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TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1874 | 75¢ Lake City Reporter
LAKECITYREPORTER.COM Shands to pay $26M to settle lawsuit Lake Shore among six hospitals that allegedly overbilled.
From wire services and staff reports
In a case spurred by a whis- tleblower, Shands HealthCare will pay $26 million to the fed- eral and state governments to resolve allegations of overbill- ing the Medicaid, Medicare and Tricare programs, the U.S. Department of Justice AMANDA WILLIAMSON/Lake City Reporter announced Monday. Belmont Academy teacher Melinda Nicholson prepares her fifth-graders for the upcoming school year by asking them if they knew what their planner Six hospitals in the Shands should be used for. Ashton Huber, in the front row, eagerly threw up both of his hands to respond. system, including Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center, were alleged to have submitted inpatient claims that should have been billed Schools open with enthusiasm as outpatient services or procedures, according to a Students, teachers Department of Justice news release. excited to resume The six hospitals are: education routine. Shands at Jacksonville; Shands at Gainesville; Shands By AMANDA WILLIAMSON Alachua General Hospital; [email protected] Shands Lake Shore; Shands irst-grader Gracie Starke; and Shands Live Oak. White and her mother, The incorrect billing was Sarah, straggled alleged to have happened behind the rush of from 2003 to 2008. students arriving at “The Department of Justice FWestside Elementary School for is committed to ensuring that the first day of school Monday. Medicare funds are expended Though the two knew what to appropriately, based on the expect, it was hard getting back medical needs of patients rath- into the swing of the school year er than the desire of health routine. care providers to maximize “It’s a different experience profits,” Assistant Attorney than when she first went,” White General Stuart F. Delery said said. “It’s much easier.” in the news release. “Hospitals JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter Gracie waited excitedly in Dozens of parents line up outside of Columbia High School at the end of the first day of school approaches on SHANDS continued on 3A the front office, showing off her Monday. This is the first time the new entrance road to the school was put into use. light-up sneakers and first-day orange dress, complete with a big white bow. She picked the outfit herself, White said. Citizens Though Gracie seemed proud of her choice, she said she was most excited about her new question teacher, her friends and the play- ground. “It’s wonderful to see all the fire rate children return from last year, to see how much they’ve grown over summer,” said Westside increase principal Cherie Hill. “I think they are excited, but some of Public meeting on them are nervous too. After a assessment hike day or two, they’ll get back into the groove of things.” draws about 30. For seven years, Hill has been the principal at Westside. She By TONY BRITT has seen the school earn an A [email protected] grade for each of those years, an accomplishment that thrills her. A small crowd of residents She said she looks forward to peppered county officials another great year. about a proposed residential “It’s always exciting to have fire assessment increase dur- AMANDA WILLIAMSON/Lake City Reporter ing the first county-sponsored A Columbia High School student jokes around with a friend after boarding a school bus after the first day of town hall meeting about the SCHOOL continued on 6A school ended on Monday. proposed fire assessment hikes for fiscal year 2013-14. County officials are propos- ing to increase the residential fire assessment rate from $77 Fleeing driver, passenger caught and jailed to $183.32, based on a “fair and reasonable apportion- By STEVEN RICHMOND into the IHOP near I-75 and U.S. ment” that would require the [email protected] 90 at about 9:30, the report said. rates to change even without While Latimer was asking for budget changes. The county Two individuals were arrest- the driver’s license, Carrigg sud- conducted its last fire assess- ed following a high speed chase denly accelerated and fled east on ment in 2005. down U.S. 90 Sunday morning, U.S. 90, according to the report. Columbia County The increase is necessary to according to the Columbia County The vehicle ran red lights at the Sheriif Deputy maintain the county’s current Sheriff’s Office. U.S. 90 intersections of Southwest D’andra Cole Insurance Services Office rat- Reuben L. Carrigg, 36, of Real Terrace, Southwest Bascom and Sgt. Pete ing and prevent a spike in fire Jacksonville, was northbound on Norris Road, and State Road 247, insurance premiums for coun- Interstate 75 with Vanessa Ann the report said. Speeds reached Spurlock Jr. ty residents, officials said. Raynor, 22, of Orange Park, when 70 to 80 mph. speak to Vanessa The first in a series of their black 2008 Kia SUV began Deputies said a witness advised Ann Raynor after meetings on the assessment changing lanes and driving on the deputies that the vehicle was she was detained change drew about 30 peo- road shoulder for “no reason,” parked behind the Sherwin Sunday morning. ple to the Columbia County deputies report. Williams store at 1912 W. U.S. School Board Administrative Deputy Josh Latimer turned on 90. When deputies arrived his signal lights and conducted a CHASE continued on 3A ASSESSMENT continued on 3A traffic stop after the couple pulled PATRICK SCOTT/Special to the Reporter
Vol. 139, No. 145 People ...... 2A CALL US: TODAY IN COMING (386) 752-1293 92 73 Opinion ...... 4A PEOPLE WEDNESDAY SUBSCRIBE TO T-Storm Chance Obituaries ...... 5A THE REPORTER: Advice & Comics ...... 3B Deputies Local news Voice: 755-5445 Fax: 752-9400 WEATHER, 2A Puzzles ...... 2B promoted. roundup. 2AWEATHER
2A LAKE CITY REPORTER DAILY BRIEFING TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013 Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424
