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• [email protected] • www.StarkeJournal.com •Deadline Monday 5 p.m. before publication • Phone 386-496-2261 • Fax 386-496-2858
Union County TimesUnion County Times USPS 648-200 — Lake Butler, Florida Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 100th Year —31st Issue — 75 CENTS
Worth Noting
The Union County Library and the Board of County Commissioners presented commissioner Ricky Jenkins
with plaques of appreciation, retiring after 20 years of service as the district 5 commissioner. (l-r) Library
Board member Ken Parrish, Library Director Mary Brown and Mary and Ricky Jenkins.
At left (Back row, l-r) Jimmy Tallman, Karen Cossey, Morris Dobbs and Regina Parrish. (Front row, l-r) Mary
and Ricky Jenkins with Chairman Wayne Smith.
After 20 years, Ricky Jenkins says farewell
BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor
Now officially retired, Commissioner Ricky Jenkins said his final farewell at the recent county commission meeting after serving five consecutive terms/20 years for district 5.
During the meeting, Union County public library director Mary Brown and library board member Ken Parrish presented Jenkins with a plaque of appreciation.
“Mr. Jenkins has been a
wonderful asset to the library board and the community we serve. He will be greatly missed,” said Brown.
The Board of County Commissioners also presented Jenkins with a plaque for his many years of service and commitment to the county.
Newly elected district 5 commissioner Willie Croft was sworn in the following day.
In other news, the BOCC held their reorganizational meeting naming Jimmy Tallman as the vice-chairman. Wayne Smith retained his position as
the chairman. According to the BOCC office, Smith held the position for 17 consecutive
years prior to Karen Cossey’s time as chairperson. Smith, now holding the position two years in
a row, has a total of 19 years as chairman.
Code Enforcement Board meet
The City of Lake Butler Code Enforcement Board will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall located at 200 SW 1st Street in Lake Butler.
Donations for Santa gift bags
The City of Lake Butler is accepting donations for the Santa gift bags for the children of the community. Stocking stuffer gifts or monetary donations are welcomed. Donors will be recognized for their contribution. Please contact City Hall for more information.
Christmas in the Park
Join for a fun filled family day on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Worthington Springs Park for the Christmas in the Park arts and crafts festival. Enjoy bounce houses, the kids corner and letters and pictures with Santa. Check out the Facebook page at Christmas in the Park/Worthington Springs
Christmas Banquet set
The Consolidated High School committee will hold their annual Christmas banquet on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Hal Y. Maines community center in Lake Butler. This event is open to the public. There will be music, food, door prizes and more. Contact Eddie or Cora Jackson at 386-496-1670 for more information.
Ritz Christmas Classic
Christ Central of Lake Butler will host a Ritz Christmas Classic on Friday, Dec. 14, beginning at 7 p.m. This “Red Carpet” event will have classic holiday music with swing n’ modern mix combined with a 50’s cuisine. Tickets are on sale for $10 and can be purchased by calling 386-365-6968. Wear your tux, formal gown, etc.
United Daughters of the Confederacy meet
The United Daughters of the Confederacy® Olustee chapter will meet in Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 5:15 p.m. at the China Buffet located at 345 West Duval Street. The buffet will be served after the meeting. The cost is $9 however the is drink extra. Reservations are not required. For more information call Linda Williams at 352-215-8776.
Correction on LBMS straight A’s
Lake Butler Middle School 7th grade student Kale Oden made straight A’s but was not listed on the LBMS all A’s honor roll list.
BY TIFFANY CLARK
Times Editor
Several citizens of Worthington Springs have requested an explanation as to why the Chastain/Seay park gates have been locked. This secured gate is the only public entrance/access to the park, river and the boat ramp.
Worthington Springs town council member Betty Elixson gave a statement on behalf the council.
“The gates of the Chastian/Seay Park have been locked since July due to the damage caused by tropical storm Debby. The town is working diligently to get the park fixed but feel at this time it is still unsafe. The walkways and the boat ramp were destroyed from the force of the water. One arrest has been made from a vehicle busting the gate and locks open and spinning up the grounds. Surveillance cameras are in place so we caution anyone from breaking an entering,” said Elixson.
The Union County Sheriffs Office confirmed that an arrest had been made, which included two charges of criminal mischief and a trespassing charge.
Lt. Lyn Williams said that the investigation is on going and more arrests may follow. The UCSO will continue their efforts to prevent and apprehend anyone who trespasses until the park is deemed safe for public use. Anyone who has any tips or information is asked to report it to the UCSO.
