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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Farmer’s Market “Off and Running” Good supply of vegetables at this time.

The TIMES paid a visit to the Jackson County Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning. The market is located on the Court House parking lot in the Farmer’s Market pavilion. There was a good supply of “home grown” vegetables on display, as the market was open and doing business.

“At this time we have a good supply of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, squash, beans, peas, …and beginning next week we will have some delicious sweet corn for sale,” stated Market Manager, Darlene Smith. “In a few weeks we will have watermelon and cantaloupes for sale.”

The market will be open on Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, and Saturday’s, beginning at 6:30 A.M., and going until sold out. The market is operated by the Jackson County Grower’s Association. Fees for a sales location in the pavilion are $125 for the season, or $10 per day.

The public is encouraged to take time to shop at the market, to save some money, and to support our local growers.

Jackson Alternative School Says Goodbye to Mr. Jimmy Shouppe

Mr. Bryant, and the entire staff of Jackson Alternative School held a retirement luncheon to honor Mr. Jimmy Shouppe on May 20th. Mr. Shouppe has been working with the Jackson County School Board for almost 21 years. He has worked at Jackson Alternative School for the past 4 years and other schools within the district previously. Mr. Shouppe says, “I have really enjoyed my almost 21 years working with such professional, courteous, and caring staff.” Mr. Shouppe and his wife Mae, expressed their gratitude and fellowship at his party. A special thank you goes to Mr. Miller and Mr. Moore for attending the function. Mr. Miller presented Mr. Shouppe with a plague honoring his time with the school system. The Shouppe’s plan to enjoy life together and catch as much fish as allowed by law. The entire staff and students will miss Mr. Shouppe and wish him a healthy active retirement that he deserves.

Class of 1950 Celebrates 60th Reunion

Meeting held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill

By Sid Riley

On Saturday, May 15, the class of 1950 assembled to rekindle childhood friendships, to share in the recall of fond memories, and to share lifetime stories. The special friendships formed during a person’s childhood and teen years generally endure with a special bond, unlike any of the other friendships formed as one travels life’s road. The relationships of that era of a person’s life are similar to the bonds between brothers and sisters.

Six Retirees Honored At Chipola

Chipola College honored six of its retirees—Bob Brown, Gayle Duncan, June Mays, Dr. Joan Miller, Lisa Shores and Janet Wise—at the recent end-of-year luncheon.

Presentation roasts were the order of the day. Harry Fleener honored Bob Brown, Custodian, for his 26 years of service. Dr. Joan Miller highlighted the career of Student Disability Services Advisor, Gayle Duncan for 19 years of service. Dr. Rose Cavin honored June Mays, Professor of Biological Science and Chemistry, for 28 years of service. Dr. Jayne Roberts highlighted the careers of Dr. Joan Miller, Dean of Student Services, for 27 years of service and Lisa Shores, Department Associate of Enrollment Services, for 18 years of service. Bud Riviere honored Janet Wise, Senior Office Assistant of Continuing Education, for 36 years of service.

Chipola president Dr. Gene Prough presented resolutions from the college board of trustees citing each retiree’s accomplishments. All six were presented Chipola Gold Cards which provide lifetime admission to college events, and all were awarded lifetime memberships in the Florida Association of Community Colleges (FACC).

The event was sponsored by FACC, Council of Chipola Educators (CCE), Chipola Faculty Association (CFA) and Career Employees Association (CEA).

Sneads Elementary Excels In Science Fair

S The 4th and 5th grade students at Sneads Elementary School recently participated in the Science Fair. Almost 200 projects were displayed. Sneads Elementary would like to thank the judges, Mrs. Betty Duffee, Mrs. Brenda Crouch, Mrs. Starr Young, and Mr. John Taylor, for their time.

Altha Farmers Co-op Is Burglarized

On Tuesday, May 25, Officers with the Marianna Police Department responded to a call from Altha Farmers Coop, located at 2981 South Pennsylvania Ave, in reference to a burglary. It was determined that the point of entry during the night was through the chain length fence surrounding the property. Once inside the fence, the suspect(s) stole a green wheel barrel, (5) bags of dog food, (3) medium size dog houses, and (1) large size dog house.

