingly ensconced with only against judges who com- trend, he will be very much on mitted malfeasance, not for the defensive. having their own views of the Constitution. Even Franklin ■ Scripps Howard News Service D. Roosevelt simply wanted We want the ‘fake’ Romney to pack the court with hand- picked justices who would Lake City Reporter support his policies, not be rid epublican image- President Barack Obama, he of the meddlesome clerks who Serving Columbia County makers are gearing will be facing the Heifetz of the have the nerve to interpret the Since 1874 up for a formidable teleprompter. law independent of the execu- The Lake City Reporter is pub- task this fall: How to And he should forget about tive. lished with pride for residents of make Mitt Romney seeking common ground with Mr. Obama questioned Columbia and surrounding counties by Rseem like a Regular Guy. the common man. It’s invariably whether the Supreme Court Community Newspapers Inc. We believe strong newspapers build The idea is that Americans a disaster, as when Romney, even had a right to threaten strong communities —-“Newspapers are more likely to vote for some- who had earned $42.7 million a law passed by a “democrati- get things done!” body they can relate to -- some- Dale McFeatters over the last two years, told a cally elected” Congress. Judge Our primary goal is to body they’d like to have a beer [email protected] group of the jobless in Florida Jerry Smith of the 5th U.S. publish distinguished and profitable with, in political parlance. that he, too, was unemployed. Circuit Court of Appeals asked community-oriented newspapers. much shade because the trees But that kind of Regular Guy- The fact is that American vot- the Justice Department to This mission will be accomplished are too tall?” If he’s elected through the teamwork of professionals ism won’t work with Romney. ers probably care less about the clarify whether this statement president, will he rectify the dedicated to truth, integrity and hard As a Mormon, he doesn’t drink, appearance of his great wealth reflected official White House tree heights in all 50 states, or work. and his response to voters than he does. policy. Attorney General Eric only the ones -- the states, not Todd Wilson, publisher would be: “But I do have a lot of Any voter worth north of H. Holder Jr. responded that the trees -- that voted for him? Robert Bridges, editor friends who own breweries.” (At $190 million would have $10 mil- the courts could conduct judi- He introduced a new term Sue Brannon, controller the Daytona speedway, he said lion-plus cribs on both coasts, cial review but were required into the campaign lexicon -- he wasn’t a racing fan but that too. to show “particular deference” “severely conservative” -- which, Dink NeSmith, president some of the team owners were The worst thing he could do to Congress in the exercise of admittedly, is better than the Tom Wood, chairman his good friends.) is act on the advice of his clos- its enumerated powers. This usual expression “political During the primaries, he est advisers, including his wife, cannot include Obamacare Neanderthal.” often appears in jeans -- design- who believe that if we saw the because no one knows what LETTERS Romney was singed in the er jeans, to be sure -- and shirt- “real” Romney we wouldn’t even power Congress claimed to be last presidential election by hav- POLICY sleeves. It really doesn’t work. wait until November to vote for exercising. ing hired a landscape service Letters to the Editor should be There’s no way he can appear to him. Mr. Obama set the prec- that, as it happened, employed typed or neatly written and double be fresh from wrangling dogies, One adviser, quoted in an edent of attacking the justices illegals. spaced. Letters should not exceed whatever a dogie is, up on the upcoming book on the 2012 during his 2010 State of the This is one of those “gotchas” 400 words and will be edited for Wind River Canyon when his campaign, says Romney needs Union address, saying their that are great fun for political length and libel. Letters must be trade is wrangling $60 billion to “open up the kimono.” And decision in Citizens United v. opponents, but the general pub- signed and include the writer’s name, in investment capital from an his wife, Ann, says, “I guess we Federal Election Commission lic doesn’t really care. address and telephone number for aerie high up in Boston’s John better unzip him and let the real “reversed a century of law to What the average Joe with verification. Writers can have two Hancock Center. Mitt Romney out.” open the floodgates for special a lawn problem wants to know letters per month published. Letters Romney is not a natural politi- Believe me, you don’t want interests … to spend without is: How much did they charge? and guest columns are the opinion of cian. When stressed, he gets voters to have those images in limit in our elections.” Mr. And are they any good? the writers and not necessarily that of awkward. He told an audience their heads when they go to Obama treats the “unelected Romney’s reply when the the Lake City Reporter. that what he liked about his vote. Much better the stiff, but- justices” as just another charge came up again this time BY MAIL: Letters, P.O. Box 1709, native Michigan was that “the toned and zipped Romney. impediment to his power-to around was, “I’m running for Lake City, FL 32056; or drop off at trees are just the right height.” be picked, frozen, personal- office, for Pete’s sake. We can’t 180 E. Duval St. downtown. That set an instantly puzzled ized and polarized. Perhaps he have illegals.” BY FAX: (386) 752-9400. audience to wondering: “What should appoint a judicial czar Romney should embrace ■ Dale McFeatters is editorial BY E-MAIL: is the right height for a tree? to look into the matter. his inner stiffness. And forget writer for Scripps Howard News [email protected] Is my state suffering from too the teleprompter. This fall, in Service. ■ Washington Times 5A
Page Editor: Robert Bridges, 754-0428 LAKE CITY REPORTER local TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012 5a
■ To submit your Community Calendar item, contact Laura Hampson at 754-0427 or by e-mail at lhampson@ COMMUNITY CALENDAR lakecityreporter.com.
