Local Woman Prepares To Be Part of History Making Event

8/14/08
By Sid Riley

Judy Mount eagerly awaits upcoming trip to Democratic Convention in Denver
"I just can’t wait! I’ve been packed for two weeks and I am absolutely ready for this experience of my lifetime!" Judy Mount excitedly states with a broad smile and bright glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. She is heading out of Tallahassee for Denver, Colorado on August 23. She will be one of the elected "Party Leaders and Elected Official" delegates within the Florida delegation at the National Democratic Convention. These credentials give her VIP designation at many of the scheduled functions. We can all watch for her on national television.
Judy should be easily recognizable since she will be wearing an especially designed jacket that promotes the state of Florida, Jackson County, and Marianna. Appliqués of Florida beaches, the FSU logo, Osceola, the Florida Flag, a Jackson County tractor, peanuts, and wording across the back "Marianna, Florida" should make it apparent to the national audience where this gal is from.
Judy Mount is the daughter of Allen and Bernice Smith (both deceased). She was raised in Malone, and graduated from Malone High School. She has a daughter, Janna, who is currently attending school at Troy State University while she also lives in Troy, and works for the City of Troy.
Judy worked in Tallahassee for the Florida House of Representatives for 5 years, and prior to that worked for the Florida Black Business Investment Board. She also has worked as the administrative assistant to the Jackson County Manager, and as Administrative Secretary at JJOCC at Dozier. She is also the current local Democratic Committee Chairperson and is working actively to promote her party and the slate of Democratic candidates. Of course at the national level, she is a devoted Obama supporter.
"Being an African American, and being raised in the southern black culture, I am overcome with emotion when I think of being present when the first black American citizen is nominated to be President of the United States of America. It will be a history making moment and I will be part of it. I know I will cry tears of joy on my pillow when I attempt to go to sleep the night of his acceptance speech." Judy relates in an emotion filled voice. "I plan to gather and bring back as much memorabilia as possible. Years from now I want to be able to show those items to my grandchildren, and proudly tell them I was there!"
The delegate dispute with the national leadership has been resolved, and the Florida delegation will be seated with full voting privileges. Thus, Judy will have the experience of casting a vote for the first black presidential candidate in our nation’s history, Barack Obama.
Judy was one of five women elected statewide from the Democratic Party Leadership from Obama’s state allotment, receiving 856 votes out of a possible 1,000. Her credentials will be at a level above that of a delegate, thus allowing her to participate in special, private events during the convention. The week will be filled with meetings on platform development during the days and celebrity filled events and receptions during the evenings.
One day of the trip will be dedicated to performing social services in the Denver area. These services include working in the inner city, working with the poor and elderly, and parks clean-up. Judy plans to take part in a clean-up program.
Judy has previously met Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. In fact, on one occasion several years ago, she dined with the rising political figure from Illinois. She hopes to get to speak to him again while at the convention.
Congratulations to Judy Mount. She has worked diligently for what she believes in, and certainly deserves this memorable experience as her reward.

Local Iraq War Hero Needs Our Help

8/14/08

Fund Raising Effort is Initiated by Local VFW and Ladies Auxillary By Sid Riley
Bill Sellers, Jr.graduated from Marianna High School with the class of 1986. A Jackson County native, he is the son of Bill and Cheryl Sellers of the Marianna area. Those who are closest to him affectionately refer to him as "Little Bill", or "Bill Junior".
After graduation, young Sellers joined the U. S. Navy, where he served five years. After discharge he returned to Marianna and worked with his father in their cabinet making business. Bill is married to Pam Hall Sellers, who is also a Marianna High School graduate.
Then that dreadful day in September of 2001 came. Bill was so impacted by the 9-1-1 event and the cowardly attack on our nation, he made the decision to re-enter the military. This time it was the U. S Army.
Bill was sent to Iraq in October 2006 with Army Delta Company, 2/124 Infantry, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. In May 2007 he was in a HMMVV which rolled over. The crash resulted in Bill receiving a severe brain concussion that incapacitated him for several months while he recovered in a Mobile hospital.
Then he rejoined his outfit in Iraq. He had only been back in the fray a short time when he was riding in another HMMVV which was under attack. The armored vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb which resulted in Bill receiving another severe concussion, which had a compounded effect since he was still recovering from his initial injury. Bill has been nominated for a Bronze Star for his action in Iraq.
These injuries have left him with several rehabilitating conditions including Traumatic Brain Injury, severe migraine headaches, seizures, tendonitis, and posttraumatic stress disorder. He is currently unable to drive and is unemployable. His family is suffering severe financial hardships while trying to survive on only $1,000 per month in benefits. However, there is still hope for further recovery that may restore him to a fruitful lifestyle.
There is a renowned neurologist, Dr. Carol Hendricks of Tucson, Arizona who has reviewed Bill’s medical records. She feels that a relatively new treatment involving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy which is administered in a special pressure tank, which aids the body’s ability to heal, for a nine week period would greatly improve Bill’s chances for recovery. Because of Bill’s service to his nation and the fact that this treatment is outside the scope of VA benefits, this doctor has offered the treatment free of charge. Normally it would cost many, many thousands of dollars.
However, other expenses related to this treatment remain. The cost of travel to and from Arizona, and housekeeping for the nine weeks of treatment while routine obligations continue here at home are prohibiting him from accepting the offer of free treatment.
Liz Huber, with the local VFW #12046 Ladies Auxiliary heard of this struggling Iraq War veteran’s problems while distributing poppies at Wal-Mart on Memorial Day. She sprang into action by enlisting the help of Ernest McNeil who is active in the VFW. They then located Bill Sellers and got the entire VFW organization to launch a fund raising effort on Bill’s behalf. Their goal is to raise a minimum of $5,000 which will cover the travel and living expenses for Bill and his family while he gets this needed medical help in Tucson.
If you want to do something worthwhile, good, Christian, and patriotic….then this is an opportunity for you to do your part. Please send a donation addressed to "Staff Sergeant Bill Sellers Treatment Fund" to any Peoples South Bank. The account number is #3302951359.
This fund is being spearheaded by the Ted Walt Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12046 and their Ladies Auxiliary. Please take time to help this vet who was injured while protecting us all.

