MONTICELLO NEWS - University of...
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Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. One of the unintended and unexpected outcomes of the Jefferson County School District’s merger with the Somerset Charter is currently being felt by employees of the school district as well as retirees of the district. Prior to the merger, the school district employed numerous individuals, from teachers to bus drivers, district office staff and more. However, after the Somerset Charter took over the operations of Jefferson County’s public high, middle and elementary schools as well as the transportation of students, the people employed by the district dropped to only seven: the five school board members, Superintendent Marianne Arbulu and Administrative Assistant Ramona Kinsey. According to Superintendent of Schools Marianne Arbulu, no one thought about the insurance implications that would follow the drastic change in employee count. At the end of every year, government agencies must renew or change the insurance policies they offer to their employees, and despite the crippling decrease in the amount of individuals employed by the Jefferson County School District, they are not exempt from having to provide insurance to their seven employees. But, the problem that came before the school board during an emergency meeting on Thursday, December 13, was whether or not that insurance would be financially feasible for their employees and retirees. The way the insurance plans worked for the school district in the past was through a group plan, but in order to qualify as a group, an employer must have no less than 50 individuals currently employed with the business or government agency. “We’ve always been on a group plan,” said Arbulu, and up until this year, the school district has been able to claim the employees from previous years due to the retrospective way that their employee count was tallied. At the end of 2017/beginning of 2018, the insurance agency calculated the plan based on the 2016-2017 employee information and at that time, the school district still employed over 50 people. See INSURANCE page 3 “We may have the best medical provision here in the United States, but if you cannot afford it, it doesn’t do you any good.” www.ecbpublishing.com Wednesday, December 26, 2018 No. 43 75¢+Tax VIEWPOINTS 2 COMMUNITY NEWS 4-8 OBITUARIES 5 SCHOOL 9 SPORTS 10 HOME IMPROVEMENT 11 FAITH & FAMILY 12-13 CLASSIFIEDS & LEGALS 14 Weather for this week Did you know? You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching TV. INSIDE 150 Years of Serving the Monticello Community MONTICELLO NEWS Schofill signs to play golf at Auburn Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. A Jefferson County Warrior with the Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) golf team will be trading in her blue and white uniform for that of an Auburn Tiger following her graduation from high school. The daughter of Billy and Paulette Schofill, 17-year-old Megan Schofill has been playing golf competitively for the last five years. According to Schofill, golf runs in her family. Her father enjoys the sport and Schofill says that she originally got into the sport as a way to stay busy and bond with her dad. Throughout her early beginnings as a golfer, Schofill would attend the summer camps hosted by ACA’s Golf Coach David Jackson and said she putted around on the golf course a little bit before she ever decided to actively pursue the sport. At ACA, Schofill formerly played softball and basketball, and five years ago her passion for golf fully enkindled. Now, in her final year of high school, Schofill has quit basketball and softball to focus entirely on golf. In late November, Schofill was one of two students who participated in a college signing ceremony at ACA. While surrounded by her friends and family as well as her coaching staff, Schofill declared her agreement to play for and attend the University of Auburn, in Alabama. Following her graduation from high school, Schofill will travel up to Auburn and trade her Warrior colors for that of an Auburn Tiger. Playing collegiate golf under the banner of a nationally recognized college will just be one more line in Schofill’s promising career as a golfer. Prior to her signing, Schofill See SCHOFILL page 3 Photo Submitted Megan Schofill, a 17-year-old golfer at Aucilla Christian Acade- my, recently signed on as a future athlete at the University of Auburn (in Alabama) where she will play golf at a collegiate level while ma- joring in communications. Photo Submitted As a championship winner, a recipient of a district title, a participant in the United States Golf Association's Women's Amateur Championship and a golfer of the year for the Big Bend area, signing with the University of Auburn is one more line in Schofill’s list of successes. Following her graduation from high school, Schofill will travel up to Auburn and trade her Warrior colors for that of an Auburn Tiger. “We can’t afford it.” Insurance costs wound school district employees Jefferson County School Superintendent Marianne Arbulu US 90 resurfacing project moving forward Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. City officials have received more good news from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) relative to the planned resurfacing of the section of US 90 that runs through the city and onto the Madison County line. On Tuesday evening, Dec. 4, City Manager Steve Wingate informed the Monticello City Council that the FDOT had granted the city a waiver on the cost for the redesign and movement of the water mains on US 90. At the same time, the council approved a resolution indicating its approval of the planned improvements for the portion of US 90 from the Ike Anderson Bike Trail crossing to the end of the city limits. The changes are intended to reduce illegal speed, potential collisions and enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety. The changes entail striping modifications that will better define the narrowing of the road from four to two lanes beginning at Rhodes St./Martin Luther King Ave and create a bicycle and pedestrian lane. It will also create a center turn lane beginning just past St. Margaret's Church Road near the city limits. And it will create a left turn lane for those turning into St. Margaret's Church Road from US 90. City officials have been overall pleased that the FDOT has incorporated most of the city's recommended improvements into the resurfacing plan, which is nearing completion. Among the city's incorporated recommendation, the plan calls for more road bump-outs or curb extensions, improved lighting at the bike trail crossing, reduced signage pollution around the courthouse circle, and the creation of a bike lane alongside the road. The FDOT plans to hold an open house on Tuesday, Jan. 22, so that the public can see the proposed improvements. The meeting will be held 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, 325 W. Walnut Street.
Transcript of MONTICELLO NEWS - University of...
Ashley HunterECB Publishing, Inc. One of the unintended and
unexpected outcomes of theJefferson County SchoolDistrict’s merger with the
Somerset Charter is currentlybeing felt by employees of theschool district as well asretirees of the district.
Prior to the merger, theschool district employednumerous individuals, fromteachers to bus drivers, districtoffice staff and more.
However, after theSomerset Charter took over theoperations of JeffersonCounty’s public high, middleand elementary schools as wellas the transportation ofstudents, the people employedby the district dropped to onlyseven: the five school boardmembers, SuperintendentMarianne Arbulu andAdministrative AssistantRamona Kinsey.
According toSuperintendent of SchoolsMarianne Arbulu, no onethought about the insurance
implications that would followthe drastic change in employeecount.
At the end of every year,government agencies mustrenew or change the insurancepolicies they offer to theiremployees, and despite thecrippling decrease in theamount of individualsemployed by the JeffersonCounty School District, they arenot exempt from having toprovide insurance to their sevenemployees.
