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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1874 | $1.00 Lake City Reporter
LAKECITYREPORTER.COM Local CPAs 7th-grader set SUNDAY EDITION inundated as for advanced tax day nears. 1C study at Duke. 1D
ELECTION FRAUD ALLEGATIONS 11 linked to conspiracy claims
Named in court documents primary election, the Eighth Circuit State specially-appointed prosecutor Brian S. charged with a crime. Attorney’s Office in Gainesville released Kramer of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The 11 individuals, according to the as alleged conspirators, though the names of 11 others who allegedly con- According to the documents, 11 others documents, are alleged to have conspired no charges have been filed. spired with them. allegedly conspired with Jefferson and to violate Florida Statute 104.061(1), which Betty Jefferson, wife of Lake City Ivery to violate state election law. says no one shall “by bribery, menace, By DEREK GILLIAM Councilman Eugene Jefferson, and Linda The 11 people listed in the document are threat, or other corruption whatsoever, [email protected] Ivery “conspired to corruptly influence Angela Barber, Shavon Carter, Verlondrea either directly or indirectly, [attempt] to voting,” submitted false voter registra- Carter, Eugene Evans, Eugene Jefferson influence, deceive, or deter any elector Following the arrest of a Lake City tion data, corruptly influenced voting and Jr., Kendria Jones, Allean McNeil, Waitis in voting or [interfere] with him or her councilman’s wife and another woman obtained absentee ballots in violation of the McNeil, Phyllis Wilson, Clifford Vaughn for alleged voter fraud during the 2010 law, according to court documents filed by and Otis Hendon. None of the 11 has been CONSPIRACY continued on 3A Bill Bright Nature on display Futures rolls could back go dim Pending cuts will rules mean fewer kids going to college. Lawmakers send education reform By AMANDA WILLIAMSON measure to Scott. [email protected] Columbia County high By GARY FINEOUT schools can expect a dras- Associated Press tic decrease in students eli- gible for the state’s Bright TALLAHASSEE — State Futures scholarship as leg- lawmakers on Friday sent islative changes increase Gov. Rick Scott a sweep- the minimum test score ing education bill that rolls requirement for applicants back graduation standards graduating in the 2013-14 that just three years ago school year. were hailed as reforms that The county’s eligible would help students com- seniors will drop by approx- pete globally. imately 30 percent, while Rep. Elizabeth Porter, R- the state will see a drop Lake City, cosponsored the in recipients by about 50 bill as vice- percent, based on data col- chair of the lected from the 2011-12 education school year. The upcoming committee JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter changes will hit poor and of the state Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson (center), Our Santa Fe River president, speaks with Fort White residents Hannah Hobby (left), minority students across the House of 12, and Krista Vargo, 13, while conducting an kitchen towel-making exercise at the Alligator Lake Spring Festival on state but also impact high- Represen- Saturday. The exercise was designed to teach people about connecting them to the water that feeds the local rivers. achieving students with low tatives and test scores. Porter a member The predicted numbers of the K-12 are the result of a study by a education subcommittee. Festival raises Alligator Lake’s status University of South Florida The comprehensive bill administrator, J. Robert also would set the stage for Fourth annual event Alligator Lake Spring Festival. tie-dyed T-shirts and hammered Spatig. The report exam- the University of Florida to enjoys nearly ideal Hundreds of people showed up on bird houses, Fort White High ined the potential impact of take the lead in online edu- Saturday for the blue skies and the School students displayed their the hike in the SAT/ACT cation in the state by giving weather conditions. fresh air at Alligator Lake. They message of “Recycle, Reduce and test score requirement for the state’s most prestigious By DEREK GILLIAM also listened to a message of con- Reuse” and plants native to Florida Bright Futures, which was university the authority [email protected] servation while enjoying the sun. that require little to no water or instituted by in 2011 as part to offer bachelor degrees Tents set up by environmentally fertilizer were on sale. of a strategy to reduce costs completely online. Four Rivers Audubon Society conscious vendors lined part of The Audubon Society is a by reducing the number of House Speaker Will could not have pictured a more per- Alligator Lake Recreation Area, scholarships. Weatherford contended that fect day to hold the fourth annual 420 SE Alligator Glen. Children LAKE continued on 6A “To put so much empha- the legislation (SB 1076) sis on test scores, instead of would transform the state’s on four years in the class- schools and predicted legis- room, is misguided,” Spatig lators would remember the said. “I just don’t get it.” unanimous vote in favor of March For 2014 graduating the bill. seniors, the minimum test In 2010, legislators of Dimes score requirement for raised the state’s gradua- Bright Futures will increase tion requirements, adding A group of sup- to 26 on the ACT and 1170 tougher courses in math porters cross the for SAT, a significant leap such as algebra II and sci- starting line by from the current criteria of ence courses such as chem- Olustee Park in 22 on the ACT and 1020 on istry and physics. The argu- downtown Lake City the SAT. A 3.0 high school ment at the time was that at the 2013 March grade-point average also is it would align high school of Dimes March needed. standards to the types of for Babies event Columbia High School skills that would be needed on Saturday. More has 400 seniors in its 2012- to attract high-wage jobs in 13 graduating class, and the state. than 300 people Fort White High School The bill sent to Scott, participated in the has 134. however, would remove event. The organi- Only 22 students in those requirements, which zation is projected Columbia County would be is a position backed by to raise $105,000. eligible for Bright Futures school superintendents. See another photo, aid if the changes were Instead college-bound stu- Page 7A. already in place, instead dents could opt to take of the 34 students eligible
BILL continued on 6A JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter BRIGHT continued on 6A
Vol. 138, No. 314 Opinion ...... 4A CALL US: TODAY IN COMING (386) 752-1293 BusinessPeople...... 2A5A 9180 6465 Obituaries ...... 5A PEOPLE TUESDAY SUBSCRIBE TO T-StormT-storms Chance Obituaries ...... 6A THE REPORTER: Advice.Advice & . .Comics ...... 5D8B PSY hopes NKorea Local news Voice: 755-5445 Puzzles ...... 3B, 5B Fax: 752-9400 WEATHER, 2A8A Puzzles ...... 2B enjoys his work. roundup. 2A
2a LAKE CITY REPORTER SUNDAY REPORT SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424
Friday: Friday: Saturday: Saturday: Saturday: Saturday: 13-19-20-43 19 7-17-20-31-35 Afternoon: 3-3-7 Afternoon: 8-5-7-3 14-21-24-32-41-45 1-36-40-52-53 Evening: N/A Evening: N/A x5 PB 20 AROUND FLORIDA State begins anti-gambling awareness campaign