Busted In Grand Ridge

8/8/08
By: Sid Riley

On Friday two men in Grand Ridge lost over $150,000. They lost this money by taking a big gamble…..and they lost.
Sheriff McDaniel and the top men in several area municipal police forces, as well as agents from D.P.L.E. and the Florida Highway Patrol proudly stood in the back room of the Sheriff’s Department, in front of a table loaded with bales of marijuana, some cocaine, $86,000 in cash, and a small arsenal of weapons. This was the loot which was captured in the local drug bust executed in Grand Ridge on Friday. The action was the result of an extended undercover operation.
Travis Walker and Carlos Edenfield of Grand Ridge were arrested on drug trafficking charges. Edenfield attempted to flee during his arrest, but only made it a short distance eastbound on Old Spanish Trail before overturning his vehicle and being captured.
So, their drug customers in the area will have to drive a little further to feed their habits. And the war against drugs goes on. The Jackson County Times congratulates Sheriff McDaniel, all of the agencies involved, and the Jackson County Drug Task force for cleaning out this local cesspool.

Covenant Hospice Invites You To Walking Tour At Courthouse

8/8/08

The 3rd Annual Covenant Hospice Garden Gala is underway. The event is set for Saturday, September 20 at the National Guard Armory in Marianna. This annual event is renowned for the hand painted benches and chairs that local artist design and fabricate. For the third year, Covenant Hospice has provided local artist with custom constructed wood garden furniture to be transformed into exquisite pieces of art. This year, artist had the choice of a bench, swing or Adirondack chair to transform into their canvas. The furniture was constructed by JCARC, under the leadership of Mr. Joe Shores.
Covenant Hospice invites you to attend the "Walking Tour" on Thursday, August 21 at 5pm on the Jackson County Court House Lawn. You can be the first to preview the magnificent works of art and take advantage of voting on your favorite piece. The community votes will help determine which creations will be in the live auction portion of the Garden Gala. Tickets for the Garden Gala are available now for $40 per individual or $75 per couple.
Proceeds from this breathtaking gala will benefit Covenant Hospice’s Marianna Branch which provides special care to patients and their loved ones in Jackson, Holmes, Calhoun and Washington county areas. The need for Covenant Hospice to serve persons with life-limiting illnesses and their families is growing rapidly. Covenant Hospice’s services are based on need and not the ability to pay.
For more information about the Garden Gala, please contact Jennifer Griffin at 850.482.8520, 888.817.2191 or email Jennifer.griffin@covenanthospice.org. To learn more about the compassionate services of Covenant Hospice visit www.covenanthospice.org.
Celebrating 25 years of keeping the promise, Covenant Hospice is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses. The focus of Covenant Hospice is to enable its patients to live as fully and comfortably as possible, to provide dignified palliative care, to assist patients’ loved ones in coping with end-of-life issues and the eventual death of the patient, and to improve care for all patients at the end of their lives by example and education.

