• uctimes@windstream.net • 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, July 26, 2012 100th Year —13th Issue — 75 CENTS

Primary right around the cornerBY TIFFANY CLARK

Times Editor

The primary election is just around the corner with early voting to begin Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the following dates:

•Primary election, Aug. 4, through Aug. 11.

•General election, Oct. 27, through Nov. 3.

The Supervisor of Elections office is located at 175 W. Main St. in Lake Butler and is the only early voting location in Union County.

Afterwards, the general election will be held on the following dates:

• The primary election will be Aug. 14.

• The general election will be Nov. 6.

Races that will be on the primary ballot include:

Running for Clerk of Court is Faith Seay Barnett and Pat Cunningham. The candidate who receives the most votes will face Republican Kellie Connell in the general election.

Running for Tax Collector is Terri Douglass, Janet Cox Harrison, Lisa B. Johnson and Linda Alvarez Norcross. The candidate who receives the most votes will face Republican Chris Mecusker in the general election.

Running for School Board District 4 is Erick Durant, Buddy Finely, Becky Raulerson, Richard O. Tillis and Robert Lee Webb Jr. The candidate must win by 50 percent plus one or the top two will go to the general election.

Running for County Judge is Bo Bayer, John Cooper, John E. Maines IV, Therese Truelove, Russ Wade and Dan Webb. The candidate must win by 50 percent plus one or the top two will go to

the general election.Running for County

Commissioner District 5 is Ralph Courson, Travis “Willie” Croft and Barry Sams. The candidate who receives the most votes wins, no run off.

In a Partisan race in the primary election, whoever receives the most votes wins. In a non-partisan race in the primary election, if one doesn’t receive the majority (50 percent plus 1) then the top two go to the general election.

“Redistricting is finished. There are no changes for the districts for the 2012 elections. We stayed whole in Senate, Congressional and House. The precincts will be evened up in 2013,” said Supervisor of Elections Debbie Osborne.

Precinct information is as follows:

Precincts 1A and 1B are at Lakeside Community center in

Lake Butler.Precinct 2 is at the Raiford

Community center in Raiford on S.R. 121.

Precinct 3A is at the Worthington Springs Community center located in Worthington Springs on S.R. 121.

Precinct 3B is at the housing authority (SREC) building in Lake Butler on C.R. 231.

Precinct 4A is located at the Providence Community center in Providence on S.R. 238.

Precinct 4B and 4C is at the housing authority (SREC) building in Lake Butler on C.R. 231.

Precinct 5A and 5C is in the small white block building 7 miles West of Lake Butler on right, off of S.R. 100.

Precinct 5 B is at Lakeside Community center in Lake Butler.

More information to follow on candidates and elections.

Sheriff’s office disposes of evidence

The sheriff’s office burned 70 bags of marijuana, 30 bags of cocaine, 50 items of drug paraphernalia and hundreds of illegal prescription pills.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office performed their annual destruction of illegal evidence on July 19, after receiving the order for destruction signed by Judge David L. Reiman on July 11.

Items included: Over 70 bags of cannabis/marijuana ranging from small baggies to grocery bags full, over 30 bags containing cocaine or crack, over 50 items considered as drug paraphernalia, and hundreds of illegal prescription pills.

Captain H.M. Tomlinson said, “Evidence and property is constantly monitored and reviewed to determine when the evidence can be removed from the custody of the Sheriff’s Office. Evidence from cases already adjudicated that can be destroyed and has been authorized by the State Attorney’s Office and by our county judge to be destroyed are then incinerated. Other items of evidence are returned to the lawful owners.”

According to the UCSO, there are strict orders to follow and procedures that must be carried out in order to fulfill a destruction order. The criminal case has to have been completed to ensure that the evidence is no longer needed. At that time, the Sheriff’s Office will receive a disposition order from the State Attorney’s Office. Once evidence is deemed non-returnable to its owner due to its illegal nature, the UCSO petitions the local judge for an Order of Destruction of Controlled Substance. This allows the UCSO to proceed with destruction. There is a very narrow time frame to carry the order out and to report back to the judge. Within fifteen

days the UCSO must provide proof of destruction to include, at a minimum, five witnesses along with a notarized statement and numerous pictures from throughout the entire destruction. Afterwards, the remains (ashes) of the destroyed evidence must be buried. All laws are carried out according to Florida Statute 893.12, policy and procedures.

The UCSO also participates

with N.O.P.E. (Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education) and the DEA’s (Drug Enforcement Administration) National Take Back Initiative. The UCSO encourages anyone with outdated or unused narcotics/ prescription medications to turn them in for destruction. Hundreds of pills have been turned in and destroyed which keeps them out of the wrong hands.

Sheriff Jerry Whitehead said, “We are working very hard in the war on drugs. The public’s support and assistance in these efforts is pertinent to its success.”