Celebrity Birthdays Saturday: Saturday: Saturday: n Trombone player Jimmy (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) 2-7-11-15-43-45 Afternoon: 6-4-5 Afternoon: 7-1-1-7 Saturday: Pankow of Chicago is 66. is 51. x2 Evening: N/A Evening: N/A 8-16-22-31-33 n Singer Robert Plant (Led n Rapper KRS-One is 48. Zeppelin) is 65. n Actor Billy Gardell (“Mike n Singer Rudy Gatlin of the and Molly”) is 44. PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Gatlin Brothers is 61. n Singer Fred Durst of Limp n Singer-songwriter John Bizkit is 43. Hiatt is 61. n Guitarist Brad Avery of n Actor-director Peter Horton Third Day is 42. (“thirtysomething”) is 60. n Actor Misha Collins n “Today” show weatherman (“Supernatural”) is 39. Franklin not attending award luncheon Al Roker is 59. n Singer Monique Powell of NEW YORK n Actor James Marsters Save Ferris is 38. retha Franklin will not be attending a baseball lun- cheon during which she was to receive a “Beacon” Daily Scripture award for embodying the Aspirit of the civil rights movement, The Associated Press has learned. Whoever has the Son has life; Franklin, 71, has already canceled whoever does not have the Son several concerts recently because of God does not have life. of undisclosed health reasons. In a statement issued Monday by Major League Baseball, the Grammy-win- —1 John 5:12 ning “Queen of Soul” referred to ongoing “treatment” that prevented her from traveling. Franklin lives in the Detroit area; the luncheon is Lake City Reporter HOW TO REACH US being held in Chicago on Saturday. BUSINESS As recently as last week, Franklin Main number ...... (386) 752-1293 Fax number ...... 752-9400 Controller Sue Brannon. . . .754-0419 had been expected to attend the lun- JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter Circulation“ ...... 755-5445 ([email protected]) cheon. Online . . . www.lakecityreporter.com CIRCULATION “I greatly appreciate being a New deputies The Lake City Reporter, an affiliate of Beacon Award recipient,” Franklin Community Newspapers Inc., is pub- Home delivery of the” Lake City Reporter Columbia County Sherriff Mark Hunter (center) poses four deputies who were pro- lished Tuesday through Friday and should be completed by 6:30 a.m. said in her statement. “Presently, I Sunday at 180 E. Duval St., Lake City, Tuesday through Friday, and by 7:30 am unable to travel as I continue my moted recently during a ceremony at the Sheriff’s Office on Monday. Pictured are Fla. 32055. Periodical postage paid at a.m. on Sunday. treatment. I am working toward a (from left) Cpl. Clint Dicks, Cpl. Thomas Mansfield, Hunter, Sgt. Rick Glover and Lake City, Fla. Member Audit Bureau of Please call 386-755-5445 to report any full recovery.” Sgt. Don Meyer. Circulation and The Associated Press. problems with your delivery service. All material herein is property of the Lake In Columbia County, customers should Franklin and former baseball star City Reporter. Reproduction in whole or Bo Jackson were to be presented 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 for her and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, him find and pursue his passion. sion of the publisher. U.S. Postal Service “Beacon” awards, which in previ- 10:30 a.m., next day re-delivery or ser- a family friend, referred to her sur- Goodman, a St. Louis native who No. 310-880. ous years have been given to Willie vice related credits will be issued. gery as “serious.” has starred in stage, television and POSTMASTER: Send address changes Mays and Harry Belafonte among In all other counties where home delivery film roles, told the students to appre- to Lake City Reporter, P.O. Box 1709, others. Major League Baseball plans is available, next day re-delivery or ser- ciate small blessings, because “the Lake City, Fla. 32056. to announce at a later date, but vice related credits will be issued. Actor John Goodman most important thing you will do in Publisher Todd Wilson . . . . .754-0418 before the ceremony, who will accept ([email protected]) Circulation ...... 755-5445 gets honorary degree your life is take your next breath.” ([email protected]) the award on Franklin’s behalf. The NEWS “Beacon” luncheon is one of sev- Home delivery rates SPRINGFIELD — Actor John Editor Robert Bridges . . . . .754-0428 eral events marking baseball’s Civil (Tuesday -Friday and Sunday) Goodman says he’s learned to be Chris Brown concerts ([email protected]) 12 Weeks...... $26.32 Rights Game weekend. grateful for his blessings, rather than cancelled in Canada 24 Weeks...... $48.79 “It is unfortunate that Aretha always striving for more. ADVERTISING ...... 752-1293 52 Weeks...... $83.46 ([email protected]) Rates include 7% sales tax. Franklin will not be able to attend Goodman was awarded an honor- TORONTO — The promoter Mail rates the MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon, ary doctorate degree of humane of four Chris Brown concerts in 12 Weeks...... $41.40 but Major League Baseball wishes letters Sunday during at the convo- Canada scheduled this summer says CLASSIFIED 24 Weeks...... $82.80 her the best throughout her treat- cation at Missouri State University the events have been canceled. To place a classified ad, call 755-5440 52 Weeks...... $179.40 ment,” said baseball Hall of Famer in Springfield. He graduated from Stephen Tobin, owner of Drop Frank Robinson, executive vice the school with a fine arts degree in Entertainment Group, said Monday CORRECTION president of baseball development 1975. that the decision was made after con- for Major League Baseball. He says he originally went to sulting with Brown and in light of his A story in the Thursday, Aug. 8, edition of the Lake City Franklin has had health issues Missouri State to play football but recent personal and health-related before. In 2010, she was hospitalized an injury led him to focus on drama. issues. Reporter incorrectly reported the circumstances of an alleged and underwent surgery for undis- He says he owes his career to the altercation between Willie Collins III and a woman at a local closed reasons. Vigils were held school because its teachers helped n Associated Press restaurant. Collins was not alleged to have beaten the woman or dragged her out of the restaurant. AROUND FLORIDA
JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter Bank hit by lightning Personnel from the Lake City Fire Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Lake City Police Department responded to Columbia Bank on U.S. 90 shortly after noon Monday when employees there smelled a foul odor. First responders believe the building was struck by lighting during the weekend and a power surge Monday caused the odor.