Resurrecting the Past

By: Kendall Boggs
8/8/08

On Saturday, August 2nd, a group of thirty-four men and women had the opportunity to experience Florida Caverns State Park as well as learn about the history of Marianna. They had traveled here from Ft. Rucker in Alabama.
These men and women visited the Caverns before being taken to the Russ House and receiving a history lesson from our very own, Dale Cox. From the Russ House, the group - consisting of exactly twenty-six International Military Students, most of whom spoke Spanish- was lead on a walking tour to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Once they arrived at the church grounds, they were greeted by several men in full Confederate soldier gear. The visiting group was then given the chance to see the weapons used by soldiers in the Civil War.
Stan Peacock provided the weapons as well as a "show and tell" of how each item worked and was made. After the showing of weapons, the tour continued into the St. Luke’s Cemetery where tales of the war and of old Marianna held their interest as they stood among the ancient headstones.
Cox showcased his knowledge of Marianna’s history impressively with stories of individuals buried in the cemetery as well as educating the visitors on the history of several areas located near the church.
Larry Clere and Lionel Young, members of Theophilus West, M.D. Camp No. 1346 Sons of Confederate Veterans resurrected the essence of their ancestors in their Confederate garb. Also assisting the gentlemen were Mr. Young’s wife, Sheila Young- member of the Order of Confederate Rose- and granddaughter, Julia Russo, both dressed in traditional clothing from the time of the Civil War. Both Clere and Young are helping to identify and mark the graves of Confederate Soldiers buried in various cemeteries by the use of GPS mapping.
In order for one to become a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, males must have a direct or indirect ancestor that fought in the war. The Order of Confederate Rose, an organization for women, is an independent support group to the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Yet, unlike the Sons of Confederate Veterans, female members do not have to be direct or indirect relatives with citizens who fought in the war.
The Field Studies Program Coordinator from the International Military Student Office in Fort Rucker, Alabama, Joseph Fernandez, was responsible for transporting the assembly of students to Marianna. He said a group of students usually come to Marianna (as well as other cities) about twice a year, once for a weekend outing and the next trip for a single day. Fernandez also acknowledged his luck in contacting Stan Peacock, calling Peacock a "Godsend", in helping organize the day trip for the students.

Meandering Along…….,

By: Homer Hirt
8/8/08

Almost all of the rivers of the Southeastern United States are meanderers. Meandering is defined as (1)"following a winding or intricate course" or (2) wandering aimlessly or casually without urgent destination".
For some reason I like the latter definition. It reminds me of a tipsy sailor, happy in the fact that he is in port after a long sea voyage, and having had a few too many, wanders along, loose kneed and slack, checking out store windows, bars and, of course, the occasional lady with good legs and a short skirt.
Of course, each river must have a destination, and for many of the southeastern streams that is the Gulf of Mexico, or in some cases a larger river of which it is a tributary. Almost always flowing southerly, eventually reaching its destination. Most Southern schoolchildren of my generation learned Sidney Lanier’s "Song of the Chattahoochee"
"Out of the hills of Habersham
And down the valleys of Hall,
I hurry amain to reach the plain,
Run the rapid and leap the fall;
Split at the rock and together again,
And accept my bed, or narrow or wide,
With a lover’s pain to attain the plain,
Far from the hills of Habersham, far
From the valleys of Hall".
The only problem is that the Chattahoochee does not "attain the plain" but it links up with the Flint River and forms the Apalachicola River, and the waters flow into Florida and finally into the estuary 106 miles to the south.
Because the boundary of our new country in 1787 was described in part as being to "the west bank of the Chattahoochee" the three states are in a twenty year long dispute as to the rights of the use of the flow of the two upstream rivers.
But this draws me away from my original intent: to describe a meandering stream. The Chattahoochee tries to meander. It tries for well over a hundred miles, but it is not very successful. It has a lot of rocks (read the poem!), and rocks don’t allow for much meandering. If the stream "splits at the rock" it soon comes "together again". So meandering, while innocently intended, does not come about in any great detail.
And the Flint has about the same amount of success at meandering, only it is much shorter, and has another handicap: it rises just south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which does not add much to its overall greatness as rivers go.
But the Apalachicola, a mere 107 miles long, really knows how to meander! In regular years (notice I don’t use the word normal) it manages to meander with the best of them, allowing for its size. Mile for mile I would put it up against any other meanderer anywhere.
It meanders from side to side, and out into the swamp, and cuts across points and then closes the channel up again to open it somewhere else. In the lower reaches of its trip to the gulf it not only has tributaries, but it has dis-tributaries. This word means what it says. Water from the main river wanders off between another stream’s banks and peters out in the swamp somewhere.
And then it gets to the estuary, and widens out into what most folks would not call a river at all. It is more like a fan of water, split up by clumps of trees and boats that are sunk and have been there for many, many years.
Perhaps the Apalachicola River should be renamed "The Drunken Sailor" River. (Senator John McCain once accused the Congress of spending money like a drunken sailor would spend it, if only he had an unlimited budget, like that august body).
Most of the meandering of the Apalachicola is fostered by the ebb and flow of Nature. The WeWa Wiggles have been there for centuries, and can be blamed on God or Nature, whichever suits you. Ocheesee Reach is both natural, and unusual. In most meandering streams, the current goes toward the bend, or the "pocket", and thereby not only hollows out the bank, but deepens the channel at that point. Old timers always steered for the "pocket". But not at Ocheesee Reach. At this spot the pocket of the bend is rock bottomed and has resisted the temptation to deepen. Many a propeller or outboard foot has been left there by the unsuspecting boat captain or fisherman.
The Chipola Cutoff also differs from the norm. The Cutoff was formed by hand labor (and probably some ground slides being pulled by mules). One story relates that the Confederates had placed logs helter-skelter in the main river channels to keep the Yankees from coming inland from the Gulf. This strategy worked well until they encountered their need to get the CSS Chattahoochee downstream to lift the Anaconda blockade at Apalachicola Bay, but couldn’t make it past the logs. So, using hand (and, one supposes, slaves) labor, a diversion was cut, and through the years the river has meandered through this cut until almost half of the usual flow goes down the Cutoff instead of the regular channel. Now, that’s a real unusual meander!
Meandering makes for interesting supposition. Mark Twain, in his Life on the Mississippi, marveled at how the Mississippi had shrunk over the years. Twain in his young years was first a "cub" and then a full fledged riverboat captain. After the War Between the States he took an excursion down the river, beginning in Illinois and riding all the way to New Orleans. He discovered that in certain sections the river was shorter. Some of the shrinkage could be charged up to disgruntled farmers that wanted to deprive their downstream neighbors of water, and would divert the river. Other diversions were caused by floods, and even earthquakes..
Twain noted that "in the space of one hundred and seventy six years, the Lower Mississippi had shortened itself two hundred and forty two miles…………….any person could see that seven hundred forty two years from now the Lower Mississippi will be only a mile and three quarters long, and Cairo (ILL) and New Orleans will have joined their streets together………and will have a single mayor and a mutual board of aldermen".
Do you think that the meandering Apalachicola shares the same fate and that Sneads and the City of Apalachicola could one day have a common city election?
Just to relieve the tension, let me give you Mark Twain’s last quote on this shortening of the River: "There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact". For lasting memories, I suggest that you and your family spend some future weekend meandering down the meandering Apalachicola.