TALLAHASSEE — The mother of Florida neigh- sible overdoses. gambling outlets known as borhood watch volunteer School districts officials “Internet cafes” on Friday George Zimmerman has say the students were became the new poster written a letter to the pub- taken to local hospitals, children of the state of lic that criticizes the jus- mostly as a precaution- Florida. tice system for her son’s ary measure. Spokesman A Florida Department of arrest in the fatal shooting John Schuster says a 10th Law Enforcement spokes- of Trayvon Martin. grader was treated and woman announced that the Gladys Zimmerman’s released at the school. agency was distributing letter was written to coin- Authorities say Dionisio posters and fliers explain- cide with the one-year Lockridge was charged ing that the strip-mall anniversary of her son’s with possession of cocaine, casinos are now illegal in April 11, 2012, arrest. He’s Xanax and marijuana with the state. accused of killing Martin, intent to sell after finding The documents explain who was unarmed, in drugs and brownies. that those operating or February 2012. Bus driver charged with patronizing any of up to The letter was written sexual battery of child 1,000 storefront gambling in Spanish and trans- TAMPA — A school bus dens across the state now lated by her son, Robert driver in Tampa has been are “subject to criminal Zimmerman. He released charged with sexual bat- prosecution.” Enforcement it on his Twitter account. tery of a child. is up to local police and Gladys Zimmerman The Tampa Police sheriffs. DEREK GILLIAM/Lake City Reporter says the day will “forever Department reports 29- Gale Fontaine, presi- be remembered by the year-old Dacquiri Jermaine dent of the Florida Arcade Top talent Zimmerman family as the Crawford was arrested day the justice system Friday. Association, said the post- The Columbia Top Talent Show winners for the high school and middle school divisions er will be “exhibit A” as failed us as Americans.” Crawford is a bus driver pose with their trophies Friday morning at the Columbia County School Board Administrative She describes what she with the Hillsborough her group considers filing Complex auditorium. Pictured (from left) are county School Superintendent Terry Huddleston, a lawsuit. Owners of senior calls a “false narrative” County School District. Alexus Branscome, Columbia High School junior; Ronnie Collins, CHS security officer and that was developed as the arcades in South Florida Investigators say event organizer; Megan Zahnle, Lake City Middle School eighth-grader; and Sonya Knight- heavily publicized case worry the new law also Crawford grabbed a 12- unfolded. will lead to their closure. Judkins, Lake City Middle School principal. year-old boy as he was They pay out prizes with Zimmerman is sched- walking home behind to dozens of arrests and — Five people, including slammed into a 1994 Lexus uled to be tried on second- gift cards. Blake High School in Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll’s three teenagers, were carrying five people, the degree murder charges in Tampa Thursday eve- “A perfect example resignation. killed Saturday in Florida youngest 14 and the old- June. ning. He allegedly forced of how misleading and After an investigation after their car was hit by est 22. The impact ejected the boy down near the ambiguous this law is can into the Allied Veterans of another vehicle that jolted four people from the car. Hillsborough River and be seen in FDLE’s use the World charity, it was through an interstate exit Only one passenger was Students treated assaulted him. of the term ‘sweepstakes accused of running a $290 ramp, authorities said. wearing a seat belt, Frith for overdoses The victim ran home adult arcades,’” she said. million illegal gambling The driver of a 2008 said. and his mother called 911. “That terminology has business that directed Mercedes is believed to Four of the people in the MIAMI — A 22-year-old Police arrested the sus- never been used, and is most of the proceeds into have been speeding as he Lexus were pronounced South Florida man was pect when he returned to not defined anywhere in its owners’ pockets. That exited Interstate 95 and dead at the scene. A fifth arrested after nine Miami the location of the offense Florida law. We believe probe has now resulted in ran a red light in Riviera died after being taken to a Coral Park Senior High around the same time on this new law is ambiguous, at least 57 arrests. Beach, about five miles nearby hospital. students became ill after Friday. confusing and ultimately north of West Palm Beach, eating brownies at school. Crawford has been will be ruled unconstitu- 5 people killed shortly after midnight, Zimmerman’s The Miami Herald charged with the sexual tional.” Florida Highway Patrol Lt. reports Miami-Dade Fire battery and trespassing on The law was a fast reac- in crash off I-95 Tim Frith said. mom pens letter Rescue was called to the school property. tion to last month’s illegal- Twenty-one-year-old school Thursday after gambling scandal that led RIVIERA BEACH Jabari Kemp’s vehicle SANFORD — The receiving calls about pos- n Associated Press
Celebrity Birthdays PEOPLE IN THE NEWS n Actor Bradford Dillman is n Actor-turned-race car 83. driver Brian Forster is 53. n Actor Jay Robinson is 83. n Actor Brad Garrett is 53. n Country singer Loretta n Actor Robert Carlyle is 52. PSY hopes NKoreans enjoy his work Lynn is 81. n Rock singer-musician John n Actress Julie Christie is 73. Bell (Widespread Panic) is n Retired MLB All-Star Pete 51. SEOUL, South Korea Rose is 72. n Actor Robert Clendenin outh Korean rapper PSY n Rock musician Ritchie is 49. says he hopes North Blackmore is 68. n Actress Catherine Dent is Koreans will enjoy his new n Actor John Shea is 64. 48. single even as tensions remain high on the Korean SPeninsula. Daily Scripture PSY released his latest single, “Gentleman,” in 119 countries on Friday, hoping to replicate the suc- “[F]or all have sinned and fall cess of “Gangnam Style,” the smash YouTube hit that made him an short of the glory of God, and international star almost overnight all are justified freely by his last year. The choreography for “Gentleman” — including the “arro- grace through the redemption gant dance,” as PSY called it — was that came by Christ Jesus.” unveiled at a concert in Seoul on Saturday before more than 50,000 — Romans 3:23-24 fans. The music video has been uploaded onto YouTube. PSY, whose real name is Park Jae- sang, said Saturday that he regretted Lake City Reporter the current tensions between the How“ to reacH us two Koreas. The situation has been ASSOCIATED PRESS Main number . . . . .(386) 752-1293 BusINess grabbing global headlines, with South Korean rapper PSY performs in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday. PSY’s Fax number ...... 752-9400 Controller Sue Brannon . . .754-0419 North Korea becoming increasingly Circulation ...... 755-5445 ([email protected]) release of his first new single since his viral hit “Gangnam Style” is stealing atten- Online . . . www lakecityreporter. com. belligerent with war rumblings, leav- cIrcuLatIoN tion from inter-Korean tensions. The Lake City Reporter, an affiliate of ing its neighbors wary of a possible Lake City Reporter Community Newspapers Inc., is pub- Home delivery of the missile test by Pyongyang. tric personalities and a bottomless ceremony by singing solo. should be completed” by 6:30 a.m. lished Tuesday through Friday and “It’s a tragedy. We are the only reservoir of creative energy. Facial Wilson and her co-stars from Sunday at 180 E. Duval St., Lake City, Tuesday through Friday, and by 7:30 countries divided right now,” PSY contortions, sound “Pitch Perfect” rehearsed a multi- Fla. 32055. Periodical postage paid at a.m. on Sunday. Lake City, Fla. Member Audit Bureau of Please call 386-755-5445 to report any said at a news conference ahead of effects, tall tales genre opening medley Friday that Circulation and The Associated Press. the concert. problems with your delivery service. — all could be sum- features Wilson spoofing last year’s All material herein is property of the Lake North and South Korea, which are In Columbia County, customers should moned in a matter films and spinning nunchucks. City Reporter. Reproduction in whole or call before 10:30 a.m. to report a ser- divided by heavily fortified borders, of seconds to get a Brittany Snow, Anna Camp and in part is forbidden without the permis- vice error for same day re-delivery. After sion of the publisher. U.S. Postal Service are technically still at war, with the 10:30 a.m., next day re-delivery or ser- laugh. Skylar Astin, along No. 310-880. 