Anyone with tips or information is encouraged to contact the UCSO at 386-496-2501 or visit www.unionsheriff.us.

BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor

The A to F school grades report for Florida’s elementary, middle and combination schools (not including those with high school grades) was calculated by the Department of Education, validated independently by Florida State University, and released on July 11. However, a continuous review process resulted in school and district grade increases to include Union County.

According to the Department of Education, 40 superintendents around the state were contacted on July 20, to inform them of the preliminary revisions made to the initial school grades previously released.

These revisions for both schools and districts involved 213 of the 2,586 recently evaluated schools as follows:

•116 school grades changed from a B to an A.

•55 school grades changed from a C to a B.

•35 school grades changed from a D to a C.

•7 school grades changed from an F to a D.

These changes impacted nine initial district grades: •Union County increased from a B to an A. •Collier County increased from a B to an A. •Desoto County increased from a D to a C. •Gadsden County increased from a D to a C. •Hillsborough County increased from a C to a B. •Okeechobee County increased from a D to a C. •Osceola County increased from a C to a B. •Palm Beach County increased from a B to an A. • Pasco County increased from a C to B.

These changes were identified during the review process that occurred between the time the initial school grades were released and final school grades were published after an appeals process had been completed. The Department of Education maintains that this phase of the school grading process, which involves district validation, is important because it provides transparency and helps ensure that the final grades are correct.

The Florida Department of Education notifies school districts of anticipated changes to initial school grades as they are identified throughout this process to assist them in local planning decisions pending the release of the final school grades, which will occur during the first week of September.

“School grades are important to students, parents, teachers, principals, administrators and the community,” said Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson. “While I am pleased that the continuous review process has resulted in better grades, we will continue to look for ways to improve the grade calculation process. The fact that eight percent of school grades increased not only affirms the hard work of Florida’s students, teachers and district leadership, it demonstrates the value of the continuous review process. The strength of our accountability system depends on the partnership between school districts and the department, and these revisions are a direct result of that process.”

Although the High School grades will not be released until later in the year, Union County High School Principal Mike Ripplinger said, “The high school witnessed an improvement in

After review, Union County schools get grade of ‘A’

Worth Noting

Last weekend to register for Pop Warner

The last day to register for Pop Warner cheerleading and football is Saturday, July 28, from 9 to 12 noon at Spires IGA or the Pop Warner Building at the OJ. Phillips complex off of S.R. 121.

Cost for cheerleaders is $150. This will include uniform (with bloomers and embroidery), hair bow, socks, shoes, cropped shirt for competition, pom poms, insurance costs and trophy. Warm-ups and bags will be optional this year.

Cost for football players is $150. This will include helmet rental, pad rental, jersey (with screen print), socks, pants, chinstrap and mouthpiece, insurance costs, referee costs and trophy. The Pop Warner will be offering a payment plan to assist with costs.

Registration forms can be found on the website at leaguelineup/ucpw.com under 2012 printable forms. You may fill it out in advance and bring it to registration with you. Each child will be measured for jerseys, helmets and uniforms at sign ups this year, so bring your child with you. Each child must have a physical. It MUST be filled out on the form from the website, has to be dated Jan. 1, 2012 or later, and must have original doctor’s signature (a copy will not work). Also, each child must bring their original 2011/2012 4th nine weeks report card with completed information, and their original birth certificate. A copy will be made of each.

If you still have your helmet and pads from last year, return them. The Pop Warner are short over half of the helmets and pads that were loaned out last year, and ask that you return them at registration.

The first practice will be held on Aug. 2.

At a special meeting held by the Board of County Commissioners on July 19, there was discussion on possible adjustments that could be made in order to balance the county’s budget.

The cost of health insurance is said to be one of the many issues. It increased 12.9 percent. The commissioners discussed the 5 percent raises that were to be given to county employees. The increased cost of the insurance is more than the 5 percent each employee would have received. The commissioners agreed that the county paying the increased

costs might very well be the raise for employees, agreeing to do what ever is necessary to balance the budget.

Where as other counties have had to lay employees off, Union County has been fortunate. Commissioner Wayne Smith said, “Lay-offs are the last option.”

The board will continue to review each department’s budget and the county budget in its entirety to determine what adjustments can be made.

County starts budget process

BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor

Chris Markl, a Union County resident spending his summer in Paris, recently discovered how easy overseas voting could be.

“In working the with the Union

County Supervisor of elections Debbie Osborne, I was able to cast my ballot internationally from Paris, France. She was so helpful and made the process very easy,” said Markl.

Voting abroad is easy

BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor

The Union County Emergency Medical Services (UCEMS) recently put together a team of paramedics that competed in the inaugural ShandsCair Advanced Life Support (ALS) Competition.