Group makes attest to Guinness that the the game joined the melee, record was broken. sheriff’s officials said. record sundae Seven teens were trans- ported to Florida Hospital PALM BEACH Inmates riot at in Sebring with minor GARDENS — A Palm injuries, ranging from a Beach County charity juvenile facility broken leg to cuts and a event apparently has set a MIAMI — Male teens concussion. No staff or law world record for longest at a juvenile detention enforcement officials were ice cream sundae. facility destroyed several injured. The Palm Beach Post buildings and sparked two Sixty-four teens were reports that more than fires during a riot, injuring transferred to a county jail 1,000 people turned out seven people, authorities in Frostproof. Sunday to help build the said Sunday. 1,250-foot sundae at the Eighteen of the 20 build- PGA National Resort ings at Avon Park Youth Teacher faces & Spa in Palm Beach Academy were destroyed, sex charges Gardens. The sundae causing hundreds of thou- was laid out in connected sands of dollars in dam- PALM COAST — A high troughs that snaked age. Rioters confiscated a school English teacher through two ballrooms guard’s radio on Saturday and track coach is facing The participants paid night and all of the staff charges that he had sex $30 per family to partici- golf carts, and set fire to with a student after giving pate in building and then a building containing the her alcohol eating the sundae. The teens’ records. A trash The Daytona Beach confectionary delight bin was also set ablaze, News-Journal reports that raised money for the according to Polk County Matanzas High teacher Alliance for Kids, which Sheriff’s officials. James Wolfe was arrested helps hospitalized chil- The riots started after Saturday on seven counts dren. a group of teens from St. of unlawful sexual activity The Guinness Book of Petersburg were playing a with a minor. World Records currently basketball game against a Flagler County sheriff’s recognizes a 1,101-foot group from Orlando. The investigators say the girl concoction made in June winning team had to give told them the incidents by a group in White the losers three cups of happened two years ago Bear, Minn. An indepen- soup, but the losing team when she was 16. dent observer watched refused and a fight broke Sunday’s effort and will out. Others not involved in n Associated Press 3A
Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424 LAKE CITY REPORTER local TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013 3a City OKs ‘Project Breeze’ funds Branford man
By STEVEN RICHMOND [email protected] killed in crash The city council voted Monday to From staff reports Buick Rendezvous left extend an incentive package toward the road while attempting an unnamed local business looking to A Branford man died a right turn onto 264th expand within Columbia County. in a single-car crash in Street, the release said. “Project Breeze” is a local business Suwannee County early The car crossed employing Columbia County citizens Sunday, according to a through the intersection looking to expand within the county Florida Highway Patrol and struck a tree with its and are seeking cash incentives to news release. left side, FHP said. aid in their expansion’s $29.8 million Killed was Michael Silas Hegenauer was wearing capital investment. Hegenauer, 27. a seat belt, according to Joel Foreman of the Economic Hegenauer was north- the release, which indi- Development Board presented infor- bound on Sate Road 247 at cated speed was a factor mation on Project Breeze to city 12:05 a.m. when his 2006 in the crash. council Monday evening. The proposed agreement follows that the city would submit an ini- STEVEN RICHMOND/Lake City Reporter tial approximately $113,000 up-front Mayor Stephen Witt stands with Lake City Firefighter Trevor Casin (left), Lt. Dwight SHANDS: Settlement payment when construction on the Boozer, Muscular Distrophy Association fundraising coordinator Kelly Sheehy, expansion begins in January. The Assistant Chief Tim Westberry, Driver Trey Beauchamp, Driver Adam Brannon, Continued From Page 1A company has a 24-month deadline to Firefighters Gramby Croft and Nick Owens, after Witt proclaimed September 2013 complete construction. as Muscular Dystrophy Association Firefighter Appreciation Month. participating in Medicare HealthCare, said in a pre- The additional approximately must bill for their services pared statement that the $263,000 from the city would be sub- tive agreement and cause funding to advised council members that the accurately and honestly.” health system has made mitted in equal annual payments over return to the city. initial construction funding for Terry Myers, the presi- improvements to its bill- the next five years. Foreman also told council mem- Project Breeze would come from city dent of a health care con- ing processes. “We do want to make sure there’s bers that he and the Economic reserves. sulting firm, YPRO Corp., “We hold ourselves a sunset on this thing to make sure it Development Board believed the “We sometimes tap into reserves filed a whistleblower case accountable for the high- won’t be going on for years,” Foreman company would begin turning a profit for one-time expenses like these,” that ultimately led to the est standards of care and said. within three years of initial construc- Mayor Stephen Witt said. “If there’s settlement. service,’’ Goldfarb said. As per the agreement, Project tion. extra money at the end of the year, The case was filed “The case in question Breeze promises it will provide “Seems like a win-win situation to we’ll put it into the reserves.” under the False Claims does not involve the fail- 40 new jobs paying approximately me,” Councilwoman Melinda Moses The city and county’s combined Act, which allows private ure to provide high-qual- $48,000 per year. Failure to deliver said. incentive package for Project Breeze citizens to sue on the ity patient care, but rather on the jobs would break the incen- City Manager Wendell Johnson stands at approximately $1.1 million. government’s behalf and inconsistent billing