If you or anyone has information in reference to this burglary you are encouraged to contact the Marianna Police Department at 850-526-3125 or Crime Stoppers at 850-526-5000. If your information leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward.

Crime Doesn’t Pay…Especially Stealing From A FHP Cruiser

Two arrested for prowling and possession of burglary tools.
Arrested:
Michael Dontavious James B/M D.O.B. 04/11/1992
2920 HARRISON ST. MARIANNA, FL
Arrested:
Terez Lamar Wallace B/M D.O.B. 06/12/1991
2923 Harrison St. Marianna, Fl. 32448

Officers with the Marianna Police Department responded to a call concerning two young black males riding bicycles in the area of Deering and Dickson streets. The caller advised Officers that the two males were looking into vehicles and appeared to be trying to open the doors on some of the vehicles in the neighborhood.

Officers conducted a search of the area but were unable to locate the individuals. Officers later received another call in the same area with the caller giving the same description the caller also stated that he observed the subjects coming out of a dark area behind some houses after the Officers departed the area. On their second response to the area, officers were able to make contact with the two subjects at the intersection of Guyton St. and Lafayette.

When Officers asked the two for identification, one subject who was later identified as Michael James, threw a small piece of broken spark plug porcelain to the ground in an attempt to conceal the object from the Officers. The Officer then observed a screw driver sticking out of the pocket of the other suspect, Terez Wallace. A thorough search of the two was conducted and Officers found a bag containing more pieces of broken spark plug porcelain which is commonly used to break window glass. The officers also recovered from Wallace an IPod which was later identified as the one taken from a marked FHP cruiser which was burglarized. The cruiser was entered by breaking out the driver’s front window while parked in Officer’s home driveway.

Both Suspects are charged with Loitering or Prowling, Possession of burglary tools, as well as Burglary of a conveyance.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

City of Marianna Earns “Tree City USA” Award from Arbor Day Foundation

For the thirteenth time, the City of Marianna has earned recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation by earning a “Tree City USA Growth Award” for demonstrated progress in its community forestry program.

Marianna has met the four standards to earn this designation. These standards are, (1) Must have a Tree Board, (2) A tree care ordinance, (3) A community forestry program, and (4) An Arbor Day observance or proclamation. For more information on this program contace www.arborday.org.

Graceville Police Department Has “Hot Pursuit”

On Monday, May 3 authorities with the Graceville Police Department stopped a blue in color 1997 Ford Explorer at the intersection of Jordan Street and Pelham Avenue. After giving the tag number displayed to dispatch and receiving the info back, the officer exited his vehicle and began approaching the Ford SUV. At that time the SUV then sped off in a westerly direction on Pelham Avenue.

Officer’s then attempted to catch the fleeing vehicle. The SUV sped down the roadway, disobeying all traffic control devices, with complete disregard for the public’s safety. Graceville Officer’s followed the fleeing vehicle west on State Road 2, crossing over into Holmes County, Florida. Holmes County Sheriff Department was notified and their units began responding. The SUV lost control approximately one and a half miles west of Hwy 171 and Graceville Officers then attempted to block the SUV from re-entering the roadway.

The SUV made several attempts to pull onto the roadway and rammed a Graceville Police cruiser causing minor damage to the left side of the cruiser. Officers then attempted to remove the unknown operator from the vehicle but were unsuccessful in making an entry to the vehicle. The SUV then began another effort to get back on the roadway and almost struck a Graceville Police officer. The officer then fired two shots at the vehicle’s right rear tire, causing it to begin loosing air. The vehicle then got on the roadway and traveled in a westerly direction. The Graceville Officers followed at a safe distance and relayed the vehicles direction to Holmes County authorities.

Approximately one half mile west of Hwy 173 a Holmes County deputy overtook the Graceville officers and began pursuing the fleeing vehicle at reduced speeds of 40 to 50 mph due to the right tire coming off and the vehicle riding on the rim. The vehicle proceeded through the intersection of S.R. 79 with complete disregard to other traffic and traffic control devices. Approximately two miles west of S.R. 79 the fleeing vehicle began to loose control and collided with the left side of an oncoming vehicle. There were no injuries reported.