According to the Director of UCEMS Chris Drum, teams from around the state spent the day at Santa Fe College in Gainesville putting their ALS skills to the test against time, weather and each other.

The scenarios involved multiple injured and or sick patients that had to be properly triaged, evaluated, and treated. Teams were scored on proper techniques, timely treatment, and accurate decision making.

Eight teams from other EMS agencies, fire departments, and hospitals were also present.

Kyle Maltby, John East and Brent Allen practiced and participated on their own time to represent the UCEMS, the smallest county in the state. “We are proud to say they placed 3rd. This was the very first time they ever competed in an ALS competition,” said Drum.

The name ShandsCair refers to the air medical and critical care transport system for Shands at the University of Florida which provides services primarily to a 14-county area including Alachua, Marion, Levy, Dixie, Putnam, Bradford, Union, Gilchrist, Columbia, Hamilton,

Emergency medical team competes in

advanced life support

See GRADES page 2A

See VOTE page 2A

See EMS page 2A

In this issue

Esther King Memori-al Scholarship in 40th year

Organized ring suspected in Bad-cock burglary

High school club continued to grow

Correction of medical bill saves county $234,000

College for kids students find summer school is fun

Baseball team recognized

UCI promotes Bryant

Friday golf tournament to benefit UCHS football

New Shands Starke CEO looks to maintain growth

2A Union County Times • Thursday, July 26, 2012

On July 18, Travis Dampier passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft in Pine Hill Lodge No. 9. Right Worshipful Ted Barber, the present Worshipful Master of Pine Hill Lodge, conferred the Fellow Craft Degree. Worshipful Turk

Thomas of High Springs presented the lecture and Worshipful John Paul Mann presented the Charge. (L-r) Turk Thomas, Bob Haines, John Bellovich, Travis Dampier, Tom Adams, Ted Barber, Roy Weiland, Robert Rehberg,

Bruce Kirby, Jeff Davis and John Paul Mann. (Not pictured) Leaman Alvarez who acted as the Senior Warden for the Degree.

BY TED BARBERWorshipful Master of Pine Hill

Lodge No. 9

Pine Hill Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A. M.) of Brooker, Florida had twenty-four members present on July 13, at the Bradford Lodge No. 35 for the Florida Grand Master’s Official Visit to the “Friendly” 10th District.

I am very pleased to see that we had 6 lodge officers and 2 regular members present. The remainder of total membership for Pine Hill Lodge present at the event came from the 16 honorary members. Brother Gene Bertine helped Worshipful Howard Douglas, a 65 year Freemason in Pine Hill Lodge, attend the Grand Master’s official visit from his present home in Windsor Manor. Brother Bob Haines drove from North of Sanderson for the official visit, and the 16 Pine Hill Lodge Honorary Members made Pine Hill Lodge stand “tall” at this event. For Pine Hill Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons, this was a very memorable night.

The District Deputy Grand Master for 2012, Right Worshipful Francisco Camacho and his lady Winnie Camacho were very pleased with the several hundred people that attended the event. The entire dining room in the Johns Building was filled and Winnie largely prepared the supper. Rainbow Assembly No. 75 provided the servers. Following supper the Master Masons drove to Bradford Lodge No. 35 for the called communication where the Grand Master was honored

and presented his thoughts. The “Welcome” was given by myself, Worshipful Master of Pine Hill Lodge No. 9, a plural member of Lake Butler Lodge No. 52 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the “Friendly” 10th Masonic District in 1997. The label “Friendly” stuck for the 10th District the year I was the District Deputy (Under Most Worshipful Sam Cowen). Since the fraternity strives to be a brotherhood of men under the Fatherhood of God, I felt that the label “Friendly” had strengthened the 10th District over the past 15 years due of the emphasis on showing brotherly love. In closing statements, I read a poem that complemented Grand Master Jorge Aladro’s theme, “Be a leader-make it happen”. The poem was entitled the “Builder” whose author is unknown.

I saw them tearing a building down, a team of men in my hometown. With a ho heave ho and a lusty yell, they swung a beam and a sidewall fell. And I said to the foreman, “Are these men skilled. Like the ones you’d use if you had to build. And he laughed and said, “No, no, indeed, common labor is all I need. For I can destroy in a day or two what builders take years to do. So I thought to myself as I went on my way, which one of these roles am I willing to play. Am I one who is tearing down as I carelessly make my way around. Or am I one who with the Lord’s help builds with care, making the world a better place because I was here.

Grand master to visit “friendly” 10th district

Lake Butler Chapter No. 40, Order of the Eastern Star had one grand officer and one grand representative attend the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Mary Ellen Hailey, Florida’s Grand Electa and Ted Barber, Grand Representative of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Florida with their respective spouses, Al Hailey, Past Grand Representative of NS and PEI in Florida, and Lila Barber, Past Grand Representative of Idaho in Florida, represented Florida’s Grand Chapter and the Lake Butler Chapter.

The Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Grand Chapter was held at the University of Prince Edward Island, in June. Jane Wooldridge, Worthy Grand Matron of NS and PEI, and Fred Lipskey, Worthy Grand Patron of NS and PEI were outstanding hosts for their “Reflections of Love and Music” Grand Chapter Theme. Ted Barber was honored to give the “Welcome” response for all grand representatives of NS and PEI in their respective jurisdictions to the Worthy Grand Matron’s “Welcome”. Lake Butler Chapter is proud for having a grand officer, a grand representative and two past grand representatives of NS and PEI in Florida attend this year’s Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Lake Butler Chapter No. 40, Order of the Eastern Star has been active for 101 years celebrating its 100th birthday last year since it was chartered. Over the past 101 years Lake Butler Chapter has had three Florida Grand Chapter Officers (Sister

(L-r) Donna Sanders, Associate Grand Matron of Sasketchewan, Ted Barber, Grand Representative of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Florida, and Lila Barber,

Past Grand Representative of Idaho in Florida.

Lake Butler Chapter No. 40, Order of the Eastern Star Shines

Salomie York Maines, Grand Electa, Sister Marjorie Driggers, Grand Adah and Sister Mary Ellen Hailey, Grand Electa) and six Grand Representatives (Sister Lila Barber, Past Grand

Representative of Idaho in Florida, Mary Ellen Hailey, Past Grand Representative of Idaho in Florida, Brother Al Hailey, Past Grand Representative of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

in Florida, and Brother Ted Barber, Grand Representative of NS and PEI in Florida, and Shirley Thomas, Grand Representative of Manitoba in Florida).

FCAT test scores for the 2011-2012 school year. The 9th Grade FCAT Reading score was 51 percent, up from 48 percent last year. The 10th Grade FCAT Reading score improved from 26 percent passing in 2010-2011 to 53 percent passing during the 2011-2012 school year. The 10 Grade also scores an area best of 3.5 on the FCAT writes in February. This was also the first year in which Algebra 1 students had to pass the statewide end of course exam to receive their math credit. 61 percent of the students passed the Algebra 1 EOC exam, which was the highest passing percentage in the NEFEC district. We were very proud of the efforts our teachers and students put forth to attain the success we all shared this past year.”

Superintendent Carlton Faulk said, “I am very pleased with the dedication and determination shown by the students, faculty and staff during the 2011/2012 school year.”

Continued from Page 1AGRADES

According to Osborne, the process can be very simple. You, a member of your immediate family or your legal guardian (if instructed by you), may request an absentee ballot by submitting an online request directly through the Supervisor of Elections web site at unionflvotes.com or by contacting the office in person, by phone or email.

“Now that we are allowed to email the ballot to the voter it makes the process a lot faster. I usually recommend emailing to all overseas voters. The overseas voter may return the ballot by fax or mail only,” said Osborne.

For requests by military voters (including spouse and children) the Supervisor of Elections must send out absentee ballots no later than 45 days prior to the election.

Union County only has a handful of overseas voters at this time. “I believe this is useful information for residents to know about should they be out of the country in the future around election time,” said Markl.

Continued from Page 1AVOTE

Continued from Page 1AEMSSuwannee, Taylor, Lafayette and Madison counties. ShandsCair also travels throughout most of Florida as well as South Georgia for interfacility transports.

“ShandsCair is a vital resource to the citizens of Union County due to its location, which is 45 minutes from definitive medical care,” said Drum.

In other news, a new ambulance Drum said UCEMS greatly needed has been ordered and is currently in production after receiving $120,000 from the state by way of a grant.

Drum said that only two counties in Florida scored well enough in their applications to receive enough money to buy an ambulance, UCEMS was one of those two.

“Ambulances are constantly driven very hard in all weather conditions day and night. This constant motion and activity is hard on these vehicles. Focused preventative maintenance the past few years has extended the life of our current ambulances and has dramatically reduced costly repairs but purchase of a new ambulance is recommended every two years. Realistically and financially this is difficult to do when sources of revenue are difficult to obtain. This grant that was awarded to UCEMS by the state was badly needed and greatly appreciated,” said Drum.

The new ambulance is scheduled to be in service and ready to transport patients by the end of August.

Thursday, July 26, 2012 • Union County Times 3A

BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor

Renae Prevatt, a financial officer with the Union County School District, visited the Lake Butler Rotary club this past Tuesday as a guest speaker. Prevatt presented information on the Esther King Memorial Scholarship Fund and it’s continued benefits to the county over the years. Historical Society’s Bill McGill was also present, giving a little history on King, putting a face to the finances that have been awarded to so many. According to Prevatt, the scholarship began in 1972. December of this year will mark the 40th year of its distribution.