pro- receive part of any settle- cesses.” ment or judgment. It was announced Myers’ share has not last month that Health CHASE: Man, woman face variety of charges yet been determined. Management Associates, Rhonda Sherrod, which owns Shands Continued From Page 1A Shands Lake Shore CEO, Lake Shore, Shands referred all inquiries to Starke and Shands Live there, Carrigg fled on foot but woke up one morning the University of Florida Oak, was being bought north towards Publix, but to find him missing, along Health news office. by Community Health was caught by Sgt. Pete with her TV, cellphone and Timothy M. Goldfarb, Systems of Franklin, Spurlock Jr. in a grassy car. Deputies said the car’s CEO of Shands Tenn. field, the report said. passenger-side window was Deputies report that the broken out “consistent with vehicle wrecked on a curb a stolen vehicle.” and struck a church sign. Carrigg is wanted in ! Carrigg reportedly told Duval County on charges deputies he would have of grand theft and domestic gotten away if he hadn’t battery, the report said. wrecked the vehicle. Carrigg was detained Raynor was found hiding in the Columbia County in a small retention pond Detention Facility without near the Shermin Williams bond. store, the report said. He faces charges of elud- Deputies report finding ing police, resisting an offi- a small amount of mari- cer, reckless driving, giving 1005 W. Howard St. • Live Oak, FL 32060 juana and a pill of Xanax, a a false name and driving prescription drug use treat with a suspended license, panic attacks and anxiety jail records show. Bring your unwanted disorders. Raynor was jailed in Raynor also confessed lieu of $13,000 bond and Gold, Silver & Platinum PATRICK SCOTT/Special to the Reporter to someone you can trust she was concealing bags Columbia County Sheriif’s Deputy Josh Latimer escorts faces charges of resisting of “Molly” in difficult-to- Reuben L. Carrigg to his patrol car after a vehicle pursuit and an officer, possession of Precious metals are seeing record values. Please call me for a private and confi dential appointment reach places on her body, foot chase Sunday morning. marijuana, drug equipment the report said. “Molly” is possession, destroying to sell or trade your unwanted gold, silver and platinum. a slang term for adulterat- MDMA, or “Ecstasy,” as to a Jacksonville woman evidence and possession George R. Ward ed psychoactive stimulant the primary ingredient. who reported she had lived of controlled substances, Downtown drugs that typically contain The car was registered with Carrigg for three days reports said. Lake City (386) 752-5470
ASSESSMENT: About 30 attend meeting New MerchaNdise arriviNg daily Continued From Page 1A
Complex Auditorium tection is being decreased. tions at the meeting, said ing by two and a half times Monday evening. It’s kind of a contradiction,” he was not in favor or the their current in income.” The meeting, which last- he said. “I don’t mind the increased residential rate The proposed rate Name Brand Gently Used ed about 75 minutes, start- financial aspect of it. I don’t assessment proposal. increases will generate ed out with an audience of mind paying for fire pro- “My concern is the (resi- approximately $5.7 million, Children’s Clothing 17 people and ended with tection, and I believe they dential) assessment is too which will be used to build • Look for the Sale Dots • just over 30. should have more men..., much and it should be three new fire houses in the During the meeting, I’m just a little bit disturbed controlled,” he said, noting county and enhance county 471 SW 247 • Branford Crossing • 752-9885 residents often stopped my coverage is going to he believes the proposed fire protection services and (Across from the fairgrounds) David Kraus, county safety be decreased. I don’t care assessment discriminated equipment. manager, to ask questions how many fire stations they against people in the resi- about the fire assessment put in town, if they’re not dential classification. “It’s and the proposed increase closer to my house, I’m los- proposed at two and a half in residential rates. ing some protection.” times the current assess- Many wanted to know Roger Sulrti Gopal, who ment, and people don’t whether the rates included asked a number of ques- have their incomes grow- Let us help firefighting units respond- ing to auto accidents, while others asked how would the rate increase benefit the county. Shopping for your business Kraus and county fire chief David Boozer said a mortgage? the proposed rates evenly spread the costs of response to vehicle crashes and SHINE! noted the increase in resi- dential rates were based on the residential percentage of calls the fire department has been responding to. Based on Columbia John Kasak, Agent We have a great selection. County Fire Department State Farm Agent data, residential fire calls 904 SW SR 247 Branford Hwy As life changes, so do your increased from 49.3 per- Lake City, FL 32025 needs. Let State Farm Bank® Bus: 386-752-7521 cent in 2005 to 71.6 percent NMLS # 382656 help with a mortgage that fits in 2011 and 2012. your life and your budget. Let us Resident Rudy Fiorillo help you make the right move. COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL asked about the proposed Bank with a Good Neighbor®. ß Janitorial Services ß Upholstery Cleaning closure of Fire Station 40 at CALL ME TODAY FOR ß Tile, Grout and General ß Emergency Water its fairground location for a MORE INFORMATION. Floor Maintenance Extraction & Dry Down new fire station to be built ß Fire, Water and ß Carpet & Rug Cleaning on Bascom Norris Drive. Storm Restoration ß Odor Control “I live in an area that’s covered by that (station). So 24 hours a day 7 days a week emergency call out we have a situation where (386) 362-2244 • (386) 755-6142 • 1-888-849-8234 my assessment is going to email: [email protected] Fax: (386) 362-6822 be more than doubled if 636 Helvenston St. SE, Live Oak, Florida they go through with what Some products and services not available in all areas. they’re saying while my pro- 1001306 State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Bloomington, IL www.baywayservices.biz • The Bayway Group, LLC dba Bayway Services 4AOPINION OPINION