1950-53 Korean War ending with a vice related credits will be issued. The humor most with a troupe of POSTMASTER: Send address changes In all other counties where home delivery cease-fire, not a peace treaty. often was based in gymnastic dancers, to Lake City Reporter, P.O. Box 1709, Winters is available, next day re-delivery or ser- PSY said he hoped North Koreans Lake City, Fla. 32056. reality — his charac- joined the first-time vice related credits will be issued. would enjoy his new music. He ters Maude Frickert and Elwood P. host at Sony Pictures Publisher Todd Wilson . . . .754-0418 Circulation ...... 755-5445 said his job was to make all people, Suggins, for example, were based on Studios to run ([email protected]) ([email protected]) including North Koreans, laugh. people Winters knew growing up in through four songs News Home delivery rates Ohio. not featured in the Editor Robert Bridges . . . .754-0428 (Tuesday -Friday and Sunday) Robin Williams and Jim Carrey Wilson film. MTV insists on ([email protected]) 12 Weeks...... $26.32 Jonathan Winters, man are his best-known followers. keeping the titles a 24 Weeks...... $48.79 aDVertIsING 52 Weeks...... $83.46 of many faces, dies surprise until Sunday’s show...... 752-1293 ([email protected]) Rates include 7% sales tax. Wilson will be joined at the MTV Mail rates LOS ANGELES — Jonathan Rebel Wilson prepares Movie Awards by presenters such as 12 Weeks...... $41.40 Winters was a crowd all by himself, cLassIFIeD 24 Weeks...... $82.80 Brad Pitt, Melissa McCarthy, Seth guaranteeing that his multitude of To place a classified ad, call 755-5440 52 Weeks...... $179.40 to open MTV Awards Rogen and Kerry Washington and characters, breakneck improvisa- performers including Selena Gomez. tions and kinetic clownishness kept CULVER CITY, Calif. — Rebel Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrell and Emma generations of fans laughing. Wilson sings, dances and summons CORRECTION Watson will receive special awards at Winters, who died Thursday at laughs — and that’s just in the open- the ceremony, which will be broad- The Lake City Reporter corrects errors of fact in news age 87 at his Montecito, Calif., home, ing moments of this weekend’s MTV cast live tonight on MTV from was a pioneer of improvisational Movie Awards. items. If you have a concern, question or suggestion, 9 to 11 p.m. standup comedy, with an exceptional The Australian actress is hosting please call the executive editor. Corrections and clarifica- gift for mimicry, a grab bag of eccen- the show, and she’s set to start the n Associated Press tions will run in this space. And thanks for reading. 3A
Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424 LAKE CITY REPORTER NEWS SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 3A Couple charged with theft of $79,000
Lake City pair allegedly to the Suwannee County Mrs. Greek is also Water System Inc., who is also a certi- Jail Wednesday after accused of writing checks fied water plant operator, said the water stole funds from two an arrest warrant was to herself. system has been in business since 1975. Wellborn organizations. issued. Reports stated that Wellborn is an unincorporated commu- Paul Greek alleg- between June 29, 2011, nity and the utility is a private entity, edly received a total of and Aug. 26, 2012, she owned by its members. By TONY BRITT $19,897 from checks writ- made 62 unauthorized The system has 180 to 200 members, [email protected] ten to him by his wife financial transactions who pay membership fees. It has about Paul Greek Teresa Greek from accounts of the from the organizations 200 metered water taps and conducts 180 WELLBORN — A Lake City couple was two organizations. totaling $56,155. to 190 meter readings a month, Jarvis said. arrested on grand theft charges after they Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office Six of the transactions were direct debit Approximately 98 percent of the people allegedly stole more than $79,000 from reports say that between June 29, 2011, withdrawals, 29 checks were made pay- in the Wellborn community utilize the two Wellborn organizations. and Aug. 26, 2012, while Teresa Greek was able to herself, 25 checks were written to system. The couple is accused of writing checks employed as the treasurer of the Wellborn her husband and one to another party. Jarvis said the theft could have a adverse to themselves while the woman was Water System Inc., her husband accepted The arrest reports also say that from impact on the system’s operations. employed as treasurer for the organiza- and cashed 25 checks that were made pay- July 5, 2011, through April 28, 2012, Mrs. “We’ll still operate, but it (theft) knocks tions. able to him totaling $19,347. Greek allegedly made five unauthorized our funds down to a very minimum,” Paul Andrew Greek Jr., 55, and Teresa In addition from July 5, 2011, to financial transactions totaling $2,995 from he said. “We discovered this back in Andrews Greek, 56, both of 1413 SW April 28, 2012, while Teresa Greek the fire department’s account. September 2012. So, we’ve been able to Dekle Road, were each charged with one was employed as the treasurer of the Three of the checks were made pay- keep our heads above the water. If we count of grand theft. Suwannee County Wellborn Volunteer Fire Department, able to herself and two were made to her were to have a major breakdown now, we Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ron Colvin Paul Greek accepted and cashed two husband. may have to make a loan to do the repairs, said the Greeks turned themselves in checks totaling $550, the report say. Pasco Jarvis, president of the Wellborn but hopefully that won’t happen.” Bailey becomes CARC executive
By DEREK GILLIAM O n [email protected] Tuesday, C A R C Columbia County will hold Commissioner Stephen a presen- Bailey recently joined t a t i o n the county’s CARC- r e c o g - Advocates for Citizens Bailey n i z i n g with Disabilities as the the best executive director of the bowlers from the 20th organization. Annual Bowl-A-Thon in “I’m excited to be a part March. The team and of the CARC, and I’m look- individual with the high- ing forward to continuing est score will be acknowl- the great work the CARC edged at the CARC offices, does in our community,” 512 SW Sisters Welcome Bailey said. Road. CONSPIRACY: 11 linked JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter Continued From Page 1A
Toxic Roundup in the free exercise of the Attorney William P. Bobby Albertie, a spotter with the Columbia County landfill, pours used motor oil into a 500 gallon tank at the 14th Annual elector’s right to vote at Cervone was appointed Toxic Roundup held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds on Saturday. Gallons of used and old oil, antifreeze, paint and gaso- any election....” by Gov. Rick Scott to pros- line, as well as pounds of computers, televisions and other electronics were collected. The items will be properly recycled in The 11 individuals ecute the case. an effort to decrease potentially harmful materials contaminating the local environment. also are alleged to have According to the docu- conspired with Betty ments, Jefferson and Jefferson and Ivery to Ivery also submitted false violate Florida Statute voter registration infor- 104.047, which governs mation concerning regis- Four arrested in two drug busts use of absentee ballots. tration data and illegally The court documents requested absentee bal- From staff reports further allege Betty lots or helped someone of Xanax, T h e than $1,000 in cash and a Jefferson “did willfully else illegally request bal- Two drug busts Friday a c c