According to McGill, King passed away in February of 1968 leaving an estate estimated to be worth half a million dollars. Born and raised in Lake Butler, King moved to Raleigh, NC were she came to live with the family of J.L. Dorminy.

The Dorminy’s operated a cold storage business known as the Raleigh Ice and Storage Co. After the passing of the Dorminys, King inherited everything. The estate was said to be worth $500,000.

When King passed, her will outlined what her wishes were for the money she had left behind. Originally, the funds were to go to the King Memorial Hospital, which McGill said was going strong at the time. This hospital was named after her brother, Dr. Seeber King, who practiced medicine in Lake Butler from 1901 until his death in 1941. However, when the hospital closed, a clause in the will redirected the funds to be used in the Union County schools, distributed through a scholarship program.

“I knew her,” said McGill. “Esther and the Dorminys would come to visit. She had a big hat she wore and always hugged our necks,” he said.

Prevatt said that by looking at the distribution list of past recipients, she could see

people in the room that had either received the awarded funds or who had children that did. McGill said he had four children that were all given the opportunity. “There are many families that have been blessed by these funds,” said Prevatt.

According to Prevatt, per the fully executed will of King dated Oct. 19, 1967, King set forth Wachovia Bank and Trust Company as Trustee. Wachovia remained the trustee until May 31, 2010 when Wachovia merged with Wells Fargo.

The clause stated that the trustee was to pay the net income to the high school(s) of Lake Butler, using the funds to provide scholarships to attend colleges of the graduate’s choice

To govern the scholarship, these actions were set into place:

•A method shall be set up to select recipients.

•Authority is granted to vary the number and amounts as determined by the net income available and college costs.

•Performance of recipients may also be a factor.

•Annually the authority must report to the trustee the disposition of funds made.

In the early 1970’s, a committee was formed to develop these policies and procedures, known as the Ad Hoc committee.

A few of the members of this committee were: Robert Driggers, Marvin Pritchett and Norman Stephenson.

The policies and procedures outlined in the Union County School Board policy, Section 9.10 states that the screening committee be composed of five members on a rotating basis.

•3 members - 1-year term•2 members - 2-year termsThe Superintendent and

School Board members are required to appoint a member of staff to administer the scholarship fund.

The current screening committee is:

•2011/2012 - 2012/2013, Peggy Cason and Terry Dukes

•2011-2012, Avery Roberts, Norman Stephenson and Tommy Spires.

Considerations by the committee that are calculated into points include:

•Leadership traits, maximum 10 points.

•ACT Score, maximum 20 points.

•Minimum ACT score of 18 to apply for scholarship.

•Grade point average, maximum of 20 points for 4 years of high school and any college work

• R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s , maximum 5 points.

•Work, military and travel, maximum 5 points.

In addition, no student can be penalized for taking dual enrollment courses while enrolled as an undergraduate.

To be eligible, an applicant must:

Be a graduate from UCHS, attend the school for a minimum of one year and live in the county for a minimum of one year.

Prevatt said that the scholarship is based on merit, not need, so the basis is academic achievements made by the student.

Former recipients who may not have used all original awarded funds may be awarded for the completion of a degree in a critical shortage area. Prevatt said that these areas are usually medical or legal related.

Beginning in Oct. 10, 2000, all recipients received $6,500 over a maximum of 8 semesters.

Historical facts of the scholarship listed by the year of the award, the number of recipients and the amount are as follows:

1972 37 $250 - $4,800

1973 17 $250 - $3,000

1974 5 $1,875 - $3,000

1975 13 $750 - $3,000

1976 5 $3,0001977 4 $2250 -

$40001978 9 $1875 -

$30001979 12 $1125 -

$60001980 9 $1250 -

$37501981 8 $1000 -

$40001982 11 $3500 -

$40001983 15 $1000 -

$40001984 14 $1500 -

$40001985 15 $2000 -

$43001986 23 $2000 -

$54001987 21 $2000 -

$58001988 11 $3500 -

Historical Society’s Bill McGill remembers Esther King as wearing her large hat when she came back home to Union County to visit. This picture was printed in the

Union County Times in 1970 along with one of the first articles concerning the “new at that time” scholarship.

(l-r) Esther L. King and J.L. Dorminy stand in front of the Raleigh Ice and Storage Co. This business was instrumental in the funding Union County High receives from the

Esther King Memorial Scholarship. Picture provided by Bill McGill.

$60001989 7 $3400 -

$60001990 6 $3600 -

$60001991 6 $3400 -

$60001992 7 $1800 -

$60001993 6 $3600 -

$60001994 6 $60001995 6 $60001996 6 $3400 -

$60001997 7 $60001998 3 $60001999 5 $60002000 5 $65002001 7 $65002002 6 $65002003 4 $65002004 10 $65002005 8 $65002006 9 $65002007 9 $65002008 11 $65002009 4 $65002010 0 02011 0 02012 4 $6500

For a total of 371 recipients and $1,596,209 dollars, averaging over 9+ recipients per year over the 40-year period.