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 www.lakecityreporter.com 4A
ANOTHER VIEW Feds nearing uneasy end of easy street
oping to give the slow-moving econ- omy the equivalent of a high-caffeine energy drink, the Federal Reserve has been aggressively buying up mortgages and bonds in a program it callsH quantitative easing. Now speculation that the central bank soon will taper off its $85-billion-a-month purchases is rat- tling the stock market, which has been the most visible beneficiary of the Fed’s fiscal experiment. The unprecedented attempt to artificially speed up the nation’s economic metabolism has been no substitute for tax reform, entitlement reform, transportation improvements and other hard choices ducked by Congress and the president.... The reality is that with interest rates near zero, cautious investors have been enticed into risky, high-yield stocks. There has been an illusion of success as share prices rose this year. But there has been no spurt in hiring and On the setting of ‘Deliverance’ no major expansion of productive capacity. Unemployment is down to 7.4 percent, but more y wife and I took “It’s not just a movie when a than half of the new jobs are part time.... a different route culture is assaulted on the silver Nevertheless, parts of the economy have for vacation this screen,” she told me. “Try that become addicted to the Fed’s stimulus. Taking it summer. We went with a bunch of Muslims and see away is essential, but it must be withdrawn slowly north. We drove what happens to you. The New Mall the way to the Upper Peninsula Georgia Encyclopedia calls the and predictably. Yields will have to go significantly higher to of Michigan and then down to the movie ‘the most degrading depic- find buyers for the mortgages and bonds when Canadian side of Niagara Falls. We Phil Hudgins tion of southern mountaineers they are no longer gobbled up by the government had beautiful weather; folks were ever put on film.’” friendly and accommodating; the [email protected] Moviemakers came to North through the Fed.... sights were breathtaking. Georgia looking for freaks for So why not just keep stimulating? Inflation, But don’t worry: I’m not going the movie, she said, and those which critics five years ago warned would punish to write about our vacation. I want ously, to attack the Cahulawassee images, 41 years later, still stick in us all, has not appeared in full force. But it could. to talk about “Deliverance.” River, obviously the Chattooga. the minds of disrespectful tourists President Obama recently said that “right now, While we were staying in And it’s they who are attacked. who make derogatory remarks if you look at the biggest challenges we have, the Petoskey, Mich., Roemer McPhee Many of us Southerners think — and sometimes squeal like pigs challenge is not inflation. The challenge is we’ve was speaking at the library in the movie, filmed partially in — to some of the nicest, most hos- still got too many people out of work, too many nearby Harbor Springs. He is the Rabun County, unfairly and wrong- pitable people on earth — natives long-term unemployed, too much slack in the author of “The Boomer’s Guide ly stereotypes mountain people. of the North Georgia mountains. economy.” to Story: A Search for Insight in But Roemer McPhee — whose Roemer McPhee said that That’s right, as far as it goes. Putting so much Literature and Film.” It took him uncle, by the way, is the famous “Deliverance” is about what emphasis on “right now” overlooks the reality that four years to write 500 essays on writer John McPhee — said man does when he’s in a crisis. the current stimulus is unsustainable. Emergency 300 contemporary stories in films that “Deliverance” is not about “It’s very unfortunate,” he said, solutions cannot go on forever without harmful and novels. If you like stories North Georgia, and it’s not about “because the stigma is very real side effects. — and their underlying messages mountain men. “It’s about four and very big, but that’s not the “Easing” is a euphemism for an extraordinary — this book is worth your time. men under a terrible attack,” he essence of the story. ... The set- policy Congress should find troubling. After five I wondered what he had to say said, “and it could have happened ting is a lot less important to the years of buying, the Fed now owns 20 percent of about “Deliverance” since that anywhere. … That story does not story than I think people real- Treasury bonds and notes. It holds 25 percent of was one of the stories he was to depend on the setting, but the ize.” discuss in Harbor Springs. So I setting is etched in everyone’s But it’s extremely important to the mortgages. The Fed’s vault is packed full of bought the book and telephoned mind.” people who live in that setting. paper assets whose value is sure to plunge as soon him. It certainly is. In fact, the setting Just ask a native who’s heard as rates start to rise. You know the basic plot of is etched to the core of Barbara the squeals. The extreme policy has left the country, like a “Deliverance,” a James Dickey Taylor Woodall’s mind. Woodall, a person overdosed on caffeine, restless and irritable. novel made into a movie. It’s about Rabun County native and author of Those of us in the real economy — students, four prosperous canoeists from “It’s Not My Mountain Anymore,” workers, businesses, investors and retirees the big city, obviously Atlanta, who doesn’t see any redeeming quali- ■ Phil Hudgins is senior editor of — hunger for less manipulation and a lot more travel to the North Georgia, obvi- ties in the movie. Community Newspapers Inc. certainty. ■ Tampa Tribune Time for an Obamacare substitute Lake City Reporter t his Aug. 9 news across state lines, just as they now conference, President may buy life, home and apartment Serving Columbia County Since 1874 Barack Obama spoke coverage from vendors across the The Lake City Reporter is published with pride with journalists