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Friday, August 20, 2010

‘Voice of Democracy’, Patriot’s Pen

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary are taking entries for their annual “Voice of Democracy” and Patriot’s Pen scholarship contests for 2010-2011.

The VOD is an audio essay competition open to students under 19 in grades 9-12. Contestants must submit a three to five minute original recorded essay on a standard audio cassette or compact disc. This year’s theme is “Does My Generation Have a Role in America’s Future.”

The Patriot’s Pen contest is open to students in sixth through eighth grades. Entrants are required to submit a 300-400 word typed essay. The theme is “Does Patriotism Still Matter?”

Homeschooled students are eligible for both contests, but foreign exchanged students are excluded.

Individual entries must be submitted directly to a local VFW Post. In cases where schools/classes/youth groups have a large number of students and wish to conduct their own competition, on winner for each 15 students will be submitted. All entries must be received no later than midnight November 1, 2010.

Local, district, and state winners receive prizes/awards. State winners receive an all expense paid four-day trip to Washington, D.C., March 5-9, sponsored by Target. The National VOD contest top prize is a $30,000 Scholarship. The Patriots Pen National winner receives a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond.

For entry forms and more information, contact VFW Post #12046 Commander Bill Sellers Jr. at 482-4755 or 272-6084 or at wsellers@ymail.com or visit www.vfw.org.

Columbus Essay Contest Sponsored by Chipola Chapter, NSDAR

Students in grades nine through twelve are invited to participate in the Christopher Columbus Essay contest sponsored by DAR.  The topic this year is, “Discuss and analyze Christopher Columbus’ early influences and experiences and how these contributed to successes and failures in his voyages of exploration.”  The essay must be between 800 and 1200 words and is due on November 19, 2010.  A bibliography is required.  There is a $100 prize for first place and $50 for second place in the local contest.  The national winner receives $1,200 and a trip for two to Washington, DC.  If you are interested in entering please contact Chipola Chapter NSDAR American History Chairman Mary Robbins at snoopyxii60@hotmail.com or 850-209-4066 for specific guidelines. 

Chipola Chapter, NSDAR Sponsors Essay Contest

All students in grades five through eight are invited to enter the American History Essay Contest sponsored each year by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  The topic for this year is “Memoirs of Paul Revere.”  In celebration of the 275th anniversary of the birth of Paul Revere you are to pretend you are Paul Revere writing your memoirs.  Be sure to relate the various accomplishments for which you wish to be remembered in the annals of American history.  Fifth graders are to write between 300 and 600 words while students in grades six, seven, and eight must write between 600 and 1,000 words.  All entries must include a bibliography.  Essays are due November 19, 2010.  Please contact Chipola Chapter American History Chairman Mary Robbins at snoopyxii60@hotmail.com or 209-4066 for specific guidelines if you wish to enter.  At a ceremony in December Chipola Chapter will present checks, medals, and certificates to the winners at each grade level. 

Friday, August 13, 2010

Aug. 11 - Gubernatorial Forum

Aug. 10 - U.S. Senate Debate

USDA Official to Announce City of Marianna American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding

MARRIANNA, Fla., August 12, 2010 – Tammye H. Trevino, Administrator for Housing and Community Facilities Programs, USDA Rural Development, will be in Marianna, Fla. on Monday, August 16 to make an announcement about American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the City of Marianna.
WHAT:
Media invited to USDA Rural Development plaque presentation to the City of Marianna to commemorate American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
WHEN: Monday, August 16, 2010 10 a.m. CDT
WHERE: Marianna City Hall 2898 Green Street Marianna, FL 32446
Media with questions should contact Ellen Boukari at 352-338-3414.