o r d - s t a t e .38-caliber handgun in the procure” Charles Bowen lots during the 2010 pri- led to the arrests of two ing to the D e p a r t - Fort White raid, according to swear falsely in con- mary election. men and two women plus release. ment of to the release. nection with the casting Kramer, assistant state the seizure of a .38-caliber As a C o r r e c - Two occupants of the of a ballot. Bowen has attorney at the Eighth handgun, drugs and cash, r e s u l t t i o n s house attempted to flee, not been charged with a Circuit State Attorney’s according to a news release of the released but law enforcement caught crime. Office and specially from the Columbia County s e a r c h , S p e n c e r both inside the house, the Jefferson and Ivery appointed assistant pros- Sheriff’s Office. Randly L. Spencer f r o m Geiger release said. surrended to authorities ecutor for the Jefferson The Multi Jurisdictional Spencer, prison in Henry F. Geiger, 25, at the Columbia County and Ivery election fraud Task Force, composed of 47, and M a r c h and Donna S. Simonsen, Detention Facility Tuesday case, said more informa- Columbia County depu- Elizabeth a f t e r of 14852 SW Tustenuggee and were released on their tion will become available ties and agents from the M . he had Ave. in Fort White, both own recognizance. when the discovery phase Florida Department of Leonard, served 21 were charged with posses- Eighth Circuit State for the trial begins. Law Enforcement and the 28, were years of sion of a firearm by a con- U.S. Drug Enforcement arrested. a 22-year victed felon, trafficking in Administration, served two S p e n - p r i s o n methamphetamine, sale of search warrants on Friday. cer and Leonard sentence Simonsen methamphetamine, posses- Members of the task L e o n a r d for sec- sion of marijuana and pos- force searched a room at both were charged with ond-degree murder. session of drug parapher- the Columbia Motel, 1949 trafficking in oxycodone, Both were taken to the nalia, the release said. E. Duval St., at about 4:15 possession of cocaine with Columbia County Detention Both were booked into p.m. Friday. intent to sell, sale of cocaine Facility. Spencer was not the Columbia County According to the release, within 1,000 feet of a school, issued a bond. Leonard’s Detention Facility in lieu Needs Temporary the search was the result of possession of a controlled bond was set at $201,000. of $102,000 bond. a lengthy undercover inves- substance with the intent to The task force served The Multi Jurisdictional tigation by the task force. sell, the release said. another search warrant at a Task Force was assisted Certifi ed Dental Assistant Law enforcement officers Spencer also was charged Fort White home. The task by the Lake City Police Starting June (approx. 3 mo.) found five grams of crack with violation of conditional force found 28 grams of Department and the fed- Able to work evenings cocaine, six grams of oxy- release from prison, accord- crystal methamphetamine, eral Bureau of Alcohol, codone and eight grams ing to the release. drug paraphernalia, more Tobacco and Firearms. Work 1/2 day Saturdays Fax Resume Louisiana company recalls 468K pounds of meat 386-752-8601 Associated Press shipped to retailers in Listeria monocytogenes can contract listeriosis,” the Free to subscribers Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, cause listeriosis, an uncom- statement said. But it can NEW ORLEANS — Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, mon but potentially fatal be serious and sometimes Get the Reporter e-edition absolutely free. The U.S. Department of Louisiana, Mississippi, disease. fatal for those with weak- Agriculture says a Louisiana- Missouri, Oklahoma, South “Healthy people rarely ened immune systems. Call (386) 755-5445 for login information. based meat packing com- Carolina, Tennessee, and pany has expanded a recall Texas. of meat products because of The USDA Food Safety possible bacterial contami- and Inspection Service list- nation. No illnesses have ed eight types of meat sold been reported under 41 different names The Manda Packing Co. with various “sell by” dates. recall announced this past Its news release said some week now includes 468,000 of the products may have pounds of roast beef, ham, been sliced at retail delis, turkey breast, tasso pork, and if so will not bear pack- ham shanks, hog head- aging information. 934 NE Lake DeSoto Circle, Lake City, FL cheese, corned beef, and A statement posted pastrami. Saturday on company’s (Next to Courthouse) The agriculture depart- website says the recalled ment said Friday the prod- meats were produced at ucts were recalled because Manda’s facility in Baker, of possible contamination La. between Feb. 27 and with Listeria monocyto- April 9. genes. The USDA said eating The products were food contaminated with 4AOPINION OPINION
Sunday, April 14, 2013 www.lakecityreporter.com 4A
OUR OPINION Time’s up for FLOW lorida Leaders Organized for Water has failed in its mission to create a regional coalition to preserve our most precious natural resource. Columbia County should withdraw from FLOW and work on its own, or in a more lim- itedF partnership, to save our rivers, streams, lakes and springs. Formed in late 2011 with a $250,000 check from the Columbia County Commission, FLOW never came close to accomplishing its goals. The problem grew out of what was supposed to be the group’s strength – its numbers. Galvanized by the St. Johns River Water Management District’s grant of a 20-year permit to JEA to take 155 million gallons of water a day from the Floridan aquifer, outraged area residents banded together, in hopes that, as a group, they could match the political clout of those who would lay waste to our landscape for short-term gain. However, it turned out not everyone who signed up for FLOW was pulling in the same direction. First, no one wanted to help with the bills. Our county commission offered up another $250,000 for the cur- rent year, in hopes others would finally lend a hand with expenses. It didn’t happen. Beyond token contributions Death of a homestead from a couple of well-meaning towns too small to give ast week I was shocked not been able to save the big old much more, no one has pitched in to help. and saddened to drive house they had worked so long to That’s not the worst of it, though. by the house I was born pay for, that I had tried hard but just Not only are few FLOW board members helping, some and grew up in and see couldn’t do it. Then I left. may actually be working against the aims of the group. it had been demolished. I won’t be going by that empty lot “You can’t serve two masters,” FLOW chairman and LNothing left. Just a level piece of where our home used to be anytime Columbia County Commissioner Ron Williams rightly ground where our homestead used soon. It will just be too painful. admonished at more than one meeting. to be. My Grandma English always said While FLOW was not formed as an adversary to the I knew it was coming — all the in times of loss, “The Lord giveth Suwannee River Water Management District, it was Morris Williams other old neighborhood houses had Phone: (386) 755-8183 and the Lord taketh away. Blessed meant to function as a watchdog to make sure the dis- already been leveled — but still it [email protected] be the name of the Lord.” trict did not take – or allow others to take – actions det- was a shock. It was like having a 372 W. Duval St. I will rely heavily on that rimental to the public interest. It is not clear to us that loved one in hospice and you know Lake City, FL 32055 Scripture to see me through the every FLOW board member understands that role. they are going to die but you are coming days. Williams had planned a special meeting of FLOW for still shocked when it actually hap- •Watching my parents’ daily yesterday to try to get the group on track and work- pens. strain of