in the nation. White House East -- Free Americans to open vol- for residents of Columbia and surrounding coun‑ ARoom about Republicans and untary, tax-free Health Savings ties by Community Newspapers Inc. Obamacare. Accounts from which they can We believe strong newspapers build strong “At least they used to say, ‘Well, finance over-the-counter drugs, rou- communities —‑“Newspapers get things done!” we’re going to replace it with Deroy Murdock tine medical care, and catastrophic Our primary goal is to publish distinguished and something better,’ “ Obama said. [email protected] insurance for severe ailments. profitable community‑oriented newspapers. “There’s not even a pretense now -- Entice doctors to deduct from This mission will be accomplished through the that they’re going to replace it tank cars clogged with toxic cargo. their taxes the dollar value of their teamwork of professionals dedicated to truth, with something better.” That said, congressional charity care for poor and unin- integrity and hard work. Unless Republicans want Republicans badly need to plant sured patients. Let a million free Obama to keep spouting such their rumps into some hard chairs clinics bloom. Todd Wilson, Publisher nonsense, they must craft and and unify around a solitary GOP -- Reform the medical malprac- Robert Bridges, Editor at least pass through the GOP alternative to Obamacare. They tice system, which propels health Associate Editor House one single bill that would should endorse its elements, costs skyward. Jim Barr, pledge to adopt it if they win the Sue Brannon, Controller scrap the health-care reform law -- Establish high-risk pools to and put something far better, and Senate, and constantly sell it as the help insure those with pre-existing Republican, in its place. best means to prevent this loom- conditions. Dink NeSmith, President Chairman Republicans are 1,000 percent ing disaster. -- Limit federal involvement to Tom Wood, correct to try to defund, repeal Such a measure -- call it the supplying health-insurance subsi- and replace Obamacare. With Patient Power Act of 2013 -- should dies to those remaining Americans its employer mandate postponed promote choice and freedom, who cannot care for themselves LETTERS POLICY for a year, most health-insurance limit government meddling and nor find relief through civil soci- exchanges far from ready for their pry Uncle Sam from between ety, local and state government, Letters to the Editor should be typed or neatly writ‑ Oct. 1 debut, medical premiums Americans and their doctors. or the initiatives outlined above. ten and double spaced. Letters should not exceed 400 zooming to the moon, and its 10- Specifically, this Patient Power Rather than ruin medicine for 316 words and will be edited for length and libel. Letters year price tag soaring from $940 Act should: million people, government should must be signed and include the writer’s name, address billion at enactment to $1.8 trillion -- Repeal Obamacare. assist the tough cases who cannot and telephone number for verification. Writers can today, Obamacare has become -- Create a robust market in secure help elsewhere. have two letters per month published. Letters and both unworkable and a knee- which individuals, not bosses or ... Washington simply should guest columns are the opinion of the writers and not slapping mockery of its official politicians, can choose to own and offer direct cash payments to help title: the Patient Protection and control portable health plans. the truly needy and infirm buy pri- necessarily that of the Lake City Reporter. Affordable Care Act. -- Shift tax-deductibility of health vate health plans that satisfy their BY MAIL: Letters, P.O. Box 1709, Lake City, FL American patients and taxpayers premiums from employers to needs. 32056; or drop off at 180 E. Duval St. downtown. alike should applaud GOP efforts employees, to help workers pur- chase the coverage that they, not ■ Deroy Murdock is a columnist with BY FAX: (386) 752‑9400. to derail this runaway train and the Scripps Howard News Service BY EMAIL: [email protected] safely run it out of town, before it CEOs or senators, prefer. and a media fellow with the Hoover barrels onto Main Street with its -- Let Americans purchase Institution on War, Revolution and gears stripped, brakes shot and health and pharmaceutical policies Peace at Stanford University. 5A
Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424 LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013 5A
■ To submit your Community Calendar item, contact Jim Barr at 754-0424 or by email at COMMUNITY CALENDAR [email protected].
Aug. 20 Plant clinic University of Florida Master Gardeners are available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Columbia County Extension Office’s new location, 971 W. Duval St. (U.S. 90), Suite 170, to answer questions about lawns and plants. Bring samples for free diagno- sis or solutions. For more information, call 752-5384. Support group Another Way Inc. pro- vides a domestic violence support group every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. If you are a current or former survivor of domestic vio- lence, call (386) 719-2702 for meeting location and an intake appointment. All services are free and con- fidential. White at (919) 368-5893. on Duval Street. It is our 9 a.m. For more informa- hope that the community tion, contact Sister Brenda Ticket deadline Artists wanted will continue to support Perry at (386) 984-7343. Today is the deadline The Live Oak Artists the market and bear with for buying tickets for the Guild is seeking artists to us for the next several Clearance sale annual Exalted Ruler Black exhibit their works at the months while construction The Christian Service Tie Affair at B&S Combs Autumn Artfest Sept. 9- is taking place in Wilson Center will hold a ware- Elks Lodge 1599. The 20 at the Suwannee River Park. house clearance sale from event honoring Brother Regional Library. All art- 8 a.m. to noon. Items will Richard “Coach” Anders ists 18 and older are eli- Eastside carnival be priced singularly or by will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. gible. Entry fee is $25 for Eastside Elementary the box load — a real bar- COURTESY PHOTOS 30 at the lodge, 1688 NE guild members and $35 School will have its Back gain. The Lighthouse Gift Washington St. Tickets are West Point graduate for nonmembers. Deadline to School Carnival from Shop will also be open. The $25. For more information, for entries is Aug. 23. 