April 10 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April Project Starr 11 at Eastside Village in the Martin Orthodontics Community Clubhouse off presents the second annu- of Baya Avenue. Our pro- al Project Starr Saturday, Historical society gram will be our Annual April 14 from 10 a.m. to The Columbia County Fashion show, come and 1 p.m. at 701 SW State Historical Society will have see our own Lake City Road 47 in Lake City. Bring its quarterly meeting on Newcomer models, model- your pet, have your pic- Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. ing the fashions of Belk’s, ture taken and receive a at the downtown library. JC Penney and Bon-Worth. free 4” by 6” photo. Dr. Guest speaker will be Jesse Lunch is $11.00. Celia Martin will make a Quillen, the new Columbia donation to the Lake City County Economic Humane Society and other Development Director. The pet rescue groups for every meeting is free and open to Builders’ assn. lunch picture taken. There will the public. For questions The Columbia County be refreshments as well as call Sean McMahon at 754- Builders’ Assn. invites best costume and best trick 4293. you to join us April 11th contests. Donate pet supply at the Holiday Inn to hear items to be entered to win a NAHB Chairman of the iPod and other prizes. For Grief workshop Board, Barry Rutenberg information call 155-1001. Good Grief, An Overview speak. We are excited to of Grief and Loss will be have a local businessman offered to the public on who has achieved nation- W.S.H.S reunion Tuesday, April 10 at 2 p.m. al success speak at our The White Springs High at the Wings Education General Council lunch. School Homecoming is Center, 857 SW Main Blvd. Buffet will open at 11:30 a. JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter scheduled for Saturday, The workshop, facilitated m. Cost of lunch for CCBA April 14. Homecoming by Jerry Tyre, will offer an members is $12 and non- activities are planned for overview of grief and sug- CCBA members is $15, A merry time all who attended (not nec- gest ways of coping with including tax and gratuity. Rabbreauna Fulton (left), nearly slips off of a merry-go-round as her sister Robbrecia, 14, essarily graduated) White a recent loss. There is no For this special lunch, we pushes her at Annie Mattox Park Monday. Springs High School, along cost. For information or do require reservations. To with any former teachers, to register, contact Vicki RSVP by April 7, call: 386- principals and superin- Myers at 755-7714 Ext. 2411 867-1998. tendents. The school caf- or 866-642-0962. The Wings April 13 is for you. Performances Haz. waste disposal eteria will be open from Education Center is a pro- are at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays The Columbia County 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with gram of Hospice of Citrus April 12 and Saturdays and at 2:00 Toxic Roundup will be a barbecue lunch served County, Inc./Hospice of Student essay contest p.m. on Sundays. Ticket Saturday, April 14 at at noon. Cost is $12.50 per the Nature Coast licensed Bethel A.M.E Church, prices are $11 for adults; $8 the Columbia County person. Mail registration 1985, serving north central Law enforcement run 838 SW CR242A, will for children 12 and under; Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to Irene Morgan, 9644 SE Florida. The 2012 Law recognize all Columbia and $9 for seniors on to 3 p.m. Safely dispose of 154th Ave, White Springs, Enforcement Torch Run for County high school juniors Sundays. Tickets may be your household hazardous Fla. 32096. Call 397-2453 Special Olympics Florida and seniors and college purchased in Lake City at wastes, including old paint, for information. Homeless network will be April 12 at 10 a.m. at students at our Annual The Framery, 341 S. Marion used oil, pesticides and The monthly meeting the DOT on South Marion High School Jr. Sr./College Avenue (386-754-2780). You insecticides. The process of the Homeless Services Ave in Lake City. T-shirt Student Recognition Day can also use your credit is quick, easy and free of RHS Alumni Network of Suwannee Valley and hats available now. For on April 22 at 11 a.m. Two card to purchase tickets charge to residents. There Richardson High School will be conducted at 4 p.m. more information contact $250 book scholarships will online at highspringscom- is a small fee