But, the problem that camebefore the school board duringan emergency meeting onThursday, December 13, waswhether or not that insurancewould be financially feasiblefor their employees and retirees.
The way the insuranceplans worked for the schooldistrict in the past was througha group plan, but in order toqualify as a group, an employermust have no less than 50individuals currently employedwith the business orgovernment agency.
“We’ve always been on agroup plan,” said Arbulu, andup until this year, the schooldistrict has been able to claimthe employees from previousyears due to the retrospectiveway that their employee countwas tallied.
At the end of2017/beginning of 2018, theinsurance agency calculated theplan based on the 2016-2017employee information and atthat time, the school district stillemployed over 50 people.
See INSURANCE page 3
“We may havethe bestmedicalprovision herein the UnitedStates, but ifyou cannotafford it, itdoesn’t do youany good.”
www.ecbpublishing.com Wednesday, December 26, 2018 No. 43 75¢+Tax
VIEWPOINTS 2COMMUNITY NEWS 4-8OBITUARIES 5SCHOOL 9
SPORTS 10 HOME IMPROVEMENT 11FAITH & FAMILY 12-13CLASSIFIEDS & LEGALS 14
Weatherfor thisweek
Did you know?You burn more calories sleeping than
you do watching TV.
INSIDE
150 Years of Serving the Monticello CommunityMONTICELLONEWS
Schofillsigns toplay golf
at AuburnAshley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.A Jefferson County Warrior
with the Aucilla ChristianAcademy (ACA) golf team will betrading in her blue and whiteuniform for that of an AuburnTiger following her graduationfrom high school.
The daughter of Billy andPaulette Schofill, 17-year-oldMegan Schofill has been playinggolf competitively for the last fiveyears.
According to Schofill, golfruns in her family. Her fatherenjoys the sport and Schofill saysthat she originally got into thesport as a way to stay busy andbond with her dad.
Throughout her earlybeginnings as a golfer, Schofillwould attend the summer campshosted by ACA’s Golf CoachDavid Jackson and said she puttedaround on the golf course a littlebit before she ever decided toactively pursue the sport.
At ACA, Schofill formerlyplayed softball and basketball, and
five years ago her passion for golffully enkindled.
Now, in her final year of highschool, Schofill has quit basketballand softball to focus entirely ongolf.
In late November, Schofill wasone of two students whoparticipated in a college signingceremony at ACA.
While surrounded by herfriends and family as well as hercoaching staff, Schofill declaredher agreement to play for andattend the University of Auburn, inAlabama.
Following her graduation fromhigh school, Schofill will travel upto Auburn and trade her Warriorcolors for that of an Auburn Tiger.
Playing collegiate golf underthe banner of a nationallyrecognized college will just be onemore line in Schofill’s promisingcareer as a golfer.
Prior to her signing, Schofill See SCHOFILL page 3
Photo SubmittedMegan Schofill, a 17-year-old
golfer at Aucilla Christian Acade-my, recently signed on as a futureathlete at the University of Auburn(in Alabama) where she will playgolf at a collegiate level while ma-joring in communications.
Photo SubmittedAs a championship winner,
a recipient of a district title, aparticipant in the United StatesGolf Association's Women'sAmateur Championship and agolfer of the year for the BigBend area, signing with theUniversity of Auburn is onemore line in Schofill’s list ofsuccesses.
Following hergraduation from high school,
Schofill will travel up to Auburn and tradeher Warrior colors for that of an Auburn Tiger.
“We can’t afford it.”Insurance costs wound school district employees
Jefferson County School SuperintendentMarianne Arbulu
US 90 resurfacing project moving forwardLazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc. City officials have received more
good news from the FloridaDepartment of Transportation (FDOT)relative to the planned resurfacing ofthe section of US 90 that runs throughthe city and onto the Madison Countyline.
On Tuesday evening, Dec. 4, CityManager Steve Wingate informed theMonticello City Council that the FDOThad granted the city a waiver on the
cost for the redesign and movement ofthe water mains on US 90.
At the same time, the councilapproved a resolution indicating itsapproval of the planned improvementsfor the portion of US 90 from the IkeAnderson Bike Trail crossing to the endof the city limits. The changes areintended to reduce illegal speed,potential collisions and enhance bicycleand pedestrian safety.
The changes entail stripingmodifications that will better define thenarrowing of the road from four to two
lanes beginning at Rhodes St./MartinLuther King Ave and create a bicycleand pedestrian lane. It will also create acenter turn lane beginning just past St.Margaret's Church Road near the citylimits. And it will create a left turn lanefor those turning into St. Margaret'sChurch Road from US 90.
City officials have been overallpleased that the FDOT has incorporatedmost of the city's recommendedimprovements into the resurfacing plan,which is nearing completion.
Among the city's incorporated
recommendation, the plan calls formore road bump-outs or curbextensions, improved lighting at thebike trail crossing, reduced signagepollution around the courthouse circle,and the creation of a bike lanealongside the road.
The FDOT plans to hold an openhouse on Tuesday, Jan. 22, so that thepublic can see the proposedimprovements. The meeting will beheld 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the FirstUnited Methodist Church, 325 W.Walnut Street.
Another holiday season is upon us andmany are absorbed with Christmasshopping and looking for that gift that isjust right for each one on our list. As onegrows older the list seems to grow longer.Each year I am reminded of how the
hustle and bustle of shopping can causeour attention to focus more on things than
on people. It isvery easy to allowour focus to shiftfrom what the realmeaning ofChristmas is tothings that are farless important.Most of you
probably do notknow who Hugh
Haynie is, or should I say was; he died in1999. Hugh was a political cartoonist.His cartoons could be seen in theLouisville Courier-Journal on theeditorial page. But his work was oftenpublished in the newspapers of Americabecause Hugh had a way of making hispoint very clearly in the cartoons hedrew.I grew up in Jacksonville, FL reading
the Florida Times-Union. Every year atChristmas time one of Hugh’s cartoonsran in the Florida Times-Union that evenas a boy touched my heart with its simpletruth. I think it was published in theChristmas Eve edition, but I began tolook for it every year.The cartoon pictures a man going over
what must be his Christmas list sitting atthe bottom of a small hill of wrappedpresents. In the top left portion of thecartoon is an artistic rendering of the face
of Christ superimposed on the scene. Thecaption reads, “Now let’s see. Have Iforgotten anyone?”It is a poignant reminder that during
this time of the year that we celebrate thebirth of our Savior Jesus Christ, our busyshopping schedule and hecticpreparations for the big day can cause usto lose sight of the “Reason for theseason.”That first Christmas was not
celebrated then as it is now, nor attendedwith the same attention it receives today.In the grand scheme of things the birth ofChrist went relatively unnoticed. Thenature of Christ has not changed in overtwo millennia, He did not force His wayinto the inn then and He does not forceHis way into our thoughts and heartstoday.If we are not careful His birth and its
significance will go, even amid the lightsand festivities, as unnoticed today as itdid then. Now let’s see. Have weforgotten anyone?“Joseph also went up from Galilee,
from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to thecity of David which is called Bethlehem,because he was of the house and familyof David, in order to register along withMary, who was engaged to him, and waswith child.“While they were there, the days were
completed for her to give birth. And shegave birth to her firstborn son; and shewrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in amanger, because there was no room forthem in the inn,” Luke 2:4-7.