2 to 7 p.m. Open to the CSC warehouse and cen- call Carlos Brown at (386) Adam Despang, a 2009 Columbia High School graduate, Applications are available at entire community, there ter are located at 421 NW 288-6235. recently was graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at The Frame Shop & Gallery will be bounce houses, a Washington St. Proceeds West Point, N.Y., and commissioned as a second lieutenant and the Suwannee River dunking booth and lots of from the sale benefit the Early Learning board in the Army Field Artillery. ABOVE: Despang is shown in his Regional Library. Or, artists games. A $10 wristband center’s food pantry. For The Early Learning cadet dress uniform. ABOVE RIGHT: Despang takes his oath may download/print the gets patrons unlimited information, contact exec- Coalition of Florida’s as a military officer at his commissioning ceremony May 25. application from our blog: access to games and bounce utive director Kay Daly at Gateway Inc. board meet- http://theloag.blogspot. houses. Adults accompany- 755-1770. ing will be at 9:00 a.m. at Despang is the son of Kimberly Cartier, of Lake City. com/ For more informa- ing children receive free the coalition office, 1104 tion, contact Suzanne admission. Booth space is Memorial service SW Main Blvd. The coali- Marcil at (386) 362-7308. A available for businesses The Wellborn Church tion administers the state from 7 to 8 a.m. each to each other. Times are minimum of $3,000 in priz- that want to market their of God will have a memo- and federal funding for Wednesday at the church, Fridays and Saturdays at es will be awarded. Artwork businesses for $50. For rial service for Norman all School Readiness and 5056 SW State Road 47, one 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 selected for these awards more information, contact Jackson at 11 a.m. A cov- Voluntary Prekindergarten mile south of Interstate 75. p.m. Tickets are available will be exhibited at a spe- Trey Hosford, principal, at ered-dish dinner will follow programs for Columbia, For more information, con- at The Framery of Lake cial “Featured Exhibition” 755-8220. the service. For more infor- Hamilton, Lafayette, tact Pastor Bruce Alkire at City, by calling (386) 754- at the Suwannee River mation, call Pastor W.C. Suwannee and Union. (386) 755-4299. 2780, online at www.high- Regional Library, from Guest speaker Cobb at (386) 623-1348 or Anyone with a disability springscommunitytheater. Sept. 21 to Oct. 4. Meridian Behavioral (386) 752-8479. requiring special assistance CHS Class of 1946 com and at the door. Heathcare Inc. will have to attend should contact The Columbia High Aug. 24 a guest speaker Darrell Aug. 25 Stacey DePratter at (386) School Class of 1946 will Community theater Hammond from 7:30 to 8:30 752-9770. have its quarterly luncheon The Acrosstown Band performance p.m. at Santa Fe College Women’s Day from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Repertory Theater of The all-girl band Fine Arts Hall. For more New Mount Zion AME NAARFE meeting Phishheads Restaurant on Gainesville will give a pre- Mustang Sally will perform information, contact Mark Church in the Watertown The National Association Southwest Main Boulevard. view performance of the at 10 p.m. at 100 E. Call St. Johnson at (352) 275-2878 Community will have a of Active and Retired Cost of the lunch will be play “12 Angry Jurors” by in Starke during the Starke or mark_johnson@mbhci. Women’s Day observance Federal Employees will paid by a class member. Reginald Rose in the Baird Bike Festival. For ticket org. at 3 p.m. The speaker meet at 1 p.m. at the For more information, call Center at 619 S. Main St., information, call (904) 264- will be Co-pastor Sylvia Lifestyle Enrichment Lenvil Dicks at 961-1104. Gainesville. 5278 or go online at www. Women’s boot camp Sheppard and the con- Center, 628 SE Allison Shows will be Fridays starkeflbikefest.com. Trinity Faith Outreach gregation of Bread of Life Court. The guest speaker Planning council and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Ministries, 738 NW Texas Outreach Ministry. For will be Nikie Adams of The North Central Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets Farmers market moves Ave, will have a “Women’s more information, call the Lake City Veterans Florida Regional Planning are $10 and are available at The Lake DeSoto Boot Camp” beginning at (386) 752-4306. Administration. All active Council will meet at 7:30 Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Farmers Market will be and retired federal employ- p.m. (dinner at 7 p.m.) at Westgate location, online at temporarily relocated to For Life Insurance ees are welcome. For more the Holiday Inn Hotel & acrosstown.org, at the door the parking lot at the cor- information, call Jim Purvis Suites, 213 NW Commerce 30 minutes before show- ner of Marion Avenue and Go With at 292-9361. Blvd. State Rep. Clovis time or by calling (352) Duval Street adjacent to Watson Jr. will be the 234-6278. Olustee Park in downtown Someone You Know Art League guest speaker. The meet- Lake City from 9 a.m. to Af_e9liej#@@@ DXip?