As for the damage to the boat ramp, a picture appeared in an earlier edition of the Union County Times after its completion. After tropical storm Debby, another picture was
taken with the floating dock near its full extent. Two days after the picture was taken, the dock detached, coming to rest against several partially submerged trees.
The boat ramp was built with a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife with an agreement that the town of Worthington Springs would operate and maintain it for 20 years. Because of this agreement, the council has to repair it. A request for assistance from FEMA has been submitted to help repair the damage but it is unknown at this time if the request will be granted. (Above) The Chastain/Seay dock and boat ramp prior to the damage.
(Below) The floating dock two days before it detached after the storm.
Chastain/Seay Park entrance locked, trespasser arrested
(Above) This fall, the Purple 8U team had an undefeated season. 9 wins/0 losses.
The coaches were: Lee Hicks, Joe Lovelace and Kevin Sellers.
The players included: Dylan Lovelace, Colby Dukes, Riggs Davis, Dayven Sellers, Ethan Hancock, Arington Hicks, Steven Woodard, Hunter Vedder, Tucker Parrish,
Ethan Stringer and Rylee Suggs.
Frances Gaskins of Lake Butler won the 7-½ foot, pre-lit, fully decorated Christmas tree, a raffle sponsored by the Lake Butler Woman’s Club.
Gaskins was called to come pick up her tree but had her whole family at her home for the celebration of her 75th birthday. Her granddaughter, Holly Reed Cain and her husband Andrew Cain volunteered to pick up the tree for her.
Proceeds from the raffle will be used for worthy projects undertaken by the Woman’s Club, to include a scholarship, HOBY and an air conditioner for the clubhouse.
The Lake Butler Woman’s Club, established in 1912, is celebrating 100 years of service to Union County this year. New members are always welcome. To help serve, contact a woman’s club member.
Christmas tree raffle winner named
The winner of the Woman’s Club Christmas tree raffle was Frances Gaskins of Lake Butler. (l-r) Lake Butler Woman’s Club President Ann Hendricks stands with Gaskins
granddaughter Holly Reed Cain and her husband Andrew Cain.
2A Union County Times • Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012
Lake Butler Elementary second grade all A’s
Christ Central of Lake Butler serves Thanksgiving dinner to all in need BY TIFFANY CLARK
Times Editor
Christ Central of Lake Butler hosted a Thanksgiving dinner recently for community members in need, serving over 230 people throughout the county. For
individuals who could not attend, to-go plates were made and delivered.
Some of the people behind the dinner and deliveries were: Sukyia Davis, Marissa Wallace, Kody Bennett, Diana Nichols, Lisa Parrish, Samantha Mabrey,
Darcel McCastle, Zack Page, Sheran Bennett, Kim Rosaly, Lisa Page, Krystal Burton, Shilah Eades, Kalen Bennett, Gene Mock, Amy Mock, Carlos Rosaly, Pastor Adam Page, Gatlin Burton, Olivia Crawford, Connie Eades, David Williams, Montana Parrish, Morgan Page and Heidi LaPlant.
The dinner had a variety of items to choose from to include: rice crispy treats, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, corn bread, cake, green beans, corn, potato salad, sweet potatoes, pear crisps, stuffing, gravy, turkey, chicken, sweet potato soufflé, dump cake,
peach cobbler and a roll. RMC correctional officer
Michael Barton smoked the 5 turkeys and 13 chickens that were served during the dinner, all of which were donated by RMC.
This is just one of the many community outreach events CCLB has hosted this year. Pastor Page and his wife feel that their goals at CCLB and in the county are coming along well and plan to continue helping the community grow, one act of kindness at a time.
(Above) The CCLB team included (Back row, l-r) Sukyia Davis, Marissa
Wallace, Kody Bennett, Diana Nichols, Lisa
Parrish and Samantha Mabrey. (Third row, l-r) Darcel McCastle, Zack Page, Sheran Bennett, Kim Rosaly, Lisa Page, Krystal Burton, Shilah
Eades and Kalen Bennett. (Second row, l-r) Gene
Mock, Amy Mock, Carlos Rosaly, Pastor Adam Page,
Gatlin Burton and Olivia Crawford. (Front row,
l-r) Connie Eades, David Williams, Montana Parrish,
Morgan Page and Heidi LaPlant.
Clothes give-a-away
Sanderson Christian Revival Center will have a clothes give-a-way today, Dec. 29, at Sprinkle Field in Lake Butler beginning at 9 a.m.
Holy Ghost Revival set
You are invited to come and renew your spirit with the Holy Ghost at the St. James AME church on Thursday, Dec. 6, through Friday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. The special speaker will be Elder Vern Godbolt, Voice of Deliverance. For more information, contact 352-231-1798, 352-895-8708 or 352-494-2815. The church is located on the corner of C.R. 238 and C.R. 231, Providence Road.