Gary B. King welcomes commentsor questions and can be reached [email protected].
2018 has come and gone and wefind ourselves staring 2019 straight inthe face.
My favorite New Year’s childhoodmemories find me spending every NewYear’s Eve with my Grandmother
(Cora LeeHartsfield) Greene.We spent the nighttaking down theChristmas tree andall Christmasdecorations; for shetaught me that if weleft them up then wewould bring all the“bad stuff” from the
“old year” in with the “new year.” Shetaught me to take all decorations downand begin the New Year off fresh.
My Grandmother also always toldme that I couldn’t wash clothes on NewYear’s Day. “You’ll wash someone outof the family,” she would say. ‘OldWives’ Tales,’ so they are said to be;but we lived by them, she and I.
However, on January 1, 1998 Icalled my Grandmother to inquireabout washing dishes on New Year’sDay. She had always said I couldn’twash clothes; but I wasn’t sure aboutwashing dishes. I remember vividly shelaughed and said she had beenwondering the same thing that day. Shereported she had a sink full of dirtydishes (as did I).
So, we decided that we would bothwash dishes that day …. and ifsomething happened in our family, wewouldn’t know who would be to blame.
Three months later, to the day, shedied as a result of a stroke.
As I stood in the hospital, holdingher hand as she took her last breath, Ithought about those dishes.
Is there truth to ‘Old Wives’Tales?’ or was it a coincidence?
We will never know!But I can tell you this… I have
never washed dishes again on NewYear’s Day, since 1998.
A brand-new year also brings about“New Year Resolutions.”
However, statistics show that aftersix months, fewer than half of thepeople who make New Year’s
Resolutions are still upholding them.After one year, that percentage drops toabout 10 percent.
I gave up New Year’s Resolutionsmany years ago… I didn’t needstatistics to realize that I, personally,didn’t keep them either, in a timelymatter.
I’ve learned, however, that thesecret to New Year’s Resolutions is notto make a promise once a year and tryso hard to make it work. The true secretis to slowly make life changing habitsthat become a part of your life.
It doesn’t matter what the“Resolution” is - stop smoking, cleanthe house, lose weight, exercise more,tithe, or save money - - the end result isso much better if you just slowly makelife changing adjustments to make itwork. Making a promise on January 1might lead to a let-down in a fewmonths. Once the let-down hasoccurred, the mentality of trying againis broken.
Instead, slowly making changes inour lifestyles makes for a longer lastingeffect. Instead of making a “NewYear’s Resolution” make a “Lifestyleresolution.”
“If you want to live a happy life, tieit to a goal, not to people or things.”
- Albert EinsteinWith the ending of another year of
our lives, we must not look back at thepast, but look forward to a newbeginning with 2019.
“Bring the past only if you aregoing to build from it.”
- Doménico Cieri Estrada“What you need to know about the
past is that no matter what hashappened, it has all worked together tobring you to this very moment. Andthis is the moment you can choose tomake everything new. Right now.”
- Author UnknownI hope all of you, our faithful
readers, will be richly blessed in theupcoming New Year. May you all findpeace, love and happiness in all thatyou do.
Furthermore, always remember tocherish your loved ones; for oneday/year they may not be here to showyour love to!
2 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • MONTICELLO NEWS
Letters To The EditorLetters to the Editor are typed word for word, comma for comma, as sent to this newspaper.
Please keep letter to 600 words or less.
Emerald GreeneParsonsPublisher
Gary B. KingGuest Columnist
Emerald’s Gem Box...VIEWPOINTS
Happy New Year!
Successful partnerships with the
Monticello Opera HouseThe Krickets and the Currys
Christmas Concert was a fabuloussuccess (a packed house!) and wewould like to thank the localbusinesses and organizations thatpartnered with the Opera House forthis event. We appreciate the Avera-Clarke Bed and Breakfast for donatingand hosting the musicians andorganizing the pre-concert party.Patrons from Alabama, Georgia,Jacksonville, Gainesville, Lake City,Orlando, Tallahassee, Thomasville,Monticello and Port St. Joe, themusicians’ hometown, enjoyed tastyheavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
Many thanks to the JeffersonCounty Historical Association, CarrieAnn & Company and severalvolunteers who donated their timebehind the scenes. The holiday spiritwas captured in the beautifulChristmas trees decorated by themembers of the Monticello GardenClub and Gretchen Avera. We also
appreciate the continued support ofKatrina Richardson and the TouristDevelopment Council for helping us topromote our events throughout theyear. These collaborations with ourlocal community provide anopportunity for the Opera House toshowcase our charming, historic townand introduce our community tovisitors from all over Florida and thesurrounding area.
We have an exciting seasonplanned for 2019 with a full programof musicals, plays, concerts, mysterydinner theater and children's theater.We hope you will stop by for a visitand learn more. The Monticello OperaHouse offers great entertainment forthe whole family! Visitmonticellooperahouse.org for a list ofupcoming events. We look forward toseeing you soon
Mike Herrin Executive Director
Democracy or RepublicIt is good for us Americans to
know what form of government “wethe people” manage.
A democracy would be whereeach of us would go online on theWorld Wide Web and vote yea or nayon a proposed law. Fifty percent plusone vote would be the law of the landthe next morning.
A republic is where we thepeople vote and elect ourrepresentatives who govern accordingto law.
We are a republic. We are not ademocracy.