The SUV finally came to rest at a culvert along the south side of the roadway. At that time officers observed a black male turning up what appeared to be a can of beer, and drinking it. The subject was then removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. The occupants of the struck vehicle were checked on and refused medical treatment.

The following day, Tuesday, May 4, the subject advised authorities that his name was Kenneth Earl Macon. Authorities then discovered that Macon was a fugitive from the state of Mississippi and also a person of interest in an Strong Armed Robbery and Aggravated Battery (February 4, 2010 in Mississippi) in which the victims were beaten with a claw hammer, leaving one victim with part of the scalp torn from the skull and stabbed in the right side with a knife. It was disclosed that a Statewide “Manhunt” had been initiated for Mr. Macon in Mississippi, and he was being sought by the U.S. Marshall Services.

Authorities can now breathe a huge sigh of relief to have discovered the fugitive and removed this ‘alleged’ extremely violent criminal from the community.

Bay County Resident Shoots Two Men Who Had Invaded His Home

Apparent robbers were both from Marianna.
Two Jackson County men were dead after an apparent botched home invasion, a third man was in custody and authorities said they were looking for two more people who may have been involved.
According to a release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call about 4:33 a.m. Tuesday morning alerted authorities to a home invasion robbery at 7515 Jefferson Ave. in Southport. Deputies responded and found two men dead in the residence. They have been identified as Patrick Duffie and Devin Butler, both of Marianna.
One of the two residents of the home told deputies he had shot the two men after waking up to find them in the home. He said he saw a third man flee on foot.
The scene was secured and crime scene investigators were called to the home.
About 7:45 a.m., a deputy responding to a 911 call regarding a suspicious person in the area. The deputy then stopped a man walking along Highway 2302 not far from the scene of the shooting. The deputy questioned the man, who eventually admitted he was involved with the incident at 7515 Jefferson.
He said another man and a woman were also involved in the incident, and had fled the scene. This third suspect is now in custody and investigators are looking for the two additional suspects and two vehicles: a white or beige Jetta and a white Tahoe.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Bay County Sheriff’s Office at 747-4700.

Mother and Daughter Perish in Malone Fire

Remains of Cornelia Lockhart (73) and her daughter, Kay Lockhart-Davis (54) were found in residue of fire.

The small frame house was already consumed in flames by the time the Malone volunteer firemen arrived at the scene around 1:30 AM Saturday morning. The remains of the two women were found in the front bedroom of the home.

The first responders to the scene were the Malone volunteer unit, followed shortly thereafter by units from Jackson County Fire and Rescue. With the fire raging the firemen entered the home in hopes of finding some of the residents, but as the fire worsened they were forced to evacuate.

Chuck Sawyer, Fire Marshall for Jackson County, stated that the 911 call reporting the fire was made by the younger woman’s husband, Lawson Davis III, who was returning from a trip to Lake City. He said he had phoned his wife about forty five minutes prior to his arrival, and everything was normal at that time. The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ATTENTION OWNERS, AGENTS, CUSTODIANS, LESSEES AND THE OCCUPANTS OF REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE

CITY OF MARIANNA

“You are hereby notified that you are required by law to cut and keep cut to a height of not exceeding twelve (12) inches all weeds, grass or underbrush, to remove any trash, debris, refuse or nocuous matter located on any property owned, controlled or occupied by you in the City of Marianna and also to repair, restore or demolish any unfit or unsafe structure located upon such property and that upon your failure to do so, the City of Marianna will cause said nuisance to be abated, and the cost thereof will be assessed against the property upon which the nuisance is located.”



Publication Dates L1291: 05/13/2010 & 05/20/2010

Employability Skills Workshops during the Month of May

The Marianna One Stop Center will be hosting a series of Employability Skills Workshops during the month of May. These workshops are for those individuals who would like to obtain additional employability skills or refresh themselves on one of the many topics. These workshops are provided to the public at no charge to the participant. For further information call 850-718-0326

Title – Interviewing Skills
Monday, May 24, 2010 – 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Title – Budgeting
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Title - Employ Florida
Friday, May 21, 2010 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Friday, May 28, 2010 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Title – Resume Skills
Friday, May 21, 2010 – 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Friday, May 28, 2010 – 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Title – Discretion
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Night Workshops –
(Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday - *Title Varies Monthly*)

Location:
Marianna One Stop
4636 Hwy 90 E, Rim Plaza, Suite E,
Marianna, Florida 32446
For more information, please call (850)718-0326.