Yankee Saves Jackson County Citizen’s Life

8/8/08

One of the most nationally significant events in Jackson County history took place on September 27, 1864, during the engagement remembered today as the Battle of Marianna.
A Union officer, Captain George H. Maynard of the 82nd U.S. Colored Infantry, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in part for his actions in saving the lives of local men and boys on the grounds of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
A Northerner by birth, Maynard had joined the Union army early in the war as a private in Company D of the 13th Massachusetts Infantry. He quickly displayed an unusual combination of both heroism and mercy on the battlefield that attracted the attention of his superior officers.
At the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), Maryland, on September 17, 1862, for example, Maynard personally went under fire to remove two wounded comrades from danger. He then joined each Union regiment advancing to his location of the battlefield and by the time the fight was over had charged the Confederate lines with six different units.
At the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, three months later, he went twice alone into enemy fire to bring wounded men to safety. This heroic act resulted in his promotion to captain and assignment to the 82nd U.S. Colored Infantry, a new regiment formed of liberated African American men from Mississippi and Louisiana.
A detachment from the regiment fought at the Battle of Marianna on September 27, 1864, and in the final stages of the fighting, Maynard found himself with his men on the grounds of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where Captain Jesse Norwood and the local citizens of the Marianna Home Guard refused to surrender.
According to Maynard’s personal account of the battle, the Union troops ceased firing in an effort to talk Norwood and his men into giving up, but the local citizen soldiers intensified their fighting. The action, he said, "infuriated" his men and the battle degenerated into a bloody melee.
Finally, Norwood and his men realized that their situation was hopeless and began to lay down their weapons. To Maynard’s shock and outrage, however, his men began shooting the defenseless prisoners. "I at once dismounted and rushed into the graveyard," he reported, "just in time to knock away a musket placed at the head of a prisoner." According to his account, he then leveled his pistol at his own men and "threatened to blow out the brains of the first man who dared to shoot a prisoner."
According to men present from both North and South, Maynard’s actions at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church prevented the massacre of many of the captured men and boys of Marianna.
The captain was subsequently awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism under fire, in part for his actions during the Battle of Marianna. The medal survives today, a reminder of a remarkable act of courage and compassion for which Maynard was recognized by his government. The medal is accompanied by the notation that he was honored for being "heroic and humane."
Editor’s Note: Read more about the history of Jackson County online by visiting the "Local History" section at www.jacksoncountytimes.net.