U. S. Constitution, Article IV,Section 4: The United States shallguarantee to every State in this Uniona Republican Form of Government
Our pledge of allegiance states“and to the republic for which itstands”.
A republic gives the mostfreedom but requires the mostparticipation. “A republic, if you cankeep it” quote by Ben Franklin.
Founding Father John Jay, anauthor of the Federalist Papers andthe original Chief Justice of the U. S.Supreme Court, wiselyrecommended: “Every member of theState ought diligently to read andstudy the constitution……Byknowing their rights, they will soonerperceive when they are violated, andbe better prepared to defend andassert them.”
I visited the NationalConstitution Center(https://constitutioncenter.org/)located on Independence Mall inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, inNovember 2017 and saw educationaldisplays showing the different formsof government of the nations of theworld. Two different educational
displays showed America’s form ofgovernment is a democracy. That iswrong. We are a republic.
In September 1787, the Congressof the Confederation, which was thenthe governing body of the UnitedStates, submitted to the thirteen statesof the Union the newly adoptedConstitution for ratification.
Over the next year AlexanderHamilton, James Madison and JohnJay wrote and published a collectionof 85 essays to defend the newproposed system of government andexplain it in great detail to the people.These essays would eventually becomplied in one volume and becomeknown as The Federalist Papers.They remain to this day a classic ofpolitical thought and the greatestcontemporary interpretation of theUnited States Constitution.
In Federalist 10, James Madisonstated, “…democracies have everbeen spectacles of turbulence andcontention; have ever been foundincompatible with personal securityor the rights of property; and have ingeneral been as short in their lives asthey have been violent in theirdeaths.”
To commemorate the 17September 1787 signing of theConstitution of the United States,Congress has designated September17th of each year as Constitution Dayand September 17 – 23 of each yearas Constitution Week.
In 2004, Public Law 108-447,Section 111 was passed requiring thefollowing: Each educationalinstitution that receives Federal fundsshall hold an educational program onthe United States Constitution onSeptember 17.
Bill Snyder
Have we forgotten anyone?
MONTICELLO NEWS • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • 3FROM FRONT PAGEHow to reach us
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INSURANCEfrom page 1
But now, at the end of 2018/beginningof 2019, the plan is being calculated usingthe employee information from 2017-2018.
It was during those years that thedistrict was consolidated by SomersetCharter schools at the request of the FloridaDepartment of Education, and the numberof people employed by the district droppedfar below the requirements for a group plan.
According to Superintendent Arbulu,the school district understood that therewould be pricing changes due to thechanging size of their group, but they hadno idea how heavy the impact would feel tothe employees and retirees of the district.
“We shrank down to nothing. Thatdumps us into a small group, and thatbasically doubles all the premiums,” saidArbulu.
Currently, Superintendent Arbulu saysthat the district pays $460 towards herinsurance and as of 2018, outside of thedistrict’s health care contribution, Arbulusays that she still has to pay $760 per monthfrom her paycheck for her insurancethrough the district.
The paychecks Arbulu receives inJanuary, however, will see a total of $1,641being pulled out of her pay in order to coverinsurance costs - all outside of the funds thatthe district will also provide.
“We may have the best medicalprovision here in the United States, but ifyou cannot afford it, it doesn’t do you anygood,” said Arbulu, adding that SchoolDistrict Administrative Assistant RamonaKinsey will be paying one-third of hersalary towards insurance for herself and herspouse starting in January. “The system isbroken,” continues Arbulu.
The skyrocketing premiums will domore than affect the people currently on thepayroll from the district - it will also affectthe former employees who retired throughthe district and are still using the insuranceprovided by the district.
“We offer insurance to our retirees,most of whom are on some sort of CHPMedicare program,” said Arbulu.
It is actually the Medicare programsthat will be saving the retirees from havingto be weighed down by the hefty premiumsthat will be rolling into the agency come2019.
The Medicare programs allow theretirees who are 65 years of age or over avariation in how much they will be expectedto pay for their insurance - but not all of theretirees with the school district are insured
with Medicare and not all are 65 years ofage.
“The retirees are ok,” said Arbulu,adding that the concern she feels is for thosewho are not 65 years old.
Starting the week of Monday,December 17, Arbulu and Kinsey startedsending out letters and advising their under-65 retirees of the updated cost of theirinsurance. Those who are 65 and eligible,the district is encouraging them to go aheadand enroll in the Medicare program for thediscounts.
But what about those who are not yeteligible due to their age?
“Their only option is to drop this planand go into a Blue Cross Blue Shield or agovernment subsidy, where the insurance isnot as good and it is what it is,” said Arbulu.
A single person on the regular insuranceplan offered by the school district canexpect to pay somewhere around $600 forinsurance – a Medicare retiree will look atpaying closer to $200.
The decision to go with this plan wasdecided on December 13, when the boardvoted 5/0 to go with the program that wasoffered by Capital Health Plans.
“It has the best benefits,” explainedArbulu, “and the bulk of our employees andretirees wanted to keep those benefits.”
Superintendent Arbulu did advise thatthe school board looked at three differentplans before making their decision, andwhile some of the plans were morefinancially viable, they also offered lessenedbenefits.
The school board also attempted toexplore other, more creative ways to goabout providing insurance while keeping therates low for their employees and youngretirees.
One such option would be to reach outto the State of Florida to see if the schooldistrict could move in under the state’sumbrella of insurance coverage, as there is aFlorida Statute that allows small, localgovernments to partner with the state underthe state’s health insurance plan.
But to do so is a process that requiresthe school district to pay for a third-partyactuary to analyze data - “We just don’thave the money to do that,” saidSuperintendent Arbulu.
Further, Arbulu says that the health planwould still be rated based on the employeesof the district in the actuarial census.
“Once they rated us, with our age, wewould be back at Capital Health Plan’srates...we’d accomplish nothing.”
The other option that was explored waswhether the school district could enter an
inter-local agreement with the City ofMonticello or Jefferson County governmentthat would allow the school district'semployees and retirees to receive healthinsurance by entering a group plan with thecity or county.
“There is a disagreement as to what isfeasible with the city and the county and increating a group,” said Arbulu, whobelieved it was not legally feasible.
Outside of the legal loopholes, Arbulusaid there was also the question about howthe rates would look with the joined groupof the two governments, especially howthose rates would affect county or cityemployees.
“If [the rates] adversely affect countyemployees, they probably aren’t going towant to do that,” said Arbulu. “Unless it wassuch a minor change.”