Prevatt said that there were no funds distributed in 2010 and 2011, which was upsetting to students who may have worked hard towards receiving it, but that the obligations to former recipients was the main priority. In doing this, Prevatt said that the scholarship should be around to help many generations to come.

Library Director Mary

Brown who attended the event had a child that received funds through the scholarship. She said, “It was well used and well needed. My child is now a teacher within the Union County schools. The scholarship is truly an investment in the community.”

The 2011/2012 recipients were Kelly Gray, Morgan Dukes, Lindsey Hanson and

Michael Howell.Rotarians thanked

Prevatt and McGill for their presentation of both the scholarship and for the history of the woman responsible for it.

Esther King Memorial Scholarship in 40th year

4A Union County Times • Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Union County Baseball team was presented plaques and was recognized for being the state champions at the recent school board meeting. (Front row, l-r) Conner McAlister, Chance Bailey, Cole Kite and Lamar Waters. (Back row, l-r) Alvin Griffis, Becky Raulerson, Dan Webb, Carlton

Faulk, Allen Parrish and Curtis Clyatt. (Middle row, l-r) Colten McAlister, Troy Kite, Dylan Allen, Shane Carnley and Jerod McNeal.

The Supervisor of Elections office held a gathering to give recognition to the individuals who played a part in the construction of the new wall outside of the building.

(L-r) Sheriff Jerry Whitehead, Clerk of Courts Regina Parriah, Chairman of the UCBCC and project manager Wayne Smith, Officer Michael Manning, Officer Tony Jordan, Debbie Osborne and Ricky Jenkins.

Organized ring suspect-ed in Badcock burglary

BY DAN HILDEBRANStarkeJournal.com Editor

The Union County Sheriff’s Office said it believes an orga-nized theft ring broke into Lake Butler’s Badcock Furniture Store June 19 and stole six flat screen televisions.

Lt. Lyn Williams said the level of sophistication the thieves dis-played during the heist leads him to believe a professional theft ring committed the break-in.

“They knew what they were doing,” he said.

Williams added that the sher-iff’s office is now looking to see if similar burglaries have been committed throughout the area.

Wayne Smith awarded plaques to show appreciation. (L-r) Ricky Jenkins accepted a plaque on behalf of the city commission. Officer

Tony Jordan accepted his plaque and a plaque on the

behalf of Lt. Brett Dukes who was unable to attend. Chairman of the BOCC and

project manager Wayne Smith thanked each for their outstanding service, Michael

Manning who was also presented a plaque.

“I Goofed” said Colan Coody, making a correction on a recent article he submitted on the 4-H shooting team. “I left out Barry Sams and put Becky Findley when it

should have read Becky Raulerson.” This picture is from the back of a 4-H T-shirt that recognizes 4-H sponsors.

Headstart announces classes

Lake Butler Headstart has announced its new Headstart VPK program for children three and four years of age

by Sept. 1. This will be for six hours of daily Headstart services or three hours daily of VPK services (four-year-olds can qualify for both programs.) Headstart is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., VPK is from 2 to 5 p.m. for the 2012-2013 school year. For more

information contact Lake Butler Headstart 386-496-2160.

All services are free of charge for eligible participating families, and include educational experiences that encourage kindergarten readiness, nutritional meals, family partnering and services for children with disabilities. Space is limited.

Lions Club meets

The Lions Club of Lake Butler will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of every

month at noon. Meetings are held at Carter’s Fried Chicken of Lake Butler, located on Main Street.

Upcoming Library programs set

Summer fun at the Union County Public Library each Thursday at 10 a.m. with programs for the whole family. All programs are free and open to the public.

Upcoming events are as follows:

· July 26, Creatures of the night.

· Aug. 2, Explore space with NASA.

· August 9, end of summer bash.

Thursday, July 26, 2012 • Union County Times 5A

Photo, right: The club first sprang from a desire to improve the school’s courtyard, seen here with

attendees of the banquet.

Advisor Melda Howell, member Silas Wilson, advisor Lynda Pettit, President Dustin Bielling and Vice-President Hailey McRee.

BY DAN HILDEBRANStarkeJournal.com Editor

Union County High School’s community service club marked another successful year this past year.

The group, America’s Students Bettering Communities, sprang from Lynda Pettit’s biology class which wanted to improve the appearance of the campus courtyard.

The team, along with the school’s construction academy, STEM initiative, and local businesses, converted a satellite dish into the courtyard’s centerpiece, and continue to add benches, and other landmarks to the once-barren real estate.

This year, the club’s reach extended beyond the courtyard to a handful of community-wide projects, including the Union County Food Pantry.