Morningstar is complete
Morningstar Baptist Church has completed the last phase of building and invites everyone to come to worship. The church is located on C.R. 18, one half mile west of S.R. 121 and the C.R. 18 intersection in Worthington Springs. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m., Sunday morning worship begins at 11 a.m. and Sunday evening worship begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday evenings there will be a covered dish meal and fellowship at 6 p.m. Children and adult bible study and prayer at 7 p.m. For more information contact 386-719-2148 or email
Santa Fe Mennonite Invitation
Santa Fe Mennonite Church welcomes all to attend service on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. The church is located at 4555 SW 107th Ave. Contact 386-984-0938 or 352-339-2249 for more information.
10-year celebration at Greater Elizabeth
Isaac Brown and God’s anointed new generation will be celebrating their ten-year anniversary at Greater Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. Every one is invited.
Church News
(Below, l-r) CCLB Pastor Adam Page and his wife Lisa.(At right, l-r) Lisa Parrish, Marissa Wallace, Olivia Crawford and Samantha Mabrey put the finishing
touches on the last of the 230 trays.
(Above, l-r) Diana Nichols, Joe Riggins and Amy Mock
are making to go plates. (Above, l-r) Marissa Wallace and Kim Rosaly fill the plates and pass them down.
(Back row, l-r) Layne Moore, Danny Thornton, Sarah Archer, Leah Clark, Colby Dukes, Drew Manning, Karly Ann Raulerson and Caleb Ripplinger. (Front row, l-r) Reagan
Robinson, Karly Shatto, Karleigh White, Emily Wilson and Tristen Woodall.
(Back row, l-r) Danielle Barrick, Johnny Benefield, Ian Brannen, Kendel Forsyth, Matthew Laux and Carson Rogers. (Front row, l-r), Natalie Gay, Katleyn Jenkins, Emma
Perron, Michael Young, Ella Dicks, Ethan Graham and Darien Jones.
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 • Union County Times 3A
(Back row, l-r) Hailey Bradley, Abygayle Fillyaw, Cianna Curtis, A’Nieca Robins and Hannah Sherrod. (At front)
Brandon Brown.
LBES second grade all A’s
Advantage Point Performance, Inc. hosted their first annual “Thanksgiving Meal” recently, serving 200 community members. The event took place at Sprinkle Field across from the Kangaroo store. All meals were provided for free.
Advantage Point Performance, Inc (APP) is a training program designed to give all students an edge athletically and
academically. It was created to help develop the talents of those pursing their dreams athletically and also to help them emerge and stand above their peers academically.
For more information on the program, contact Sampson Jackson, President, at (386) 266-3063 or Durrell Warren, Vice President, at (386) 266-8600.
(At right) Advantage Point Performance, Inc hosted their first annual “Thanksgiving Meal” serving 200 members of the community. This was made possible by: (Back row, l-r) Sybil Young, Devin Perry, Rondez Edwards, Jaleel Nickerson, Adam Cason, Deivory Green and
Evelena Henderson. (Middle row, l-r) Marcus Jenkins, Pamela Boykin, Lanita Bartley, Ettie Warren, Angela Warren and Bonnie Alexander. (Front row, l-r) Alayah Boykin, Advantage Point Performance, Inc. President Sampson Jackson and Vice President Durrell Warren.
(Below) Lola Lacy provided this picture of the large crowd that surrounded the tent where the Advantage Point Performance, Inc. members prepared to serve
dinner. A holiday decoration can be seen over the tent. Although this was not intentional, many attending
guests felt it fit the occasion.
Thanksgiving with Advantage Point Performance, Inc.
Vote for new license plate design
The website for public voting on Florida’s license plate, www.Vote4FloridaTag.com, is now open.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) wants to upgrade the basic Florida plate to a design that increases readability
and features a seven character configuration.
A committee of more than 20 stakeholders, including state agency personnel, law enforcement, tax collectors and affiliated associations participated in the development of the final license plate designs. DHSMV’s in-house graphics artist created the proposed designs. Florida residents can vote online through Dec. 14.
Local family photographs found
Several boxes of photograph negatives of local events from the mid-1960s have been found by the Department of Corrections in Tallahassee. The events include weddings, graduations, etc., that were taken by the department’s photographer at the time, R.P. McLendon.