Superintendent Arbulu also reached outto Jefferson County’s Representative HalseyBeshears and Senator Bill Montford to askfor their help in getting the district to join inwith the state’s health care plan.
“Health insurance costs like this are notaffordable, nor are they sustainable,”implored Superintendent Arbulu in a letterto the senator.
In order to explore other, cheaperoptions and research what they couldaccomplish, the district asked CapitalHealth Plans for an extension past thedeadline at the end of December but wasdenied in that request due to the fact that itwas not legally allowed.
“So we’re signing up with the mostexpensive [plan],” said Arbulu. “That’swhat the board agreed to do and folks whoare under 65 and can't latch onto one of theoptions are going to have to make do, or dosomething else.”
While the high-priced insurance isoffered to the board members, employeesand retirees, everyone will be able to opt outof the district’s plan and pursue their owninsurance, should they choose to do so.
Around 80 people are currentlydependants in the school district’s insurancepolicies: seven are employees and theremaining 73 people are retirees.
According to one dependant on theschool district’s insurance, the costs will notbe something that her family can support.
“We can’t afford it... when thegovernment imposed Somerset, they didn’trealize that there would be this collateraldamage,” she says. “We’re going to have todo something else, and I don’t know whatwe are going to do.”
The plan will begin on the first ofJanuary.
SCHOFILLfrom page 1had already been given the titleof Big Bend Golfer of the Yearin 2016 when she won thatyear’s All-Big BendChampionship and a district titlein the division for girls’ golf.
Earlier this year, Schofillprogressed to the 32nd round atthe United States GolfAssociation's Women's Amateur
Championship and was amember of the Rolex Junior All-America First Team.
Outside of golf, Schofillenjoys spending time with herfriends and visiting the beach,whenever she can find the timebetween practices andtournaments.
At Auburn, Schofill plans tomajor in communications, andwhile she still is somewhat
undecided regarding her futurebeyond college, Schofill didexpress a desire to pursue acareer that intertwines herprospective major with her lovefor golf.
“I’m just taking this onestep at a time,” said Schofill.
Schofill especiallyrecognized her ACA Golf CoachDavid Jackson, and BillConnally, one of her golf
instructors; both men are herrole models, and Schofill saysshe looks up to them in bothgolf and in life.
“They are the two peoplethat I most strive to be like,”said Schofill. “I’m close withboth of them.”
Schofill will graduate fromAucilla Christian Academy atthe end of the 2018-2019 schoolyear.
Ashley HunterECB Publishing, Inc.A food service worker
employed at the JeffersonCorrectional Institute (JCI)has been arrested followingher attempts to smugglecigarettes into the institute.
On Tuesday,November 27, at around9:56 a.m., JCI InspectorMuse was contacted by acaptain at the facility due
to a food service employeeentering JCI for her workshift, and being unable toclear the metal detectorpass.
After failing to clearthe detector, GennaAlexander, of Monticello,the food service employeein reference, admitted totwo on-duty JCI officersthat she had contrabandhidden under her clothing.
Further, Alexanderstated that the contraband,a pack of opened cigarstyle cigarettes, were beingdelivered to an inmate.
A smoker herself,Alexander had her ownbrand of cigarettes on herperson when she enteredJCI.
Alexander was readher Miranda rights, andafterwards provided a
sworn statement to JCIInspectors Muse andPadgett.
According toAlexander she had fourpackages, 80 count, ofcigar style cigarettes whichhad been hidden on herperson in order to smugglethem in to an inmate at JCI.
Alexander deniedhaving received any formsof payment or having beenasked to deliver the cigars.
Instead, Alexanderclaimed to have decided togive the inmate the cigarssince she felt bad that hehad no money of his own.
Genna Alexander wascharged with two counts ofintroducing contrabandinto a corrections facilityand arrested on the sameday as her offense,November 27.
Woman arrested fordelivering contraband into JCI
Genna Defaye Alexander
Lazaro AlemanECB Publishing, Inc.
Monticello and Jefferson Countyemployees can expect a small pay sweetenerin the coming days, compliments of theirrespective city and county employers.
Both the Jefferson County Commissionand Monticello City Council voted in recentmeetings to award Christmas bonuses totheir respective employees.
City officials voted to give a $50 bonusto each city employee, whether full or parttime. Last year, the bonus was $100. Cityofficials justified the lesser amount bynoting that employees had receivedconsecutive pay raises in the last two years.The city has 39 employees.
County officials, meanwhile, opted togive their employees a $100 bonus, the sameas in past years. The county has 182 full andpart-time employees.
City, countyemployeesget bonuses
4 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • MONTICELLO NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS
Debbie SnappECB Publishing, Inc.
Magic was in the air during arecent evening meeting of theMonticello Kiwanis, at the JeffersonCountry Club.
Magician and Mentalist MichaelGutenplan just happened to be touringthrough the area on his way to LasVegas, Nevada when he received aninvite from the Kiwanis to drop by andentertain the membership and theirguests with his psychic powers andincredible powers of the mind.
He was awesome! It was anincredible evening of magic and mindreading. He approached most of thoseattending with a trick or two before andafter his specifically designedperformance, and involved all in hispresentation. He performed several
amazing 'tricks', one ending withseveral members going home withstuffed animals of their choosing, andhis sharing of thoughts.
Gutenplan put Kiwanis PresidentBrandi Matthews to sleep a few timesduring one of his mental feats, only towake her without her knowledge ofever being asleep; keeping herconfused and worried that she might dosomething stupid... he didn't, but thegroup did get a laugh.
Gutenplan has entertained on fivecontinents and has tourned throughoutthe United States. He has appeared ontelevision, in films, off-Broadway andat private clubs across the nation.
Kiwanis Club meets at 12 p.m. onWednesdays at the Jefferson CountryClub for a program and lunch. Formore information contact PresidentBrandi Matthews at (850) 508-3429.
Kiwanians experience magicECB Publishing, Inc. Photos By Debbie Snapp, November 9, 2018
Kiwanis members participated in an evening of magic with Magicianand Mentalist Michael Gutenplan.
ECB Publishing, Inc. Photos By Debbie Snapp,November 9, 2018
Kiwanis President BrandiMatthews agrees, with muchpersuasion, to be put to sleep for oneof the magic presentations by guestMagician and Mentalist MichaelGutenplan.