Couple Arrested For Fighting

On Saturday, August 7, at approximately 02:00 am, officers with the Marianna Police Department responded to 4315 Deering Street in reference to a physical altercation in progress. Upon arrival, police conducted an investigation in regards to a domestic altercation which occurred between Richard Anderson and Naneita Millwood at the residence. Both parties were observed to have minor injuries. As a result of the investigation, it was believed both parties engaged in a mutual combat situation. Therefore both subjects were placed under arrest for battery (domestic violence) and transported to the Jackson County Correctional Facility.

Marianna Police Arrest Driver After Chase….Another Illegal Alien?

On Sunday, August 8, at approximately 05:00 am, an officer with the Police Department observed a Grey Dodge Caravan run the red light at the intersection of Noland Street and Hwy 90 and almost strike another vehicle. The officer activated his emergency lights in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop on the reckless driver.

The vehicle refused to stop and accelerated away from the officer. The officer then activated his siren and engaged in a pursuit of the vehicle. The vehicle continued east bound on Hwy 90 and then turned north on Old US Road. The vehicle then turned east on to Watson Street. The vehicle finally pulled into a residence on Watson Street, where the driver exited the vehicle. The officer also exited his patrol unit and apprehended the driver, who was later identified as Carlos Sanchez of 4731B Watson Street. Based upon the investigation, Mr. Sanchez was charged with the following criminal violations

1. Fleeing and Attempting to Elude an Officer

2. Driving with no valid license

3. Reckless driving

Mr. Sanchez was transported to the Jackson County Correctional Facility for booking.

Golf Cart Thief Is Rounded Up

On June 19, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Indian Springs Golf Course reporting that two (2) Golf Carts had been stolen. A deputy responded to the scene and learned that two 2009 model green in color Yamaha golf carts had been stolen from the course over the preceeding couple of days. The serial numbers of the carts were enterer into the FCIC/NCIC computer as stolen property.

On July 27, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office aviation unit was flying west of Marianna when they spotted a cart sitting on a lot near Bull Run Lane, west of Marianna. The air unit notified investigators who traveled to the area and located the cart. A check of the serial numbers through the FCIC/NCIC computer revealed that the cart was one of the ones missing from Indian Springs. The cart was recovered and housed at the Sheriff’s Office. After a neighborhood canvas was conducted, information was obtained which led to the subsequent arrest of Jonathan Tipton. The defendant was arrested and charged with grand theft and lodged into the Jackson County Correctional Facility.

Fisherman Found Dead At Boat Ramp

On Monday, August 9, at approximately 10:00 AM, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a male found lying next to his boat in Round Lake located on the east side of Hwy 231 south of Alford, FL. Swimmers who arrived at the lake discovered the subject who was identified as 75-year-old Joseph John Lukasko, lying on his back next to the boat ramp. Witnesses stated that his body was submerged from the chest down in approximately one foot of water and his head was lying above the water on the concrete landing. Jackson County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced Lukasko deceased.

According to family members, Lukasko left home this morning around 6:30 AM, to go fishing at the lake. Lukasko spoke with his daughter on the telephone shortly after 7:00 AM. Lukasko’s vehicle and boat trailer were also located at the landing. Family members indicated that Mr. Lukasko did have several health problems.

The medical examiners office was contacted regarding the death and accepted jurisdiction of the body. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. There were no signs of trauma observed to Lukasko’s body and foul play is not suspected at this time.

Marianna Babysitter Accused of Molestation

On Monday August 2, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office received report from Jackson Hospital of Child Abuse allegations involving concerns of sexual abuse. The investigation revealed that the mother of the children, whom shall remain unnamed as to protect the identity of the children, had delivered her children to the hospital after developing concerns that her children may have been molested by a caregiver.

Further investigation including evidence collected during Sexual Assault Collection and Exam coupled with statements made by the child established probable cause that the 2 year old female child had in fact been sexually molested naming her perpetrator and that the 11 month old male sibling of the 2 year old victim had also been sexually molested.

The mother noted that the 2 year old had started acting differently after having been cared for, for several hours, on a day the previous week. It was determined that both children have been allowed access to the caregiver on several occasions for periods of time sufficient to molest a child.