for business- Alumni will have a roundup on Tuesday, April 10, at the Mike Gordon or Sarah be awarded to one high munitytheater.com. es. Help keep our environ- committee meeting April 14 Columbia County Public Wheeler at the Columbia school student and one col- ment safe! For information at noon at the Richardson Library West Branch. The County Sheriff’s Office. lege student for writing the call Bill Lycan at (386)752- Community Center. For network includes agencies best essay. Essays must be Church yard sale 6050. information call 752-0815. and individuals interested received by Friday April Pleasant Grove United in the services available to NE Fla. Forage School 13. Winning essays will be Methodist Church will have those who are homeless The UF/IFAS Northeast read during this service. a yard sale Friday, April 13 March for Babies Club House tour or threatened with home- Florida Beef and Forage For details and information from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The March of Dimes The community is invited lessness. The local United Group will be hosting an call Sis. Patricia Brady at We are located on State March for Babies will be to tour “The Club House” Way is a community impact educational meeting for for- (386) 697-7720. Road 47 South, just past April 14 at Olustee Park on Hernando Avenue, and fundraising organiza- age, hay and cattle produc- the Dollar General Store in downtown Lake City. Saturday April 14 from 2 tion which, utilizing volun- ers in Northeast Florida on on the left. Registration begins at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Garden Club teers on all levels, identifies Thursday, April 12 from 5 Crab boil and walk begins at 9 a.m. and Women’s Club have unmet community needs p.m. to 9 p.m. The pro- All you can eat crab boil Entertainment and food will renovated the kitchen, and seeks to alleviate those gram will be held at the April 13 from 6 to 10 p.m. at begin at 10 a.m. We are still front porch, windows, vinyl needs through United Way Baker County Extension the B&S Combs Elks Lodge, looking for teams, volun- siding and the garden of of Suwannee Valley initia- Service Agricultural Center 1688 NE Washington St. April 14 teers and ambassadors who this 80 year old historical tives and the funding of 22 Auditorium in Macclenny. Boil includes neckbones, were born premature or with house. Refreshments will affiliated health and human Topics presented include: corn, potatoes, sausage birth defects. Please call be served. The opportu- service agencies. For fur- Warm and Cool Season and egg for a $20 donation. Loveloud Kathy McCallister, March nity to purchase a memory ther information contact Forages, Improvement Under new management. A Wellborn-based of Dimes community direc- brick will also be available. Jennifer Lee, homeless of Existing Pastures, Soil Contact Carlos Brown at alternative rock/group, tor 386-623-1505 or register Personalized bricks can be coordinator, United Way of Fertility, Weed Control, 288-6235. Loveloud is the final per- online marchforbabies.org. purchased for $50 or $100. Suwannee Valley, 386-752- Soil Amendments and formance in this season’s 5604 x 107. Equipment Maintenance. FGC Entertainment series. Check-in will begin at 4:30 Community theater The group, most recently p.m. with presentations start- “Deathtrap: A Thriller in seen on the Warped Tour Robert Woodard ing promptly at 5 p.m. A $10 Two Acts” opens Friday, and has opened for Red Financial Advisor April 11 per person registration fee April 13 at the High Springs Jumpsuit Apparatus, will to cover materials and din- Community Theater, 130 perform on April 14th at ner. Please register by April NE First Avenue in High Florida Gateway College. 148 North Marion Ave. Newcomers luncheon 10. Contact Derek Barber Springs, and runs through For more information or Lake City, FL 32055-3915 The regular meeting of at the Extension Office at May 6. If you like a bit of for tickets, call (386) 754- Bus. 386-752-1215 the Lake City Newcomers (386)752-5384 to register or murder and scream with 4340 or visit www.fgcen- TF Fax 800-217-2105 and Friends will be held at for additional details. your laughter, “Deathtrap” tertainment.com. TF. 888-752-1215 [email protected] www.edwardjones.com OBITUARIES