MONTICELLO NEWS • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • 5COMMUNITY NEWS
Christmastime at the library:crafts, parties and special visitors
Ashley HunterECB Publishing, Inc.
Where can you find Christmas cheer, books, andcrafts all in one place?The Jefferson County R.J.
Bailar Public Library, ofcourse!Welcoming in the month of
Christmas, the library hosted aspecial Makers Space sessionwith AssistantLibrarian TerezWashington onSaturday, Dec. 1.Kids of all ages
gathered in theCommunity Room atthe library to puttogether flashing, light-up Christmas cards, decorated with afestive Rudolph the Reindeer.Kids were able to tinker with minor electricity as they
wired the lightbulbs on the cards to twinkle and light up at thepress of a button.On Friday, Dec. 7, the library hosted a Polar Express
Christmas party.A special visitor for this event was Monticello Police Department’s
Chief Fred Mosley, who read The Polar Express to the children.Meanwhile, the children enjoyed apple cider and hot cocoa.Everyone who attended was offered a free Santa hat to get everyone in the
festive Christmas mood, and Library Assistant Washington helped the childrenput together jingle bells – because what is Christmas without some music andnoise?
Photo SubmittedEveryone gets into the Christmas spirit at the Jefferson County Public
Library!
Photo SubmittedOn Friday, December 7,
the library hosted a PolarExpress Christmas Party, witha special guest reader -Monticello Police Chief FredMosley visiting to read to thechildren who attended.
Photo SubmittedOn Saturday, December 1, the library hosted a special, Christmas-themed
Makers Space craft session. Kids worked with Assistant Librarian TerezWashington to construct light-up Christmas cards during the session.
MichaelBurrell Kinsey,Sr., known tohis friends andfamily as"Mike," passedaway in hishome in theearly hours of
Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at the age of 61. Mike was born in Thomasville,
GA. to James and Joan Kinsey ofMonticello, on Sept. 12, 1957, and wasthe youngest of four children. He moved around in childhood and
returned to Monticello as a young adultin 1979. Mike learned his trade ofhouse painting by working with hisfather as a child and teenager, andalternated between painting houses anddriving semi trucks for most of hisworking life. He owned a successfulpaint contracting business and hadmany loyal customers.Mike enjoyed many hobbies over
the course of his life, including fishing,hunting, playing softball, rock-n-rollmusic, playing drums with his band,Florida State football and flying remotecontrol airplanes with his buddies at theSeminole RC Club. Mike had a passionfor music, teaching himself how to playdrums when he was a teenager, andenjoyed many years playing with theFlorida Border Band, covering classicrock songs and even writing some
original music. He enjoyed going to airshows, seeing planes of decades andwars past, building model planes, andin later years, flying remote controlplanes. When he wasn’t spending timeat the RC club, you could find him athome enjoying time with his family andspoiling his dog, Korbin, and hisgranddogs, Krista and Kerrigan.Mike was preceded in death by his
parents, James and Joan Kinsey; hissister, Cheryl Kinsey; and a niece,Tammy Gilmore.Mike is survived by his loving and
dedicated wife of 38 years, SherriDemott Kinsey, of Monticello; adaughter, Mallory Kinsey, ofWindermere, FL; a son, MichaelKinsey, Jr., of Monticello; a sister, JoyKinsey Shelley (Jerry), of Lake Mary,FL.; a brother, Jimmy Kinsey, ofMonticello; 18 nieces and nephews; 34great nieces and nephews; two great-great nephews and one great-greatniece.A visitation and memorial service
was held on Sunday, Dec. 16, atElizabeth Baptist Church in Monticello.Visitation took place from 2 p.m. until3 p.m. with the service beginning at 3p.m. In lieu of flowers, charitabledonations can be made to the ElizabethBaptist Youth Building Fund bymailing a check to Elizabeth BaptistChurch, 4124 Bassett Dairy Road,Monticello, FL., 32344.
Michael Burrell Kinsey, Sr.
Debbie SnappECB Publishing, Inc.
Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 5 presented itsmember Past District Deputy Grand Master JamesGamble with a 50 year gold pin and certificate, avisible symbol for his dedication and service to theMasons.
He became a master mason in Shamrock LodgeNo. 268 on June 23, 1968 in Cross City, FL., andhas since served in all the offices of a Mason.
He is now treasurer of Hiram Lodge inMonticello, and is a member of the Valley of
Tallahassee Scottish RiteMasons and a member ofMarzuq Shriners.
Gamble joined theOrder of DeMolay inMontana at the age of 14.His father was a Masonand his mother was amember of the Order ofEastern Star.
6 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • MONTICELLO NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS
Like Us On Facebook!www.facebook.com/ECBPublishing
RECALL: Kotex Sleek TamponsAshley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
A voluntary recall has been issued by Kim-berly-Clark in relation to their U by Kotex sleektampons (regular absorbency) due to complaintsprovided by consumers.
The recalled tampons were sold throughout theUnited States and Canada and have been recalleddue to a quality defect that hinders the performanceof the product as well as the comfort of usage.
Kimberly-Clark received reports from theirconsumers that the tampons were unraveling andcoming apart during use or while being removed;in some cases, medical attention was required to re-move pieces of the damaged tampons.
A small number of reports have also been re-ceived that advise of infections, irritation, localizedinjury, and other symptoms as a result of using Uby Kotex Sleek Tampons, regular absorbency.
The recall is limited to specific lots Kotex tam-pons that were manufactured between October 7,2016, and October 16, 2018, and distributed be-tween October 17, 2016, and October 23, 2018.Consumers can identify this product by looking forspecific lot numbers found on the bottom of thepackage.
Retailers who have carried this product on theirstore shelves have been alerted to remove the re-called lot numbers and post a notification in theirstores.
No other U by Kotex-branded products is sub-ject to this recall.
Any consumer who has been impacted U byKotex Sleek Tampons should stop using the prod-uct immediately and promptly contact Kimberly-Clark's Consumer Service team at 1-(888)255-3499 between 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Central Time,Monday through Friday, for information regardingthis recall.
Consumers who experience injury (pain, bleed-ing, or discomfort), irritation (itching or swelling),urogenital infections (bladder and/or vaginal bacte-rial and/or yeast infections), or other symptomssuch as hot flashes, abdominal pain, nausea, orvomiting following use of the impacted productshould seek immediate medical attention.
If you currently have packages of these re-called tampons in your possession, the productshould be thrown away or returned to the place ofpurchase.