Pettit credited a big part of the group’s success to President Dustin Bielling.

“He is such a planner,” she said. “He thinks of all the details and plans and he’s driven. He comes by every day and he stays on top of stuff. We are very lucky to have a person like that who has been so involved.”

Bielling, in turn, said all the club’s officers, in addition to the families of the students, were key in the group’s fundraising drives.

High school club continued to grow

Representative Janet H. Adkins, District 12, commended educators in Northeast Florida Schools for the recent FCAT grades.

The FCAT reports are out, and Northeast Florida Schools are showing improvement. The Florida Department of Education released the grades for elementary and middle schools this month. High school grades will be released in December.

“The work of our local educators is critical to maintaining a quality learning environment,” said Adkins. “The future of our communities, state and country will one day rest on the students our educators are influencing today.”

In Nassau County, Fernandina Beach Middle School, Callahan Middle School and Yulee Elementary School again

received “A” grades, along with four other elementary and middle Schools. Lake Butler Elementary and Lake Butler Middle School in Union County received “A” grades. Other schools in Northeast Florida were able to improve their grades significantly. In Duval County, Cedar Hills Elementary rose from a “D” to an “A” and Highlands Elementary School rose from an “F” to an “A”; 57 out of 142 schools graded received “A”s

“These grades mark the progress being made in Northeast Florida,” said Adkins. “It is encouraging to be able to look at certain schools and see how far they have come from just one year ago. Our educators are striving to provide the best learning environment for our children and helping them to reach future success.”

Legislator congratulates schools on grades

The Agency for Health Care Administration said that correcting mistakes in Medicaid billing saved taxpayers in several counties thousands of dollars, including Union.

In the final days of the 2012 legislative session, Senator Steve Oelrich was diligently working

to prevent this collection of small counties from going off a fiscal cliff. The Agency for Health Care Administration presented its numbers to the House and Senate budget committees without realizing that the numbers were heavily flawed.

Union County, for example,

Correction of medical bill saves county $234,000which was slated to pay $260,000 in Medicaid reimbursements to the State of Florida, was able to work in close tandem with Oelrich to discover that the requested amount was much greater than the actual owed amount due to reporting errors and technical glitches with ACHA’s software. After much scrutiny and examination, the obligation was reduced to

$26 thousand, a net savings of $234,000 to the taxpayers of Union County.

“It is of the utmost importance when we are prepared to finalize our budget, that we do it in a way which is financially responsible to all interested parties, including our fiscally constrained counties,” said Oelrich, in response to the release of the new figures. “From the onset, I was

weary of the process being used to make these calculations, and even argued with my colleagues on the Senate floor to ensure that the counties would be treated fairly. I am pleased to see that our counties will be able to have some breathing room during this difficult and challenging time.”

Other counties in the Senator’s district were also able to reduce their bills as well: Alachua

($8.2 million), Bradford ($641,000), Columbia ($1.25 million), Gilchrist ($299,000), Levy ($551,000), Marion ($3.5 million), and Putnam ($757,000).

Overall, Florida’s Senate District 14 saw a total savings of just over $15.4 million dollars.

6A Union County Times • Thursday, July 26, 2012

UC Food Pantry in need of donations

The Union County Food Pantry, located at 125 E. Main St. in Lake Butler, is in desperate need of food donations.

The pantry is also in need of fan donations to help cool the volunteers during the summer months.

The pantry’s hours are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Donations may be dropped off directly at the pantry, at Roberts Insurance or at the Union County Times.

Senior Citizen programs set

An activities program has been set for senior citizens at the Worthington Springs community center to be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of games are available. Non-expensive meals are also available to help raise funds.

Medicare/Medicaid counseling set

There will be free Medicare/Medicaid counseling sponsored by SHINE on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Union County Health Department, 495 E. Main St. in Lake Butler.

SHINE counselors assist seniors and persons with disabilities to understand health insurance choices, apply for assistance and file appeals.

SHINE does not sell insurance or represent any insurance entity. For information or to learn about volunteering for SHINE, call the ELDER HELPLINE at 1-800-963-5337.

Band Night at the UCPL

Band Night will be held on Saturday, July 28, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

$5 admission donation for public and $3 for JFOL members. Performances by: This Coming Solstice, Mixtape, Velma and the Happy Campers, Waylon Thornton and the heavy hands and other local talent. Teens and up are welcome. There will be sodas and other concessions available through purchase. There will also be prize drawings.

All proceeds benefit the JFOL’s scholarship fund.

Committee meets

The Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway, Inc. Executive Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the Coalition Office at 1104 SW Main Blvd, Lake City.

The Coalition oversees the state and federal funding for all school readiness programs birth to age five for the following counties: Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Union Counties.

If any person(s) interested in attending this meeting has

a disability requiring special assistance please contact Stacy Nettles at (386) 752-9770.