Carol Greene Batey Thomas and Blaine Thomas; Survivors include her children; the Train”, “Curious George” her half sisters, Christina Mar- Cindy Rutter (George), Mat- and “Sponge Bob Square Pants”. Virginia Tiner & associaTes Mrs. Carol Greene Batey, 68, a cum and April Marcum; mater- thews, NC, Cleveland O. Payne Gabe very much enjoyed play- resident of Union County, Flor- nal grandparents, Don & Susan (Charity), Lake City, Mary ing with his trains and he loved 9ffbb\\g`e^Xe[KXoJ\im`Z\j ida, died early Monday morn- Thomas and paternal grandpar- Felver, Cocoa Beach, FL, William his brother and sister very much. M`i^`e`XK`e\i#;\YY`\9\[\eYXl^_=iXeN`kk$ 6a LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012 Page Editor: Robert Bridges, 754-0428 New Patient Exam and Necessary X-rays DO150, DO330 First-time $ patient Reg. $136 SAVINGS29 OF $107 Expires April 30, 2012 ASPEN DENTAL GROUP North Florida Battery & Core New Batteries For Automotive - Truck - Marine - Industrial - RV Motorcycle - Lawn Tractors Sealed Batteries For Alarm - Feeders - Gates - Scooters - Computers New Batteries Golf Cart Batteries SALE! SALE! Most Cars & Trucks $ COURTESY $ 90 Clay Brooker (from left), Lyndie Burris, Rion Paige and Stephanie Renae will perform on the 55 ea. w/exchange ea. w/exchange - 6 volt 1st Street Music & Sound Company/Budweiser Party Zone Stage at the amphitheatre during the Suwannee River Jam, set for May 2-5 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. WE BUY JUNK BATTERIES Call Ken 386-755-5711 Nine more artists picked 894 N. Marion Ave., Lake City, FL for Suwannee River Jam ONLY AT From staff reports In addition, Briscoe said, the remain- WE NOW HAVE ing five winners will also perform at the LIVE OAK - It took five hours of com- jam but at various other venues. They are G. W. HUNTER, INC. petition before a packed house, a run-off Brittney Lawrence, Crystal Black, Kevin ETHANOL between nine top contestants with the “Ski” Swenszkowski, Lauren Elise and 1130 US Hwy 90 W judges still unable to pick a winner before Maci McDuffie. “We will find a place for (386) 752-5890 the 2012 Suwannee River Jam final audi- you all to perform, whether it’s at the river FREE PLUS tion was finally settled April 7. All final stage, on the porch stage at the SOS Café INTENDED USES: April 7 audition winners will perform at the or elsewhere,” Briscoe told the contes- • BOATS & WATERCRAFTS • COLLECTABLE VEHICLES Jam at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music tants. GASOLINE • OFF-ROAD VEHICLES • MOTORCYCLES Park in Live Oak May 2-5. The contestants spent more than five • SMALL ENGINES Amidst the winners is an 11-year-old star grueling hours trying to win their spot on who brought the house down with her last the Jam stage, at first singing two songs performance and had the whole crowd on each before the final nine were called back its feet, screaming encouragement and to sing one more to help the judges make NOBODY! Does it like QUEEN SIZE clapping before the Jacksonville performer their decision. Still, the judges, all career MEMORY FOAM could finish her performance. artists themselves, said they couldn’t make MATTRESS Another winner comes to the Jam a choice. It was then that Briscoe made the straight from her experience at the 2012 decision to let all nine perform during the $ $ American Idol contest where she made it Jam. Ask Your Neighbor 999 377 all the way to #40 before being cut a few Judges and Briscoe said of the 18 con- weeks ago. testants vying for the Jam stage spots, all Setup & Removal Old Bedding The four winners, Rion Paige, Clay were excellent performers but there were FREE! DELIVERY FREE! Brooker, Stephanie Renae and Lyndie only so many slots available during the Burris, will perform on the 1st Street Music Jam. Contestants were chosen from vari- 12 MONTHS Luxury Pillow Top $ & Sound Company/Budweiser Party Zone ous venues around North Florida over the Full or Queen Set $599 Stage at the amphitheatre during the Jam, last three months. 297 according to 1st Street Music & Sound For more information about the Spirit of INTEREST Company owner Steve Briscoe, who heads the Suwannee Music Park, 2012 Suwannee WAC 1678 US HWY 90 W • 754-4654 across from Ken’s B-B-Q up the audition contests and books talent River Jam, call 386-364-1683, email spirit@ for the 1st Street Music & Sound Company/ musicliveshere.com or go to www.musi- Budweiser Party Zone Stage at the Jam. cliveshere.com. 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