The boxes contained some information about the events and individuals involved, including:
• 1966 Mr. Turner (Anderson)• 12/29/65 Karen Gibson and
Noble Ellis wedding• 1/22/66 Voncilla Williamson
wedding• 12/19/65 Barbara Maines
and Rickey DeVoe, Lake Butler• (No date) Mr. Barnes
(children’s photos)• 2/6/66 Nancy Crawford and
James Stalnaker wedding• (No date) R.P. McLendon
family (?)• 1965 Miss “U” High
Jeannette Crawford• 5/64 Graduation of Tommy
and Harriett Mayton? Hayton? Haytor?
• 11/23/66 Kay Cogdill wedding
• Miscellaneous bridal pictures• Sweat weddingAnyone interested in these
negatives can contact Paula Bryant at 850-717-3649 or [email protected].
(Back row, l-r) Justin Alford, Cole Anderson-Davis, Jill-Alie Hercule-
Espinal, Kindall Johnson, Hance Jones, Max
Newman, Jaci Patrick and Angela Tucker. (Front
row, l-r) Grace Griffis, Ethan Hancock, Tre’von
Lee, Liberty Nice, Brianna Reilly, Emily Richards, Jordan Sanderson and
Katie Wade.
4A Union County Times • Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012
LEGALS
LBES first grade straight A’s(Back row, l-r) Kadence Adams, Cailynn Boggs,
Jewel Dekle, Grant Dicks, Lyndee Griffis, Kiera Hunt-er, Micah Jordan and Lily Neal. (Front row, l-r) Syd-
ney Taylor, Kaylee Thomp-son, Kanten Touchstone, Blaine Williams, Patricio
Perez, Jeremiah Denmark, Natali Heaton, Aiden Bell and Faith Holmes. (Not pictured) Jacob Alford.
(Back row, l-r) Jordan Peterson, Kameran Paytee,
Brycen Boney, Wyatt Chapman, Alexus Panozzo,
Colby Peacock, Carter Roberts, Sawyer Roberts,
Erich Seager, Kody Stalnaker, Brody Smith
and Kylee Williams. (Front row, l-r) Baler Waters, Jack-
Henry Whitehead, Noelle Lindsey, Vivien Coldiron,
Isaac Curtis, Hayden Erwin, Klaryssa Kennington and
Jordan Miller.
(Back row, l-r) Ashden Johnson, Rodney Kyler Barnett, Sydney Box, Chloe Chohan, Tanner
Connell, Kiran Crawford, Riggs Davis, Landen
Gibson, Jordan Hendricks, Giavanna Merola and
Sheila Thompson. (Front row, l-r) Karli Jenkins, Johnte’ Nichols, Rylie
Parrish, Bryce Sanders, Lily Young, Brady Arthur,
Emilee Benton and Taliyah Harper.
(Back row, l-r) Preston Bonsall, Abigail Gainey, Tucker Parrish, Konnor Rossiter, Jordan Seay, Kayley Tomlinson and Alayna Watkins. (Front
row, l-r) Aaron Alexander, Kearstin Chavis, Casey
Crawford, Makayla Nelson, Gracy Parrish and Rhyan
Thomas.
(Back row, l-r) Dolton Parrish, Thomas Jenkins, Jordan Clarke, James Cox, Zariah Foster, Bradin Goff, Hayden Holton, Kora Jones, Calista Law, Janiah Albritton,
Brooklyn Prescott, Aliyah Smith and Jason Thomas. (Front row, l-r) Brooke Childress, Dawson Crews, Mallorie Edsall, Zanya Eliss, Elijah Griffis, Elizabeth Guadagnoli and
Kadence Hawkins. (Not pictured) John Forsgren.
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 • Union County Times 5A
Members of the Lake Butler FFA Chapter were one of 44 teams who participated in the National FFA Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event (CDE).
This event was held in conjunction with the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ryan Perez, Michaela Joyner, Kayla Freeman, William Brown, Danielle Pate and Morgan Dukes competed with 257 other members from across the country. The team, led by advisor Amie Imler, was awarded a Gold emblem.
The members of the national winning team each received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. TransCanada, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, sponsors the cash awards and the
parliamentary procedure event. TransCanada said they are
proud to support the National FFA Organization as they help youth realize their potential and guide them on their path to becoming future land stewards and leaders. “We want to make a positive difference in the communities where we live and work and FFA helps us make that happen.”
The National FFA Parliamentary Procedure CDE tests students’ ability to effectively communicate ideas during a meeting. Components included a general knowledge exam of parliamentary law, a ten-minute demonstration of parliamentary procedure, oral questions, written minutes of the demonstration as well as a team problem solving activity.
Each team competed on local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing their state at the National FFA Convention and Expo.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Indianapolis, is one of many educational activities at the National FFA Convention and Expo iwhere FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural education classes.