Union County Farmer’s MarketThe Union County Farmer’s Market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

GCFBC Homecoming

The Union County Veteran Service office will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 1. Regular hours are Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. If anyone needs assistance call 904-263-0647.

Singles get-together set

The Victory Christian Center Singles Ministry in Lake Butler, invites all singles 21 years and older to attend the “While I’m Waiting” singles get-together on Saturday, July 28, at 4:00 p.m. at the Victory Christian Center Church located on S.R. 121 across from the Lake Butler Elementary School. The cost is $5 per person. Dinner will be served, door prizes, fellowship, and more. For more information, contact Alicia Maxwell at 386-496-2336 by July 25.

Cheer Coaches for pop-Warner

The Union County Pop Warner program is in need of cheer coaches and assistants to coach the Tiny Mite, Mighty Mite and Peewee levels of the cheerleaders for the upcoming season. Each coach and assistant will have to have a background check. The beginning of the season is Aug. 2. If you are interested, contact Kasey Sellars, Cheer Coordinator, at 386-266-9202.

Veteran’s office closed

The Union County Veteran Service Office will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 1. Regular hours are on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. If anyone needs assistance call my cell

904-263-0647.

Pop-Warner board meets

The Union County Pop Warner will be holding a board meeting on Monday, July 30. This meeting will be open to the public. Come out and express your cares and concerns for the upcoming season. The meeting will be held at the Union County Pop Warner Bldg. at the Complex at RMC. If you have any questions call Kasey Sellars at 386-266-9202.

July 27 golf tournament to benefit UCHS football

The third annual Union County High School football program fundraising golf tournament will be held Friday, July 27, at the Starke Golf and Country Club.

The four-man best ball tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The cost is $50 per person or $180 per team.

Lunch will be provided, and there will be door prizes and prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, putting, straightest drive and getting a hole in one.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information, please call Ronny Pruitt at 386-496-2569 or Matthew Elixson at 352-275-8697. You may also email Pruitt at pruittr@union.k12.fl.us or Elixson at mailto:elixsonm@union.k12.fl.us.

High School dates to remember

The dates each class can begin their selection for parking spaces and lockers has been set. This is a first come, first choice basis within the designated areas.

•Monday, Aug. 6, Seniors • Tuesday, Aug. 7, Juniors •Wednesday, Aug. 8,

Sophomores •Thursday, Aug. 9,

FreshmanThe cost of the parking

permit is $10.00. You will need to provide us with your

current operators driver’s license, current registration and current up to date insurance card. There is paperwork that has to be signed, so the student that the parking permit is being purchased for must be present. Friends or family members cannot purchase the parking permit for the student. These permits will be sold during the above dates from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Media Center. Please enter thru the Media Center doors facing the front of the school. Parking Permits and lockers will not be sold the week of Monday, Aug. 13, through Friday, Aug. 17. Selling will resume on selling on Monday, Aug. 20.

The cost of the lockers is $5.00. These will be sold in the Media Center also during the same dates and time frame as the parking permits. Cash only.

Orientation nights have also been set:

•9th Grade – Monday, Aug. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the UCHS Auditorium

•10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the UCHS Auditorium.

Policy and procedural changes, student schedules and other items of interest will be discussed with the students and parents/guardians.

UC Historical Society event

The Historical Society will host an event at the Union County Historical Museum on Monday, July 30, at 7 p.m.

The Norman Stevenson family will talk about how they came to Lake Butler in 1960 and built the Lake Butler Apparel Company, known to most as the slacks factory. The Stevenson’s will tell about how they started the business and the impact that it had on the Union County

work force. Past employees and their guests of the slacks factory are invited to come and share the good memories of working there and renew old friendships.

The museum is located in the Townsend Building on S.R. 100 in Lake Butler.

VBS set at Lake Butler Church of God

Vacation Bible School will be held on July 30 through Aug. 3. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. Classes 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner served nightly. Church is located at 480 SW 3rd St. in Lake Butler.

Free Clothing, Books and Food give-a-way

The Sanderson Christian Revival center will have a clothing/books/food give-a-way on Friday, July 27, in Raiford at Geraldine Beauty Shop on S.R. 121 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open Gym for Volleyball

The Lake Butler Middle School will hold Open Gym for girls volleyball on Monday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the LBMS Gym. Students must bring a completed Medical Authorization Form to participate.

The LBMS team tryouts will be on Monday, Aug. 6, and Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Students must bring a completed Medical Authorization Form and Physical Evaluation to try out. Packets with permission forms are available in the LBMS front office. For more information contact Coach Julee Ricketson at ricketsonj@union.k12.fl.us.

60th Annv. Of Korean War at VFW

VFW post 10082 will host an open house on July 27, at 4 p.m. for the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.