ECB Publishing, Inc. Photo By Debbie Snapp,September 10, 2018
James Gamble, center, was recognized for his50 years of dedication to the Masons by HiramLodge No. 5 Master Mark Griffith, left, and District6 Deputy Grand Master William McCloud.
Gamble recognized for50 years withMasons
Lazaro Aleman, ECB Publishing, Inc.
The irrepressible Rev. Dick Bailar may havelost his eyesight, but not his joie de vivre or silvertongue.
A regular at Jefferson County Commissionmeetings for nearly three decades, Bailar, now 90,made a rare reappearance before the board recently,ostensibly to tender his resignations from twocommittees and bid a farewell.
Bailar told the board that he was entering a newphase of his life – soon to be heading forWestminster Oaks, an assisted living facility inTallahassee.
“Twenty-eight years ago I moved here afterresigning my church,” said Bailar, formerly theminister of a Congregational Church in CoralGables, South Florida. “I lost a church but I gaineda congregation. You've given me a reason to live incommunity service.”
So well recognized is Bailar for his communitycontributions, that in 2010 the Jefferson CountyCommission renamed the new library the R. J.Bailar Public Library in his honor.
Bailar told the commissioners on Thursday,Dec. 6, that he came before them reluctantly toresign the last two of his many appointmentsthrough the years. These last two were thecontractors' licensing board, to which he wasappointed in 2005, and the Wilderness CoastLibraries committee, to which he was appointed in2010.
“It's been a wonderful experience,” Bailar saidof the latter. “I didn't know how vital libraries wereto rural communities.”
Bailar said it was with a sense of sadness thathe was moving on, underscoring the poignancy ofthe moment by quoting Isaac Watts, an EnglishCongregational minister, hymn writer, theologianand logician.
“Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all itssons away,” Bailar quoted Watts. “They fly,forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.”
Bailar's storied retirement in Jefferson Countybegan in January, 1991, when he and his German-born wife, Friedel, moved into one of severalcottages that he had built on a five-acre parcel onMain Avenue that became widely known as aBavarian-themed village, complete with an alpinemanor house.
That first spring, as Bailar tells it, formerJefferson County Commissioner Gene Cookseydropped by to introduce himself and welcome theBailars to the community. In the process, Cookseyurged Bailar to attend board meetings and getinvolved in community activities.
“Which I did faithfully for 27 years,” Bailarsays, until his failing eyesight forced him toreassess his many commitments a few years ago.
In the interim, Bailar actively participated incommission meetings and doings to the degree thatformer Monticello News Publisher Ron Cichondubbed him “the sixth commissioner.”
Prior to moving to Jefferson County, Bailarserved 25 years as a Congregational minister inSouth Florida and led a full and varied life. A WorldWar II infantryman and CIA operative during theCold War, Bailar, among other things, parachutedinto enemy territory; helped rescue individuals frombehind the Iron Curtain; founded an interfaithorganization; hosted radio shows; interviewedfigures such as Presidents Jack Kennedy andRichard Nixon; met with President Jimmy Carterand Pope John Paul II; marched with the Rev.Martin Luther King Jr.; and received mention in abook by the late James Michener, author of Hawaiiand other bestsellers.
Bailar also had his detractors and critics, was attimes labeled a liberal and troublemaker, andexperienced stones and rotten eggs thrown at himduring marches.
“My ministry has always been the mostcomfortable when it addressed not, 'Are you saved?'but rather, 'How are you spending yourself?'” Bailaronce told this reporter. “When all is said and done,does it matter one whit that you have walked thisearth? What have you done to help people be betterclothed, better fed, better educated, and so forth?That's our responsibility.”
MONTICELLO NEWS • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • 7COMMUNITY NEWS
Bailar leaves legacy of service
Bailar's storied retirement in Jefferson County began in January,1991, when he and his German-born wife, Friedel, moved into oneof several cottages that he had built on a five-acre parcel on MainAvenue that became widely known as a Bavarian-themed village,complete with an alpine manor house.
ECB Publishing, Inc Photo By Lazaro Aleman, Sept. 14, 2001Dick Bailar (left) participated in innumerable
committees. Pictured here is Bailar, an unidentifiedperson and former Monticello Mayor Willie Cuyler(right).
ECB Publishing, Inc Photo By Lazaro Aleman, Nov. 14, 2001Dick Bailar (right) discusses a voting issue
with County Commissioner Junior Tuten (left).Bailar was known as the unofficial “sixth com-missioner.”
ECB Publishing, Inc. Photo By Lazaro Aleman, December 3, 2009Dick Bailar addresses the Monticello City Council, one of many groups he interacted with. He was
also comfortable and eloquent in his dealing with government entities, including the FloridaLegislature.
Bailar has striven to helpothers through communityservice his whole life. Thefollowing are a few of Bailar'sappointments and activitiesthrough his years here:
1992 – 2013: Chaired twohousing program boards thatduring the cited period brought$10,000,000 into the county ingrants and added more than$33,000,000 in property valueto the tax rolls.
1992 – 2000: Appointed byFlorida Gov. Lawton Chiles torepresent Jefferson County onthe Appalachee RegionalPlanning Council.
1995: Appointed by theJefferson County Commissionto coordinate the localobservance of Florida'sSesquicentennial (150thbirthday), which he did withflair. As part of a separateSesquicentennial project, healso helped raise some$100,000 that went to constructthe Boy Scouts of AmericaEagle's Nest facility on S.Water Street.
2002: Helped organized theJefferson County LegislativeCommittee, a lobbying group
that he represented until notlong ago. The committee intime earned the lawmakers'respect and recognition andover the years brought millionsof dollars in funding to thecounty.
2003: Was instrumental,along with other communityleaders, in formation of theEconomic DevelopmentCouncil, which focused oneconomic development.
2004: Had a part, along withthe legislative committee andothers, and in conjunction withGov. Jeb Bush's administration,in passage of legislation thatassures this county hundreds ofthousands of dollars annually.Also in 2004, he played acritical role in the efforts andnegotiations that led to thecounty's acquisition of the thehead of the Wacissa Riverproperty, which today serves asa public park.
2008: Working withlegislative committee,lawmakers and other groups,helped in drafting languagethat resulted in passage ofAmendments 1 and 4,legislations that todayreimburses this and other small
counties for lost revenues dueto extra homestead taxreductions and untaxedconservation easements.