People’s South Bank Presents Check to American Cancer Society

The employees of People’s South Bank in Marianna, Malone, and Greenwood presented the American Cancer Society with a check in the amount of $650.00. The employees make by-weekly donations to the organization and present a check annually.

Troy University Term 5 Registration Ends Friday, May 21

On site Registration for Troy University Term 5 runs until May 21st. Classes start on May 24 2010 and end on July 25 2010. Students may register with an advisor at any Troy University location or online by accessing Trojan WebExpress at www.troy.edu. Degree programs, course offerings and an admission application can also be found online at marianna.troy.edu.

The Marianna site is located on the Campus of Chipola College in the Public Service Building. For more information, please call Sarieta Bryant, Student Services Specialist at (850) 718-2315, Mandy Burnett, Site Coordinator at (850) 718-2352, or Meghan Holley, Academic Advisor at (850) 718-2338.

Local Attorney on “Short List” for Selection as 14th Circuit

By Sid Riley

In March of this year 14th Circuit Judge, Richard Albritton retired from his position. During the open application period which ended on April 29, a total of twenty four applicant hopefuls threw their hat into the ring. That list has now been shortened to a total of six candidates by the Judicial nominating committee.

Local attorney Larry Basford, who currently works with the State Attorney’s office is one of those remaining for consideration. The final selection will be made by the Governor within the next sixty days. The remaining “short list” of nominees includes:

Larry Basford, David House, Bob Pell, John Fishel, Barbara Throne, and Denise Rowan.

“I am honored to have been selected as a final candidate by the Judicial Nominating Committee, and hope to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of the 14th District as their Judge”, stated Basford when interviewed by the TIMES.

Friday, May 14, 2010

A Power of Attorney is Like Sweet Potato Pie

In Sunday School this week, we discussed the fact that as we get older we learn that we can’t always do the things that we used to do. We can no longer run (or even walk very fast) and we certainly can’t eat whatever we want without it showing. Also, as one gets older, a lot of us want to have someone else in a position to make decisions in the event that we are unable to carry on normal activities, either temporarily or permanently.

Florida Statutes provide for this process through a document known as a Power of Attorney. This power allows another person to act on behalf of the grantor of the power when the grantor is unable to act. It is sometimes confused with the very different concept of guardianship and the following example of the two may be helpful.

I like food analogies and I think my mother makes the best sweet potato pie in the world. So think of your personal rights as that pie. These include your right to buy or sell, contract with another, make healthcare decisions, etc...

A guardianship is where a Court takes your pie and gives it to someone else. The pie is still for your benefit but you can no longer enjoy that pie when you want it. It will be fed to you if, and when, the other party thinks you need it. A guardianship works the same way in that the Court takes certain rights of a person (known as the “Ward”) and gives them to someone else (the “Guardian”). The Ward can no longer sign a check or enter into a contract and ONLY the Guardian can do those things for the Ward. Guardianships typically occur when someone becomes incompetent and has no power of attorney and the Court has to appoint a guardian to care for the interests of the Ward.

On the other hand, a Power of Attorney is much different because it is more like you choosing to share your pie with someone. The person you choose (the “attorney in fact”) may get the access to your pie, again for your benefit. But you also retain the right to the pie yourself, as long as you’re competent. If the other person is feeding you at a rate or quantity that you like, you can still eat all the pie you want, with or without their approval.

There are three primary types of Powers of Attorney. But a fair description of each exceeds the length of this article so I will focus on the most common type: the Durable Power of Attorney.

This power lasts for the lifetime of the grantor and becomes void immediately upon the grantor’s death or upon a competent grantor revoking the power. It is also much less expensive and much less complicated than the guardianship process described above. But, the person holding the power may perform most legal acts that the grantor could with a few statutory exceptions. The exceptions are mostly things that require personal knowledge or skills of the grantor such as making an affidavit, voting, or making a will.