The named alleged perpetrator is identified as Robert Hernandez, W/M, 30 years of age, from Marianna, Florida. Hernandez was located on Tuesday, August 3, and placed under lawful arrest for sexual battery on a child under 12 years old, and lodged in the Jackson County Correctional Facility. When Hernandez made first appearance in the Jackson County Courts he was held on a $250,000 Bond. This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this case or the named perpetrator is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriffs Office at 850-482-9648.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Prepare Now For Fall Classes at Chipola

New students planning to enroll in Chipola College this Fall are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete their financial aid file by Aug. 4. Application deadline for the Fall semester is Aug. 5. Registration is Aug. 18-20. Classes begin Aug. 23.

Chipola’s most popular program continues to be the Associate in Arts (AA) degree which provides the first two years of college for students planning to transfer to a university at the junior level or into one of Chipola’s Bachelor’s degree programs. Curriculum guides that outline requirements for specific majors are available on the college website at www.chipola.edu

Chipola offers eight Bachelor’s degrees programs: Secondary Education with majors in Mathematics and Science for middle or high school, Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, Business Management and an RN to BSN program in nursing.

Several Associate in Science (AS) and Workforce programs are offered which provide training for high wage jobs. Workforce programs include: Automotive Technology, Corrections, Computer Systems Technology, Cosmetology and Law Enforcement.

Associate in Science (AS) programs include: Business Administration and Management, Computer Information Administration, Criminal Justice Technology, Culinary Management, Dental Hygiene, Early Childhood Education, Fire Science, Network Administration and Recreation Technology.

The Health Science Division offers training programs for a number of health-related careers. The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is a 1+1 LPN to RN curriculum. Students are eligible to take the LPN exam after the first year, and the RN exam after the second year.

The college also offers an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program and a Paramedic program. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes are offered throughout the year. Chipola’s open-door policy allows any student with a high school diploma to enroll after completing an application and providing high school or college transcripts. Complete a Chipola College application, available online at www.chipola.edu, or call 850-718-2233 for assistance.Request your high school to send a final high school transcript to Chipola. Take the College Placement Test by calling 718-2284 for assistance.

For more information, call the Chipola Registration Office at 718-2311, or visit Chipola on the web at www.chipola.edu

Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award Nomination Deadline is November 1

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2010 “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award. The award, now in its 26th year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.

“This award spotlights the vital role of women in Florida agriculture and serves to encourage other women to get involved in the business,” Bronson said. “Many women have made significant contributions over the years in developing and sustaining this important industry, which has an overall economic impact estimated at more than $100 billion annually.”

Those nominated for the award will be judged by a panel familiar with Florida agriculture. The award will be presented on February 10, 2011, during the opening-day luncheon of the Florida State Fair in Tampa.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which sponsors the event, has sent nomination forms to agricultural organizations around the state. The deadline for submitting nominations to the Department is November 1, 2010. Nominations remain active for two years; after that time they must be resubmitted in order to be considered.

For more information about the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award including screening criteria and biographies of previous winners, or to obtain nomination forms, call Richard Gunnels at (850) 488-3022 or visit http://www.florida-agriculture.com/agwoman/index.htm.

Sneads FFA Does Great at State

Sneads FFA was one of many FFA chapters in Florida who recently attended the 2010 82nd Annual Florida FFA State Convention. We had 16 members from our chapter present. They attended general sessions, leadership workshops and agricultural career shows. The delegates voted on the new 2010-2011 state officer team. Also, many members competed in Career Development Events (CDE’s), and numerous awards were given out.