having three sons, Howard, LULU HOMECOMING ing toward a common goal. It was the last hope FLOW I had to walk away quickly. The Ernest, and Jimmy, all in World War could be salvaged. sight of our old family home gone II war zones, gone for more than The 34th annual Lulu homecom- Instead, only seven of FLOW’s 19 members commit- forever was just too painful for me. three years. ing will be held Saturday, May 4, at ted to attend, and the meeting was canceled due to lack I went home, got a folding chair, •Sitting around our big kitchen the Lulu Community Center. Events of interest. and drove out to the Bethel United table in the evening when friends will begin at 10:30 a.m. (games for That’s the last straw, in our view. Methodist Church cemetery and sat of my five older siblings would kids, etc.) and lunch at 12:30. If the majority of our fellow FLOW members won’t by my parents’ graves for a while. come by and visit and talk for hours You are invited. Bring a basket even attempt to set things right, there seems little point While I sat, a flood of old memo- — and all the while my Daddy lunch and lawn chairs and an appe- in worrying too much more about it. would sit quietly through all the tite for food, music, and fellowship. Williams will make a report and recommendation at ries of growing up in that home youthful babbling and read the daily You may even win a quilt in a Thursday’s county commission meeting. We urge com- went through my mind. newspaper. raffle, get to meet Pete Croft, (“the missioners to withdraw support for this failed experi- •Sunday dinners when our family •Watching my teenage sis- mayor of Lulu”), learn how Lulu got ment. of eight sat together and we always ter Betty save every penny she its name, and hear the colorful sto- That doesn’t mean we have to go it completely alone, had fried chicken, fresh vegetables, made working at the drug store ries of Tooley Beach! however. biscuits or cornbread, and pound or McCrory’s or the phone com- The Ichetucknee Partnership, which has teamed cake. The chickens came from our pany, dreaming to someday go to JUST WONDERING up with the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of chicken yard and the vegetables “airline hostess” school --- and she Commerce, remains a powerful force in raising public came from our garden. The biscuits If corn oil is made from corn, did. Then she got her first job with awareness of the plight of local waterways and springs. and pound cake were Momma’s and vegetable oil is made from veg- Ozark Air Lines. Beyond that, a smaller coalition of like-minded mem- own creation, baked to delicious etables, then what is baby oil made •Standing in our brand new bers actually willing to work toward a common goal is perfection on our old wood stove. from? still possible. Family together! “shower bath” and feeling hot water All of that remains to be worked out. •Sitting on our long front porch — hot water! — falling on my little Regardless, the time has come to end our affiliation in the evening helping Momma and shoulders and wondering if I had with FLOW. her neighborhood friends shell peas gone to Heaven. ■ Morris Williams is a local historian What seemed like a fine idea at the time has proven and butterbeans while talking family I talked to my parents’ graves and long-time Columbia County resi- to be anything but. stories and town news. and told them I was sorry I had dent. Lake City Reporter Iranian inventor goes back to the future ur first thought on “The Aryayek Time Traveling The story quickly went viral, Serving Columbia County Since 1874 reading that an Iranian Machine” with the country’s but the world’s press ridiculed inventor had devised Center for Strategic Inventions. it, often illustrating with shots The Lake City Reporter is published with pride a time machine that Razeghi, 27, said he had been of Christopher Lloyd as the mad for residents of Columbia and surrounding coun‑ could project the user working on the device for 10 scientist with his DeLorean time ties by Community Newspapers Inc. Ofive to eight years into the future years. It can predict wars, cur- machine in “Back To The Future.” We believe strong newspapers build strong was that the inventor had got it rency fluctuations, oil prices and The time machine, as time communities —‑“Newspapers get things done!” backward and come up with some- preserve dictatorships, which he machines are wont to do, Our primary goal is to publish distinguished and thing that projected his country, at sees as a natural market. abruptly disappeared from Fars’ profitable community‑oriented newspapers. least as currently governed, five to The machine, the inventor said website. Maybe the embarrassed This mission will be accomplished through the eight centuries into the past. modestly, “satisfies all the needs editors took it down or maybe teamwork of professionals dedicated to truth, According to Iran’s Fars news of human society,” and the only it went off to visit 2023. In 10 integrity and hard work. service, Tehran inventor Ali reason he hasn’t gone into pro- years, we’ll know. Razeghi, said to have 179 other duction with it is his fear that the inventions to his credit, patented Chinese will steal his idea. ■ Scripps Howard News Service. Todd Wilson, Publisher Robert Bridges, Editor Jim Barr, Associate Editor Sue Brannon, Controller LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dink NeSmith, President Tom Wood, Chairman Lawmakers don’t care about state workers To the Editor: the teachers which number over contribution – a 50 percent decrease 100,000 in Florida! in purchasing power! Sadly, most LETTERS POLICY Re: Governor Scott and Florida State employees do not earn an employees are unaware of this situ- legislature - concerned for employ- automatic Cost of Living Adjustment ation! Letters to the Editor should be typed or neatly writ‑ ees? (COLA). This means that we lose This legislature and this governor ten and double spaced. Letters should not exceed 400 The governor and the legislature about 3 percent to inflation each are nobody’s friend. They are not words and will be edited for length and libel. Letters have proposed various raises for and every year. An employee earn- concerned about us. They want to employees this year. Well these are ing $40K in 2006 with no COLA for be re-elected, to keep their jobs. must be signed and include the writer’s name, address all done to increase re-election pros- 7 years would lose about $9,000 The reality of what state employees and telephone number for verification. Writers can pects. After taking 3 percent from to inflation during this time! So earn is presented above – every have two FRS employees’ meager pay, the anything that the legislature and year we work without a COLA we letters per month published. Letters and guest columns governor and legislature probably governor have proposed is “chump lose ground financially. And when are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily that view their re-election prospects as change.” the state takes part of the little we grim. Good, this is the way it should And since they took 3 percent do earn, we have been pilfered! So, of the Lake City Reporter. be! from our pay, this means we now how is Florida not the screw you BY MAIL: Letters, P.O. Box 1709, Lake City, FL Nonetheless they will still try to effectively lose over 6 percent annu- state? 32056; or drop off at 180 E. Duval St. downtown. hoodwink a sufficient number of ally, which is very significant! The BY FAX: (386) 752‑9400. FRS employees to gain favor with $40K employee will lose over $20K Howard F. Bryan Jr. BY EMAIL: [email protected] them before the election, especially the next 7 years due to inflation and Wellborn 5A
LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 a
■ To submit your Community Calendar item, contact Jim Barr at 754-0424 or by email at COMMUNITY CALENDAR [email protected].