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 557,318 student members as part of 7,498 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through
agricultural education. The National FFA
Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA
as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more information, visit the National FFA Organization
online at www.ffa.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
FFA awarded Gold Emblem at National Event
(Back row, l-r) Ryan Perez, Case Emerson, William Brown, Taylor Wilkins and Morgan Dukes. (Front
row, l-r) Charlotte Emerson (Coach), Kayla Freeman, Savannah Woodall, Danielle Pate and Michaela Joyner with the National FFA Parliamentary Procedure Contest
Coordinator.
BY DANIELLE PATESr. FFA Chapter Secretary
October was a busy month for the Lake Butler FFA Chapters. FFA officers attended the Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) held at Florida Gateway College. We also held our annual Lori Nicole Anderson Memorial Bowling Tournament. Additionally, our Forestry Team competed at the District Contest this month. We finished off October’s activities at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Both Middle and High School chapter officers were able to learn more about how to be leaders in our local chapters at the COLT Conference. The Florida State FFA Officers hosted several workshops for our own officers about how to use the necessary skills to be an effective leader.
Our annual Lori Nicole Anderson Memorial Bowling Tournament was a success. We had 95 generous sponsors that helped make the tournament possible. These funds will go towards our chapter’s Lori Nicole Anderson Memorial Scholarship, which will be given to a graduating senior at our banquet in May. First place team members included Corey Palmer, Tim Palmer, Curtis Clyatt, and Haylee West. Mr. Curtis Clyatt was also our tournament’s High Individual Male Bowler. Second place team members included Trey Owen, Geordyn Green, Kyle Mosher, and Austin Dukes, while our FFA Advisors rounded out the tournament as the third place team. Team members were Mr. Tom Williams, Mrs. Brittney McGee, Mrs. Amie Imler, and Mr. Brandon Imler. Our tournament’s High Individual Female Bowler was FFA member Ashley O’Steen.
Our Forestry team traveled to the Austin Cary Memorial Forest in Gainesville for the District contest. Team members were Cayla Davis, Ashley O’Steen, Kelsey Thornton, Logan Morneau, Shane Hendricks, Chandler Gartman, Holly Tucker, and Devin Boone. The team placed 3rd overall. Additionally, team member Kelsey Thornton was High Individual in the Timber Estimation portion of the contest, Chandler Gartman was High Individual in the Compass and Pacing portion of the contest, and Cayla Davis was High Individual in the Forest Disorders portion of the contest. We would also like to thank Mr. Jay Tucker for all of his willingness to help our Forestry team prepare for this year’s contest.
During the last week of October we were able to take 13 students that earned the privilege to attend National FFA Convention based on their accomplishments in our chapter and in activities at the state level. Our parliamentary procedure team competed and placed 9th in the nation and had the highest test score average out of all 43 competing Parliamentary Procedure teams. The team placed gold, making them accredited Parliamentarians, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Team members were: Ryan Perez, Michaela Joyner, Kayla Freeman, Morgan Dukes, Danielle Pate, William Brown, Savannah Woodall, Taylor Wilkins, and Case Emerson. We would like to give a big thanks
to Mrs. Charlotte Emerson for all of her hard work and dedication to our Parliamentary Procedure team. Competing at the national level would not have been possible without her. Case Emerson also competed in the Agriscience Fair where he placed 13th in his category. Shane Hendricks, Eston Worrell, McKenzie Mobley and Shelby McDowell served as delegates.
The Lake Butler FFA chapters are always busy and are looking forward to many activities in the future. We appreciate the help and support from our local businesses and community – we couldn’t do it without you.
Union County FFA member speaks of recent accomplishments
The 1st place bowling team included (l-r) Curtis Clyatt, Tim Palmer, Corey Palmer
and Haylee West.
(Below) The 3rd place bowling team included Brandon Imler, Amie Imler, Brittney Mc-Gee and Tom Williams (with Maggie Parrish and Tanner LeMay.)
(At left) The 2nd place bowling team included (l-r) Trey Owen, Kyle Mosher, Geordyn Green and Austin Dukes.
(At left, l-r) McKenzie Mobley and Shelby Mc-
Dowell at the UF College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences Booth.
City facing a four-plaintiff lawsuit
The City of Lake Butler is facing a lawsuit, in its beginning stages, that was filed by four complainants claiming wrongful termination.
The suit, according to city attorney John Maines IV, was received by the city during October. The first mention of this suit was at the recent city commission meeting where the commissioners were made aware of discussion and decision-making steps that could be taken after more information is received.