Another very important part of the Florida durable power of attorney is that, in most cases, such a power cannot be used to give gifts. This is a crucial part of the power because it helps protect the grantor from being taken advantage of by the attorney in fact using the power of attorney to transfer assets out of the name of the grantor into another’s name. It is very common for a bank to contact their legal counsel to review a power of attorney to see if there is authority for the attorney in fact to re-title bank accounts or certificates of deposit in someone else’s name; and usually the answer is no. Remember, the attorney in fact is placed in a fiduciary or trustee role and is to act in the best interests of the grantor of the power, not the recipient.

2010 CHIPOLA RIVER CLEANUP THIS SATURDAY

Main Street Marianna is partnering with Chuck Hatcher, Director of Jackson County Parks and Recreation & Recycling to host the 2010 Chipola River Cleanup which will take place this Saturday, May 15, beginning at 8:00 – noon.  The mission is to unite the community in a effort to preserve one of our unique local waterways. Whether you are a long time resident or a newcomer to Jackson County, you can’t help but notice that the Chipola River plays a vital role in our community. It is a natural resource that provides many hours of enjoyment to fishermen, boaters, divers, tubers and swimmers.

We rely heavily on local volunteers to provide the cleanup manpower for this event. We would like to have three groups of volunteers, one group to start at Yancey Bridge and end at Hinson Landing, another group to start at Hinson Landing and go to Magnolia Bridge and a group to clean Spring Creek.  Bear Paw Adventures will be supplying a limited number of canoes at Spring Creek Park, so get there early to reserve one! There will be recycle trailers located at Hinson Landing and Magnolia Bridge.

  Everyone is invited back to Hinson Landing at noon for hot dogs and hamburgers sponsored by the City of Marianna.  We would like to thank our other sponsors of this event. Waste Management is donating the gloves and trash bags. WalMart is donating trash grabbers. Bear Paw Adventures is supplying canoes that will be located at Spring Creek Park, Regions Bank is sponsoring our t-shirts.

The lunch after the clean-up will also be the grand opening of Chipola Greenways Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area. This property is located on Highway 73 South.  Dedication ceremonies will begin at 12:00 noon. Come out and enjoy the day. If you want to be a river cleanup volunteer, call Charlotte Brunner at (850)718-1022 or Chuck Hatcher at (850)718-5210.

Hair Today, Boom Tomorrow

Local Salon collecting hair to use in helping Louisiana oil spill

For more than two weeks, millions of gallons of crude oil have been spewing from the ocean floor south of Louisiana due to a catastrophic oil rig explosion. It may be only a matter of time before it reaches our sugar white beaches.

Beginning Tuesday, May 11, 2010, Tequila Mockingbird Salon & Color Bar will be collecting clippings from all hair cuts which will be donated to Matter of Trust, a non-profit organization aiding in the clean up of this devastating event. The fibers are stuffed into nylons to make booms or woven into hair mats which have proven efficient in collecting and containing petroleum spills.

We are inviting the community to participate in the relief effort by scheduling appointments the week of Tuesday, May 11 – Saturday, May 22. Also, we would like to involve other local salons by encouraging them to save their clippings. We will serve as a collection post and anyone wishing to participate can call 482-8557 for an appointment or bring collected hair clippings to Tequila Mockingbird Salon & Color Bar at 2813 Hwy. 71, Marianna, Florida.

Madison Wester Elected Chipola SGA President

Madison Wester of Grand Ridge was elected President of the Chipola College Student Government Association during the recent Spring elections.

Aja Finklea of Chipley was elected sophomore class president. Monica Guilford of Blountstown was chosen Chief Justice. The following students were elected sophomore senators: Mary Beth Alderman, Chipley, Kristen Garney of Chipley, Ashleigh Lollie of

Sneads, Dustin Miller of Marianna, Olivia Mosier of Cottondale, Bhagyashri Patel of Chipley, Tiffany Stoe of Chipley, J.D. Tyler of Marianna and Ashley Whitfield of Blountstown.

All students enrolled at Chipola are members of the SGA and may, through their chosen representatives, have a voice in the curricular and extracurricular programs of the college. SGA has jurisdiction over all student clubs and organizations and facilitates understanding between the student body and the faculty and administration of the college.