April 14 have a homecoming ser- Special services vice at 10:30 a.m., followed Providence Village by dinner on the grounds. Baptist Church will have For more information, call special services featur- 755-0580. ing speaker David Miller, known as the country Book sale preacher at large, direc- The Friends of the tor of Line Upon Line Library will have a half- Ministries. Services will be price book sale from 1 to at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The 5 p.m. at the Columbia church is at 4505 W. SR 238 County Public Library, 308 in Lake Butler (Providence NW Columbia Ave. Nothing Area). For more informa- over 50 cents. tion, call 758-2040 or go to www.providencevillage. Society anniversary org. Olivet Missionar y Baptist Church Home Gospel music concert Mission Society will be cel- First Christian Church ebrating its anniversary at of Lake City, 403 W. Duval 11 a.m. The speaker will St., will proudly host a be Minister Norvell Kelly concert by nationally from New Bethel MB known Christian musician Church. For more infor- Thomas Shelton at 8:45 mation, contact Deaconess a.m. Everyone is cordially Willa Cooley at (386) invited to attend. 755-4963. RHS alumni Musical services Richardson High School JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter Glad Tidings Assembly of Alumni Round Up meet- God, 1571 E. Duval St., Iwill ing will be at noon at the Early learning walk have Chris Allen and fami- Richardson Community More than 60 Happy House students participate in a .8-mile walk around Lake DeSoto as they celebrate Walking for Quality Early ly, a world renown worship Center. For further infor- Learning and Care during Children’s Week on Friday. Children’s Week is part of a statewide initiative. The Suwannee Valley 4Cs leader who is an accom- mation, call CB at (386) plished musician, perform- 752-0815. Head Start/Early Head Start, Healthy Start and the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway partnered for the event. ing services at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. For more infor- Kids pageant mation, call (386) 365-1533, America’s Cute Kids will months, are eligible to par- Library open house House from 2 to 4 p.m. in served. or go online to www.gtlake have a beauty pageant at ticipate. For more informa- The Columbia County honor of National Library city.org or www.chrisallen the Lake City Mall. Girls, tion, call (407) 256-0334 or Public Library, 308 NW Week. Visit the library Gospel concert gospel.com. newborn to age 12, and visit online at www.americas Columbia Ave., will have during the open house to The Church of Faith boys, newborn to age 35 cutekids.com. an Information Open learn about how to use its and Deliverance Through Pastor appreciation online resources, including Christ, 379 NW Long St., will DaySpring Missionary downloadable e-books and have a Gospel Explosion at Baptist Church will be cel- audiobooks, online databas- 5 p.m. Featured guests will ebrate its pastor, Dr. Marie OBITUARIES es, and your online library include Tiny Foster and the Herring’s and Brother account. Learn about gene- Mighty Saints of Atlanta, Lenton “Pop” Herring’s Jack Delane Taylor Esther Moore Miles of Hobe Sound, Fla.: Sister-in-law, Marilyn Allen of alogy from trained volun- the Gospel Harmoneers of fifth anniversary at the Jack Delane Taylor, 71, of Lake Mrs. Esther Moore, 91, of Lake Sarasota, Fla.: Ten grandchil- teers who will help you get Lake City and others. A church, 1945 NE Eighth City passed away Thursday, City passed away peacefully dren, Four great-grandchildren started and show you how free will offering will be Ave. The 10:30 a.m. service April 11, 2013 after an extend- on Thursday April 11, 2013 at and One great-great-grandchild. to use Ancestry.com. Find taken. For more informa- will be by the Rev. Eugene ed illness. Jackie was born in Haven Hospice of the Suwan- Visitation will be from 1 to out about the library’s lit- tion, call Pastor Minnie Herring and New Hope Detroit, Alabama to the late nee Valley. A full obituary with 3 P.M., Thursday, April 18., Harvey and Larzenia [Mansell] finalized funeral services will at Guerry Funeral Home with eracy and children’s pro- Williams Gomes at (386) United Methodist Church. Taylor. He has lived in Lake run in the Lake City Reporter funeral services starting at 3 grams and the Friends of 758-1886. The 3:30 p.m. will be by City for the past 45 years having later this week. Arrangements P.M., in the Chapel of Guerry the Library. Those attend- Rev. Lance Mills and New moved here from St. Augustine. are under the direction of the Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main ing will receive free gifts, Church homecoming DaySpring Church of Lake He was a proud owner of DEES-PARRISH FAMILY Blvd., Lake City, Fla. with Rev and refreshments will be Falling Creek Chapel will City. Taylor Transport for 24 years. FUNERAL HOME, 458 South Mike Tatum, Pastor of Parkview He was a great husband and Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025 Baptist Church officiating and loving father who made sure (386) 752-1234. Please sign the assisted by Rev. Don Henderson he took care of his family. In on-line family guest book at of Mariana, Fla. There will be his spare time he enjoyed fish- parrishfamilyfuneralhome.com. no grave side services. www. ing & hunting, playing cards guerryfuneralhome.net and was a past member of Danny Dean Miles Lake City Lodge #27 F &AM. Barbara Ann Rogers He attended Glad Tidings Martin Assembly Church and will be Mr. Danny deeply missed by his family and Dean Miles, age 74, of Barbara Ann Rogers Martin, friends. Survivors include his 74 passed away at home on devoted wife of 49 years, Jackie Lake City, Fla. went to Monday, March 25, 2013. Bar- Taylor; son, Jeff (Susan) Taylor; bara was a loving wife, mother, and daughter, Julee Taylor all be home with his King on grandmother and sister. She was of Lake City, FL; sisters, Ghary born on February 1, 1939 in (Kent) Hartley of Fayetteville, Wednesday, April 10, at Bethlehem, PA and is survived GA and Glennice (Rick) by her husband Johnnie C. Mar- Beauchamp of Anchorage, AK; Shands Lake Shore Hospital, Lake City, Fla. tin, four children: Kathy J. Rog- grandchildren, John Delane ers, Russell W. Martin, Pamela Taylor of St. Augustine, FL, He was a native of Waveland, Indiana and had resided in High A. Bryant and Dawn M. Martin; Summer Grace Taylor and two step-children: Johnnie and Joshua Delane Taylor of Lake Springs and White Springs, Fla. before moving to Lake City, in Lori Martin; one grandson she City, FL.Memorial services raised Wilson Ramos III; a sis- will be held at 1:00 p.m., on 1997. He was a retired pastor with the Church of the Nazerene ter: Joan E. Wachob; one broth- Tuesday, April 16, 2013 in the er-in-law: Larry Martin and wife chapel of Gateway-Forest Lawn and also worked for the Florida Department of Revenue for Nancy; 16 grandchildren and 25 Funeral Home with Pastor great grand children and numer- Lowell VanVleck officiating. many years. He attended the Parkview Baptist Church and ous nieces, nephews, and cous- Visitation with the family will ins. During her life time she was be one hour prior to service enjoyed fishing in the Suwannee River and picking blackberries. a foster parent for special needs time (12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. adults in Live Oak, FL. A me- Tuesday) In lieu of flowers He is survived by his lov- ing wife of 55 years, Carolyn morial service will be Wednes- the family asks that donations day, April 17, 2013 at 3 p.m. at be made in Jack’s honor to L. Miles of Lake City, Fla.: One daughter, Deana (Allen) Gateway-Forest Lawn Hospice of the Nature Coast on 441 S. in Lake City, FL. Ser- (High Springs), 150 N. Main LaRoche of Hayes, Va.: Two sons, Greg (Rhonda) Miles of vices will be conducted by her Street, High Springs, FL 32643. nephew Minister Chris Wachob. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN New Smyrna Beach, Fla. and FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. Eric (Caitlyn) Miles of Lake U.S. Hwy 441, Lake City, FL, City, Fla.: Three sisters, Ilene 32025 (386) 752-1954. Please (Don) Henderson of Marianna, leave words of love and comfort Fla., Marilyn (Steve) Denby of Obituaries are paid advertise- for the family at www.gateway Charleston, S.C. and Vonda (Ike) ments. For details, call the Lake Eigenheer of Lake Havasu, Az.: City Reporter’s classified depart- forestlawn.com. One brother, Harry (Barbara) ment at 752-1293.