The following members were recognized: Sydney Stone, Top 3 for the Ryan Rimmer District Officer Award. Zachary Wester, Top 3 for the State Star in Agriscience Award. Georgia Pevy, for being chosen to serve in the Courtesy Corps, and winning 2nd in the state in the Florida FFA Alumni essay contest. Advisor Stan Scurlock, winner of the Turn the Key Award. The Sneads FFA Chapter, for being a State Premier Chapter, and 100% membership.Valaree Douglas, for winning 3rd in the State Talent contest. The Sneads FFA Agricultural Issues team, which includes Georgia Pevy, Christen Howell, Ariel White, Zach Wester, and Jessica Hatcher, for winning 4th in the state. The Horse Judging Team, which consists of Christen Howell, Ariel White, Christen Fowler, and Jessica Hatcher, for winning state. The Agricultural Business Team, which includes Ariel White, Erin Williams, Leah Williams, Mitchell Hines, and Brandon Hightower, for winning 5th in the state. The following students received their State Degrees: Zachary Wester, Ariel White, Tyler Pickens, and Tyler White. Sydney Stone was elected District II President.The Parliamentary Procedure Team, Creed Speaker, and Job Interview Participant also competed at state.

2010 Peanut Field Day

Marianna NFREC August 19, 2010

North Florida Research and Education Center University of Florida / IFAS

The annual Peanut Field Day will be held at the Marianna North Florida Research and Education Center on Thursday, August 19, 2010 starting with registration at 8:00 AM (CDT) and ending with a sponsored lunch. Field tours will begin 8:30 AM. Topics to be addressed include disease and nematode control, new varieties, crop rotation, and weed control. CEUs will be available at registration.

The Marianna NFREC is located seven miles north of Marianna on Highway 71 or one mile south of Greenwood. Contact Phone: (850) 394-9124 for more information.

Selected Online Blogs from TIMES story on Kindel Lanes

Anonymous said...

I have such wonderful memories of Kindel Lanes.It has always been such a wonderful place for teens and adults, and now families to have fun. If each person in Marianna, and surrounding area, just donated 10.00 each, it could be saved. Best of luck and lots of prayers to the Kindelspire family.



July 23, 2010 12:03 PM

Anonymous said...

I agree on the “sidewalks to nowhere” being built on Caverns Road. No one will ever use them. What a waste.



July 24, 2010 2:37 PM

Anonymous said...

SIDEWALKS? ONE OF THE MOST RIDICULOUS CHOICES OF SPENDING MONEY IN THIS TIME OF FINANCIAL CRISIS.,



July 28, 2010 9:27 AM

Anonymous said...

Just today on the news I heard them say that it is going to be “the small business that brings us out of this” (speaking of the lack of money). Well it seems to me that all the small business are the ones who are having to close and it is the big ones that are left. So if this is true I guess there is no hope in despair. I and my children (now grown) have spent many evenings at Kindel Lanes having a great time. I agree, I to hate to see it close. I have nothing against sidewalks (used or not) but I have yet to see one stop a child from getting involve in drugs, drinking, gangs, sex and what ever else they may get into on the streets, Kendal Lanes kept our kids off those streets and inside a place that they could be kids and have fun without the pressure to participate in the unknown. I hope that someone with the money and a love for our children comes along and rescues Kendal Lanes.



July 28, 2010 6:30 PM

Anonymous said...

I agree that ten dollars will not burn a hole in anybody’s pocket if it will keep a local attraction open. Not only does it provide fun for families and a safe haven for our children it inspires men, women and children from Sunland and Hope School. Without Kindel Lanes what will happen to our community, families and our children?



July 29, 2010 5:24 AM

Anonymous said...

I believe ten dollars wouldn’t burn a hole in any of our pockets. It would keep a well known local family business open. Not only for us and our families but for places like Sunland and Hope School. Those adults and students also need an out to make themselves and their peers feel better about themselves.



July 29, 2010 5:26 AM

Anonymous said...

Jeff K. has ALWAYS been a great supporter of individuals with Special Needs. Without his generosity Special Olympics and Hope School pre-vocational students would not have exposure to work training, social interactions and participating in normal activities My 10 bucks is in the mail.