4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest Results

Twenty-one students proudly took their places at the speaker’s podium at the 2010 Jackson County 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest held in April. Each student presented a prepared public speech on a topic of his or her choice, and was judged on speech content and presentation. The art of telling jokes, dealing with a little brother, the life of Helen Keller and Tim Tebow were topics of some of the speeches presented.

Fourth Grade Winners were: First place – Ethan Sapp, of Dayspring Christian Academy; Second place – Gracie Zick, of Cottondale Elementary, Third place – Taylor Roberts, of Sneads Elementary; and Honorable Mention – Cameryn Lein, of Riverside Elementary. Ethan Sapp was awarded Most Inspirational Speech and Cameryn Lein was awarded Most Dramatic Speech.

Fifth Grade Winners were: First place – Jack Craven, of Riverside Elementary; Second place – Hannah White, of Cottondale Elementary; Third place – Aaliyah Dortch, of Graceville Elementary; and Honorable Mention – Don Dowling, of Sneads Elementary. Jack Craven was awarded Most Original Speech, Jonathan Long, of Dayspring Christian Academy, was awarded Most Improved Speech; and Aaliyah Dortch was awarded Most Historical Speech.

Sixth Grade Winners were: First place – Michael Young, of Jackson County Home School; Second place – Gracie Wallace, of Marianna Middle; Third place – Holly Tyler, of Cottondale Elementary; and Honorable Mention – Ashlyn Roberts, of Grand Ridge. Gracie Wallace was awarded Most Persuasive Speech, Michael Young was awarded Most Entertaining Speech, and Heather White, of Daysprings Christian Academy, was awarded Most Informative Speech.

The 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program is coordinated and underwritten by Tropicana, Inc. and administered through Florida Cooperative Extension Services of the University of Florida’s 4-H Youth Development Program. Over 150,000 young people in Florida participate in the program on an annual basis. Over 800 Jackson County youth participated in the program this year.

For more information on the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program and other communication and expressive arts programs offered through 4-H, contact the Jackson County 4-H Office at 482-9620. 4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18, regardless of gender, race, color, ethnicity, nationality, creed, or disability.

Sign-Up for Summer Fun with 4-H Camps!

Ben Knowles Jackson County Extension Agent I - 4-H/Youth Development

Summer is still a few weeks away, but now is the time to sign up for 4-H Summer Camps. Area youth will develop life skills through hands-on activities involving environmental science, physical fitness, nutrition, and leadership. Camping opportunities available this summer for Jackson County youth are the following:

Cloverbud Adventures day camp is June 8-9, from 8:30AM-3:00PM, and is for youth, ages 5-7. Cost is $25 per person. Campers will explore the world around them by participating in hands-on activities and field trips related to environmental education, animals, nutrition, physical fitness and art.

Food, Fun, and Fitness day camp is June 29-July 1, from 8:00AM-12:00 PM, and is for youth, ages 8- 18. Cost is $20 per person. Campers will learn the basics of making healthy food choices, how to prepare healthy snacks, and several recreational games and exercises. Campers will learn about ways to increase their strength, flexibility and endurance.

Environmental Explorations day camp is July 13-14, from 8:30AM-12:00PM, and July 15, from 8:30AM-4:30PM. This day camp is for youth, ages of 8-18.Cost is $30.00 per person. Campers will learn about plants and animals common to forests and participate in a variety of forest related activities. Campers will also participate in freshwater and marine activities such as water quality testing, seining, fishing, and swimming.

County Camp is the residential camp held at Camp Timpoochee 4-H Center, June14-18. Located on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay, it is the perfect setting for typical camp activities such as canoeing, challenge adventure, environmental education, and marine science. Cost is $200.00 for 4-H members and $210.00 for non-4-H, and includes room, board, supplies, insurance, and bus transportation to and from the camp.

Camp registration forms are available from the Extension Office as well as on our website (http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu/4h). The deadline to register for County Camp is June 1.The deadline to register for each day camp will be five days before camp. Space is limited for each camp, so plan on registering early. 4-H camps are open to all youth, ages 5-18, regardless of gender, race, color, ethnicity, nationality, creed, or disability. Persons with disabilities should contact the 4-H office at least 10 working days before the event so that proper consideration can be given to their request. For more information, contact the 4-H office at 482-9620.