would like to congratulate Florida Cell Repair
on their April 2, 2013 Ribbon Cutting ceremony for their location at 184 SW Dominos Dr., Suite 103
184 SW Dominos Drive, Suite 103 Florida Cell Repair (386)269-6055 6A
6A LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL SUNdAY, APRIL14, 2013 Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424
Photos by JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter Lake City residents Josef Walker (left), 9, and John Stokes look through spotting scopes as local birder and Four Rivers Audubon member Jerry Krummrich (center) speaks about the scores of birds and habitats found in the county — especially at Alligator Lake — during a walking workshop at the Fourth Annual Alligator Lake Spring Festival on Saturday. ‘Alligator Lake is unique,’ Krummrich said. ‘It’s a larger-than-average wetland with lots of diversity here, including swamps, deep water and woods. (It) is big enough that it is isolated from back yards.’ LAKE: Nature appreciated under ideal conditions Continued From Page 1A national organization that the festival was to have people, agencies and orga- of Commerce, said Bellamy focuses on conservation people in the community nizations that promotes attended the Alligator Lake and preservation of natural out enjoying nature. the environmental and Spring Festival to help ecosystems — especially “What you don’t know economic well-being of the spread the word about birds and other wildlife. about, you don’t take care Ichetucknee Springshed. water conservation. TOP: Lake City resident Cassie Hanson, 14, squirts dyed The Four Rivers Audubon of,” she said. “If we can The partnership’s 8-foot- “We had lots of fun give- water into a jar while participating in an experiment at the is composed of residents get them outside, get them tall mascot, Bellamy Beaver, aways for the children Alligator Lake festival. The experiment calls for visitors to pri- from Columbia, Hamilton, out to this beautiful park helped engage children as — really trying to get the Lafayette, Baker, Union, ... little by little we hope to he posed for pictures near word out about water con- oritize where they would justify using ground water. ABOVE: Gilchrist and Suwannee educate people and teach the TIP tent. servation,” Chasteen com- Hanson chose using water to produce electricity, recreation, counties. them to take care of the Abbie Chasteen, TIP mented. “We aim to help drinking water and for local produce. Heather Blaker, of Lurie Shubert, board environment.” coordinator and marketing our community learn what Natural Treasures Nursery & Landscape Services, displays a member of Four Rivers, The Ichetucknee director for the Lake City- water conservation means Conradina canescens plant, more commonly known as false said the purpose behind Partnership is a coalition of Columbia County Chamber for our area.” rosemary, which is a Florida native. BRIGHT: Critics say changing rules put too much emphasis on test scores Continued From Page 1A under current regula- brightest students leaving classrooms — the students money is available. welcome them.” Croley said the college’s tions, according to coun- the state for major universi- who didn’t participate in “You’re going to keep a Currently, FGC’s full- financial aid department ty-by-county data from ties. The scholarships are advanced classes, Spatig lot of slackers in the state,” time enrollment is 2,500, will be working hard to pro- the 2011-12 school year funded by the state lottery. said. Students earning A’s he said. with 300 students on Bright vide as many scholarships in the USF study. Baker Based on research, in college-level classes and Linda Croley, vice presi- Futures. The college is fed to students as possible. County’s eligible students Spatig said the rural areas 4.0 GPAs — who are pre- dent for student services at mostly by Columbia, Dixie, Students and parents who would drop from 17 to 9; will be as deeply affected by dicted to do well in college Florida Gateway College, Gilchrist and Union coun- are concerned about the Dixie County from 4 to the change as urban envi- — suffer when they score said FGC will most likely ties. FGC charges about upcoming changes should 2; Gilchrist County from ronments. He said there is 20 points too low on the be affected the same way $103 per credit hour, with start communicating with 12 to 8; Suwannee County a correlation between test SAT. other universities and col- each class consisting of the college of their choice from 16 to 12; and Union scores and socioeconomic “They’re basically taking leges in the state are — a three credit hours. about financial aid now, County from 1 to 0. status. the under-achieving, high- 60 percent drop in minori- “Some of the universities she said. Under the tougher reg- “Suburban kids score scoring students over the ties eligible for Bright have a higher percentage “There are many ways to ulations, about one-third the highest,” he said. “It high-achieving students,” Futures and a 50 percent of their students on Bright afford college at this time,” of the students statewide doesn’t matter what race, Spatig said. “This is com- drop overall. But, students Futures,” Croley said. said Kay Dekle, assistant entering University of ethnicity or gender.” municating the wrong mes- may flock to local colleges, “Although our numbers principal at Columbia High North Florida in 2014, two- Florida funds schools sage.” like FGC, as an alternative are smaller, the change School. “Bright Futures is thirds of Florida State stu- based on how many students He believes it is investing to higher-priced state uni- will be significant.” just one avenue.” dents and three-quarters of participate in college-level the limited Bright Futures versities. University of Florida stu- courses, such as Advanced funds in the wrong direc- “There’s the possibil- dents would still qualify for Placement, International tion, and the new rules ity that when the schol- Bright Futures. Baccalaureate Program could once again create arships are removed, Since its launch, Bright and Dual-Enrollment. a “brain drain” of high- parents and students will Futures has worked to But the new test score achieving students look- seek out affordable qual- encourage student achieve- requirement rerwards ing for affordable educa- ity education, and we have ment, attempting to stop the students who test well tion outside of the state that here at FGC,” she “brain drain” of Florida’s but don’t succeed in the of Florida where merit said. “We certainly would
THURSDAY, APRIL 25th BILL: Graduation requirements would be eased Continued From Page 1A tougher courses and earn She said sometimes stu- he will act on the bill. A Lake City Reporter staff a high school diploma that dents have goals that do spokeswoman said Friday writer Derek Gilliam contrib- uted to this story. includes a “scholar” des- not include attending a uni- he would review the bill. ignation. Students would versity after graduation. also be allowed to take “Up to this point, all stu- career education courses dents had to take the same or enroll in work-related courses regardless of what internships. their goals were,” Porter The new measure would said. also remove requirements She said the education “WE ARE WOMEN, WE ARE MOTHERS, WE UNDERSTAND” to pass end-of-course tests committee reached across in biology and geometry the aisle and “really did in order to earn a diploma. there homework” before Instead the tests would bringing the bill to the floor. count as 30 percent of a Porter said the bill will still student’s final grade. allow students to prepare Weatherford — who for college, but the bill will championed a measure to also prepare students that tie teacher pay to student want to go directly into the performance — rejected work place. any criticism that the new “We did a lot of research, bill was watering down the and we listened to all the current standards. stakeholders,” Porter said. He and other support- The bill passed the in the Daina Greene, MD Board Certified Marlene Summers, CNM ers — including Democrats House of Representatives Healthcare Provider — insisted that they were unanimously. redesigning high school “Whether that child FREE pregnancy tests in the ofice and standards to give different wants to be a brain surgeon offering DaVinci Robotic Surgeries. options to students who or a Mercedes mechanic, may not be interested in this takes care of them,” SPECIALIZING IN: New Patients Welcome pursuing a college degree. Porter said. ■ Non-Invasive Laparoscopic Porter said the bill The House passed the Gynecological Surgery Call today for a ■ Adolescent Gynecology personal appointment: reforms Florida’s gradua- bill with a unanimous vote. ■ High and Low Risk Obstetrics LAKE CITY tion requirements so that The Florida Senate passed 386-755-0500 ■ Contraception CALL NOW! the school system is no the legislation earlier this ■ Delivering at Shands Lake Shore 449 SE Baya Drive longer a “one size fits all” week by a 33-7 vote. ■ In-Office ultrasounds for our patients Lake City, Florida 32025 www.dainagreenemd.com 352-374-4534 for students. Scott has not said how ■ 3D/4D Entertainment Scans 426 S.W. CommerCe Dr., Suite 130, lake City 7
Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424 LAKE CITY REPORTER local & State SUNday, april 14, 2013 7a
March for Babies
JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter First Federal Bank of Florida March of Dimes March for Babies team members pose for a photograph at the beginning of the 5-mile walk Saturday. First Federal was the top Golden Boot Team, raising a total of $25,020 for the charity. PotashCorp- White Springs and Team Konlin raised $24,107 and $12,261, respectively. COURTESY Columbia County native and lifelong resident Mrs. Alice Glenn Brady celebrated her 100th birthday anniversary on House passes $74.4B budget Saturday. with broad bipartisan support Alice Glenn Brady celebrates 100th Plan differs from the final expansion contained in the Weatherford said. “I think blueprint federal Affordable Care that we’re very close. If Senate version for the bud- Act. Democrats have gener- you look at the House and birthday milestone in key details. get year ally dismissed the House Senate budgets, it’s about that begins GOP plan as inadequate, as close as they’ve been in From staff reports served as private house- July 1. especially when compared quite some time.” keeper for the late Mrs. By BRANDON LARRABEE “It does to proposals by Gov. Rick There are some dis- Mrs. Alice Glenn Brady, Annette Jackson, and she The News Service of Florida Weatherford show that Scott and the Senate, but agreements. For example, a lifelong resident of and her family were con- the chair- said getting the House to the Senate would set aside Columbia County, cele- sidered “one of the family” TALLAHASSEE — The man and the Republican reveal any plan was enough $480 million for increases in brated her 100th birthday by both families. state House overwhelm- majority did work hard to of a victory to drop a caucus teacher pay, one of the big- Saturday, April 13, 2013. Mrs. Brady says, “Times ingly approved a $74.4 bil- try to make this budget position against the budget. ticket items in the spending She is grateful to God for were hard back then, but lion budget for the coming one that was bipartisan, Thurston said House plan and a top priority of allowing her to live to see we survived by planting fiscal year on Friday, set- and we’re very proud of Republicans should not Gov. Rick Scott; the House 100 years and gives Him our own vegetables and ting up negotiations with that,” House Speaker Will doubt his party’s resolve would add $676 million in all the honor, glory and killing our own animals the Senate that could be Weather-ford, R-Wesley on pushing for a broader education funding with a praise. for meat. We didn’t have eased by the brightest state Chapel, said after Friday’s health-care plan. strong suggestion that it be She was born on April much, but we survived revenue picture in years. session as he stood next to “Simply because some used for teacher pay raises. 13, 1913, the fourth of because of the love that The broadly bipartisan, Appropriations Chairman people voted for the budget Both chambers have their nine children to Julia and we shared with God and 99-17 House vote was an Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland. doesn’t mean that there’s own formula for changing Simon Glenn, who were our family.” anomaly after years of bit- House Minority Leader any less of a united front how hospitals are paid for also born and raised in She is a member of ter fighting about how to Perry Thurston, D-Fort when it comes to providing care under Medicaid. Columbia County. She is Bethel A.M.E. Church cut budgets in a drearier Lauderdale, shrugged off health care for the most- And neither side has the only surviving child. of Lake City, located in economic climate. Just days the defections of more than needy Floridians,” he said. decided how to spend all of She attended the pub- the Bethel Settlement. after staking out a party- half of his membership. The focus will now swing the money set aside for tax lic schools of Columbia She presently serves as wide position against the “When you have the to a series of meetings over cuts, including whether to County and also attended stewardess emeritus. Her spending plan — a position highest budget you’ve had the final three weeks of the eliminate the sales tax on night school. favorite Bible verse is the that was later lifted — 25 in the past six or seven annual session, as House manufacturing equipment, On Jan. 15, 1932, she 23rd Psalm. Her favorite Democrats broke with their years, that means there’s and Senate negotiators another one of Scott’s goals married Jeff Brady, Sr. Hymn is “Jesus Keep Me party leadership to support money to go around to our will have to hammer out for this year. The gover- (deceased), and they were near the Cross.” the measure. core constituents, as well an agreement on a budget. nor used his weekly radio blessed with nine children. Mrs. Brady enjoyed One Republican, Rep. as maybe projects that they Republican leaders antici- address to prod lawmakers Three are living: Ruthie fishing, quilting and plant- John Tobia of Melbourne think are important for the pate being able to start on the proposal again. Simon, MacArthur Brady ing flowers while she was Beach, voted against the state of Florida,” Thurston those discussions as soon “We need to level the and Raymond Brady. able. She is a kind and lov- budget. said. as next week, meaning that playing field to compete for Mrs. Brady was a home- ing individual who loves For House leaders, it was Republicans laid the the final amounts for each manufacturing jobs,” Scott maker, and her husband her family and friends. a chance to join their Senate groundwork for the biparti- portion of the budget would said. “For Florida families and children lived on Due to her failing health, counterparts in crowing san vote on Thursday, when be set in the next few days. to succeed, we must build the land of the late Mr. she presently resides in about a united chamber as they released an alternative “I don’t see a whole up our manufacturing jobs Cline Feagle and served Orlando with her daugh- they head into talks about to the optional Medicaid lot of stumbling blocks,” in Florida.” as sharecroppers to him ter and caregiver, Ruthie for many years. She also Simon. State tough on ex-felon voting rights
By BILL KACZOR right to vote after complet- years ago. politically motivated. Associated Press ing their sentences. “It weakens the politi- “This is one of the few And black voters tend to cal voice in the African- government programs that TALLAHASSE — support Democrats. Exit American community,” has worked precisely as it Changes under Republican polls show only one in 10 said Meade, who is black. was designed, namely to Gov. Rick Scott are making supported Scott in the 2010 “Therefore, the plight try to suppress the vote of it more difficult for Florida’s election. of African-Americans as many African-Americans former felons to get their Desmond Meade is becomes basically a politi- as possible,” said Howard voting rights restored, among the former felons cal non-factor.” Simon, executive director which critics say has sup- who cannot vote in Florida That’s exactly how it was of the ACLU of Florida. pressed the minority vote because their civil rights planned, say some critics, “It was designed that and hurt Democratic can- haven’t been restored who believe the Republican way in 1868, and it contin- didates. although they’ve completed effort to make voting rights ues to have that effect in As one of his first actions their sentences, often many restoration more difficult is 2013,” he said. after taking office in 2011, Scott, as chairman of the Florida Board of Executive Clemency, undid automatic restoration of voting rights for nonviolent ex-offend- ers that previous Gov. Charlie Crist helped adopt Dr. Robert J. Harvey Dr. Rameek McNair in 2007. Since then, the number of former felons 752-2336 who have had their voting rights restored has slowed to a trickle, even compared We Strive to See You Today or Tomorrow! with the year before Crist and the clemency board helped make the process easier. Civil liberties activists Ask About say Florida’s rights resto- CareCredit and other A Special Welcoming Gift For You ration rules are the most financing available restrictive in the nation and (wac) We Are Offering: have the effect, if not the s v3OFT 4OUCHv )NITIAL %XAM For Only intent, of suppressing the s 0ANORAMIC 8 2AY (ADA-00110) minority vote. (ADA-00330) s $IAGNOSIS (if needed) $ 00 A disproportionate num- Open The policy of our office is that the patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment29 for any service,7ITH 4HIS !D ber of black Floridians are 6 Days convicted felons — 16.5 examination, or treatment if performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to A Week the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, examination or treatment. percent of Floridians are black, yet black inmates Mon. - Sat. 2%'5,!2,9 s ! 3!6).'3 /&