%Jldd\iXcc The monthly meeting of ing agenda is available on Classic cars 1 p.m. The relocation is 8^\ek =`eXeZ`XcJ\im`Z\jI\g% the Art league of North line at http://ncfrpc.org/ A classic car cruise-in to make way for construc- Florida will be held at the CouncilPackets/2013/08_ is held each Friday from tion of a pavilion on the 234 SW Main Blvd. • 752-5866 First Presbyterian Church 22_13.pdf. 5:30 to about 8 p.m. at the market’s regular site in in the Fellowship Hall at Hardee’s restaurant on U.S. Wilson Park. The new site 6:30 p.m. Supper is served Aug. 22 - 31 90 West at Bascom Norris will have frontage along at 6:30, followed by a short Drive. All car enthusiasts U.S. 90 for the vendors business meeting, and then RV show are welcome. For more and a heightened vis- a speaker. The speaker for Lake City RV Show will information, call Graham ibility to motorist traveling this month is Mike Grecian, be held at Columbia County local artist and business- Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. man, who will speak and to 6 p.m. daily. For more provide a demonstration information, call (229) 740- OBITUARIES about “Color Theory.” 0377. Kenneth James Furnish Henry and Philip David Hen- ry both of Jacksonville, FL, Aug. 21 Aug. 23 Kenneth James Furnish, 85, a Chris Henry of Logansport, IN, resident of Lake City, passed Molly and Linsey Naphew of Serving Lake City & Gainesville Plant clinic Boys Club sign-up away on Saturday, August 17, Walton, IN; 4 great grandchil- University of Florida The Boys Club of 2013 at the dren, and many nieces, neph- S u w a n n e e ews and cousins also survive. Master Gardeners are Columbia County is now Valley Care Funeral services will be con- available every Wednesday registering for the fall ses- Center (Ha- ducted at 11:00 a.m., on Thurs- from 1 to 4 p.m. at the sion, which runs Aug. 19 ven Hos- day, August 22, 2013 in the Fort White Public Library through Dec. 1 All boys pice). He was chapel of Gateway-Forest on Route 47 to answer and girls ages 6 to 14 are born January 8, 1928 to the late Lawn Funeral Home with Pas- Harvey and Edith Furnish in tor Louie Mabrey oficiating. Construction/Debris Containers Available questions about lawns and eligible. The club picks up Camden, Indiana. He served Interment services will be held plants. Bring samples for children from elementary, faithfully in the United States at 2:30 p.m. in the Florida Na- free diagnosis or solutions. middle and high schools. Army and was stationed in Ko- tional Cemetery, Jacksonville, 755-7060 For more information, call The fee is $200 per child, rea where he was a paratrooper Florida. Visitation with the with the 82nd Airborne. He family will be one hour prior to 15 yd. • 20 yd. • 30 yd. • 40 yd. 752-5384. which includes transporta- service time (10:00 a.m. until moved to Lake City in 1965 and Delivered to your job site today tion. The club offers indoor was employed with the United 11:00 a.m.). In lieu of lowers Soil testing and outdoor sports, game States Postal Service for 20 the family asks that donations Columbia County Master room, homework help, a years. He was a past Command- in his memory be made to Wes- Gardeners will do free soil computer lab and other er of the V.F.W. Post 2206 and ley Memorial United Methodist the American Legion Post 57. Church, 1272 SW McFarlane pH testing each Wednesday activities. For more infor- He was preceded in death by his Ave. Lake City, FL 32025 or at at the Columbia County mation, call 752-4184. brother in law, Don Snoeberger. the Suwannee Valley Care Cen- Extension Office’s new Survivors include his loving ter (Haven Hospice), 6037 U.S. location, 971 W. Duval St. Community theater wife of 49 years, Marilyn S. Hwy 90 West, Lake City, FL Furnish; sister, Thelma Snoe- 32055. GATEWAY-FOREST (U.S. 90), Suite 170. Drop High Springs Community berger of Orlando, FL; sons, LAWN FUNERAL HOME, off soil samples at the Theater will present A. R. Michael (Sheri) Henry of 3596 S. U.S. Hwy 441, Lake Jay Poole, AAMS® office any week day during Gurney’s endearing com- Sebring, FL, Kevin (Susan) City, FL 32025. (386) 752-1954. Financial Advisor business hours. For more edy “Love Letters” through Henry of Logansport, Indiana Please leave words of com- 846 S W Baya Drive information, call 752-5384. Sunday, Sept. 1. The play and Barry (Bonnie) Henry of fort for the family online at Jacksonville, FL; daughter, www.gatewayforestlawn.com Lake City FL 32025 chronicles the lifelong rela- Kathy (Marc) Naphew of Wal- 386-752-3545 Men’s Bible study tionship between Andrew ton, IN; grandchildren, Chris Our Redeemer Lutheran Makepeace Ladd and (Ann) Henry of Charlotte, Obituaries are paid advertise- Church will have a men’s Melissa Gardner in read- NC, James (Shannon) Henry ments. For details, call the of Naples, FL, Kelli Henry of Lake City Reporter’s classified breakfast and Bible study ings from their letters Sebring, FL, Mary Katherine department at 752-1293. 7A
Page Editor: Jim Barr, 754-0424 LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL TuEsDAY, AuGusT 20, 2013 7A BACK TO SCHOOL
Lisa Tillman helps her son, Ty, find his kindergarten teacher on Westside Elementary School’s teacher schedule for his Karis Jernigan, 8, raises her hand to vote for her favorite subject, reading, in Dede Koon’s third-grade class at Summers first day of school. Ty’s been ready for school, she said, since Elementary School. his older sister already attends Westside.
Seventh grade teacher Donna Darby helps Mikayla Collins during the first day of school on Monday at Lake City Middle School. Darby teaches Mikayla during Research, a manda- tory first block for all the students that teaches research Adrian Johnson, on the right in the front row, listens intently on Monday to his fifth-grade teacher Melinda Nicholson explain methods. the rules for the upcoming year at the newly opened Belmont Academy.
Richardson Middle School students Shelby Baker (left), 14, Edward Jackson, who claims his age is “24,” Racaira Fulton, 14, and Andreanna Sheppard, 14, get pumped for their first day of eighth grade.
Mikayla Collins, left, compares her schedule with her friend Hannah Collins at Lake City Middle School on Monday, the first day of school. For the first time ever, they share all the same classes.
A child raises her hand as Dede Koon asks her third-grade class about their favorite subjects at Summers Elementary School. Math won by a landslide.
Columbia High School students pose for a photograph as they search for their buses home at the end of the first day of school on Monday. 8A
a LAKE CITY REPORTER ADVERTISEMENT tuesDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013 ' )! $$$ # ')!'