School Play At Grand Ridge on May 13

Grand Ridge Middle School is proud to present their interpretation of “Holka Polka”. This play involves the characters from Disney and the tales will all come together as one with a humorous twist. The production is brought to you by Mrs. McDaniel’s Eighth Grade Language Arts Class. It’s scheduled for Thursday, May 13th, 2010 in the Grand Ridge School new gym. There will be a 1:30 pm performance for the GRS Elementary student body and another performance at 6:00 pm for friends and family. There will be a $2 admission for the 6:00 pm performance. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend and join us for a fairy good time.

Spring Break European Trip 2010

During Spring Break students from Washington County, Jackson County, and FSU, along with parents and teachers went to Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Normandy, France is well known for the June 6, 1944 landing of Americans during WWII. At Normandy the group participated in a wreath laying ceremony held at the Memorial known as the Spirit of American Youth., the Wreath laying, a brief speech, the Playing of Taps, and a Moment of Silence. Spring Break 2012 Trip is planned for London, York, and Scotland. Anyone interested in the trip should contact Elizabeth M. Simpson at 850-482-6600.

Voting Information for Adult Ed

Jackson County Adult Education had Mr. Scott Gosnell and Mrs. Vickie Farris from the Supervisor of Elections Office speak to students about voter registration and how important it is for each citizen to vote.

For additional information, contact Mrs. Sylvia Stephens at the Supervisor of Elections office at 850.482.9652.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Local Junior American Citizens Club is Best in State

The Junior American Citizens Club, sponsored by Chipola Chapter, NSDAR through Blue Springs Society C.A.R., has placed first in Florida in the Community Service Division for the second year in a row. Last year’s entry went on to be judged third in the nation. Danielle Melvin won first place in Florida in creative writing for 2009-2010 and her poem has advanced to regional judging. Dillon Melvin was second in the state for his stamp design and his sister, Gabby, received second place for her poster. Chipola Chapter DAR Chairman Patty Suggs Melvin is awaiting the results from this year’s regional judging.
Blue Springs Society, C.A.R. was recently honored by the state society for having the youngest new member. Mary Jane Mealor was accepted by N.S.C.A.R. at six weeks old. She is the daughter of Jamie Emery Mealor, who was the organizing president of Blue Springs Society in 2003. Mary Jane Emery received the Jean Mann Award from the F.S.C.A.R. and a certificate from Chipola Chapter, NSDAR for sponsoring her great granddaughter.

UF Planning to Offer AG ED Degree at Chipola

The University of Florida and Chipola College are exploring the possibility of offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education and Communication on the Chipola Campus.
Plans are to begin the program in the Fall of 2011 pending a favorable needs assessment survey and sufficient student interest. Anyone interested in the program is requested to complete the survey found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/UFAgEd.
Chipola students can obtain their Associate in Arts Degree from Chipola College, completing all prerequisites, and transfer immediately into the program. Students in the program will be comprised of juniors and seniors and will be registered as UF students.
Chipola Dean Bud Riviere, says, “This is a wonderful opportunity to earn a degree from UF on Chipola’s campus. Prospective student response is very important in terms of determining the future of this program in our area.”
For more information, contact Riviere at 850-718-2268.

Covenant Hospice Honors its Volunteers

As part of National Volunteer Week, Covenant Hospice recently honored their volunteers by hosting a Volunteer Banquet themed “Volunteers Build a Better World” at the First Baptist Church in Marianna. Over 70 volunteers attended. Awards were given out to volunteers involved in various departments such as Development, Bereavement, Administration and Family Support. “Covenant Hospice volunteers are the heart of the Covenant team,” said, Sandi Huster, Director of volunteer services for Covenant Hospice.
“Our volunteers receive specialized training to provide companionship and support to patients and their families, as well as a range of fund-raising and administrative support services,” said Huster. In 2009, Covenant Hospice volunteers met 97% of all volunteer needs identified for patients and families. For more information about becoming a Covenant Hospice Volunteer, contact Donna Meldon at 482-8520.