2009: Working with thelegislative committee pursuedfunding that eventuallyresulted in a $285,000 grant forconstruction of the emergencyoperations center at theindustrial park. Also in 2009,worked with the legislativecommittee and helped secureda total of $850,000 forconversion of the old highschool media center on WaterStreet into a new public library.
2010: Alerted to the plannedclosing of the JeffersonCorrectional Institution, Bailarand others in the legislativecommittee galvanized thecommunity and lobbied againstthe closure, and those effortsdissuaded the governor fromhis intention. At stake had beenhundreds of jobs and amultimillion economic impacton the community.
2016: Was part of the groupthat founded the AucillaResearch Institute, which hassince received more than$850,000 in grants and gainednational recognition.
Dick and Friedel Bailar
8 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • MONTICELLO NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS
City recognizes longtime employeeLazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
City Manager SteveWingate and the MonticelloCity Council recentlyrecognized one of the city'slong serving employees.That individual is
Rochester “Sandy” Proctor,who not long ago markedhis 40th year ofemployment with the city.In celebration of theoccasion, Wingate and thecouncil presented Proctorwith a plaquecommemorating his longservice. Wingate additionally
presented Proctor with afishing pole, so that thelatter could indulge in his
favorite off-job activity offishing.Wingate said that
“Sandy” – as everyonecalls Proctor on the job – isan extremely dedicated andhardworking individualwho deserved therecognition. He said Proctor was
employed with the citysewer department andlargely kept the grassmowed at the treatmentplant, the Goldburg Streetfacility and the variouspump stations, as well asdoing general maintenanceduties.“He's an extremely
hardworking and dedicatedemployee,” Wingaterepeated.
ECB Publishing Inc. Photo by Ashley Hunter, Oct. 2, 2018Rochester Proctor receives recognition at the Monticello City Council meeting in October.
Pictured, from left to right, are Mayor John Jones, Proctor, and City Manager Steve Wingate.
RECALL: Del Monte Fiesta CornAshley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Despite the name, those who purchased cans of DelMonte’s Fiesta Corn won’t be havingsuch a good time, at least accordingto a new recall issued by the U.S.Food and Drug Association (FDA).On Tuesday, December 11, the FDAreleased a recall to announce that avariety of Del Monte corn had beenrecalled due to under-processing of thefood during the sterilization of the corn.“These deviations were part of the
commercial sterilization process andcould result in contamination by spoilageorganisms or pathogens, which could leadto life-threatening illness if consumed,” reads the FDA’s recall release.As of December 11, the FDA had not received any reports of illness due to
the under-processed corn.The recalled cans of corn are 15.25-
ounce (432g) cans with the following UPCnumber printed on the label: 24000 02770.The product will also have one of thefollowing “Best if Used By” datesstamped on the bottom of the can: August14, 2021, August 15, 2021, August 16,2021, Sept 3, 2021, Sept 4, 2021, Sept5, 2021, Sept 6, 2021, Sept 22, 2021,and Sept 23, 2021.The recalled cans were distributed to25 states, including Florida, Georgia,
and Alabama.Several locations outside of the United States also received the
recalled cans, such as the Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, and Haiti.Any consumers who have purchased the recalled product, with the indicated
UPC code and “Best if Used By” dates, they should return it to the place ofpurchase for a full refund or exchange.
MONTICELLO NEWS • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • 9SCHOOL
Story submitted by Michael McMinn
Jefferson Somerset Band performs a spectacular Winter ConcertUnder the leadership of Band
Director Keith Morley, the JeffersonSomerset Band performed a spectacularWinter Concert on Tuesday, December11, at the Family Night Dinner. This yearthe band has grown to 31 band membersconsisting of middle and high schoolstudents, as well as a fifth grade HandBell Choir. Thank you, Director Morley,for revitalizing and showcasing ourstudents’ love for music! A big standingovation goes out to all of JeffersonSomerset’s musicians and their director!
Busy Christmas Season at Jefferson Somerset
Elementary Holiday Shop Fundraiser was a huge success
The Elementary Holiday Shop was a hugesuccess and great fun for our students. A bigthank you goes out to our PTO President,Debbie Cordle, who did a great job organizingand running our store all week. We would alsolike to thank Emma Allen, Steve Cordle, JoAnn Jones, Sara McElveen, Jami Moore,Jonathan Youngblood and our parentvolunteers who also helped our youngshoppers find their treasures and wrap theirgifts. This was a great lesson in ConsumerMath for our students, but most of all itreminded our students of the joy of giving!
To learn more about Jefferson-Somerset,please visit somersetjefferson.org.
During this school year, the Jefferson Somerset band grew to 31 members in both themiddle and high school grades. On December 11, the band provided a Winter Concert dur-ing the Family Night Dinner.
Five students at Jefferson Somerset proudly show off their class rings following thefirst ever Class Ring Ceremony held at Jefferson Somerset on Thursday, December 13. Stu-dents were presented with their rings and also learned the tradition behind their class rings.
Elementary students were treated to a special holiday shop at school! Students wereable to make purchases and learn about consumer math and the kindness of giving.
Junior and Senior Class Ring CeremonyJefferson-Somerset held its first Class
Ring Ceremony on Thursday, December 13in the school cafeteria.
Students learned about the symbolismand tradition behind their class rings andwere elated with their ring choice!Congratulations Classes of 2019 and 2020!
10 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • MONTICELLO NEWS SPORTS
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Cross Country Tigers represent districtDebbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Jefferson Somerset CrossCountry Tigers traveled toJacksonville representing their districtat regionals on November 2-3. Theycompeted against 60 teams at the NewWorld Sports Complex.
The girls team included CaitlinBates, Finley Boyd, Maggie Boyd,Nora Peters, Tatiana Rivera, CarlissaShuler and Lydia Vargas.
The boys team included GraysonBoyd, Courson Brookins, RogerCarroll, Chase McDaniels, DetrevianNealy, Waylon Peters, JaMichaelSteen, Matthews Steen and EliasVargas.
“Huge shout-out to the parents ofthese amazing kids! They were allvery polite and well-behaved,” addsBus Driver Debbie Cordle.
“This is a great group of kidsunder a truly awesome coach,”comments Pamela Carroll. “We didn'tmake it to State, but I am proud of allof them and their hard work.”
The team did do very well though,many of the athletes making personalrecords and bettering their times.They were all so proud of themselves,as was Coach Harry Jacobs.
After the meet they all traveled tothe mall for some relaxation beforeheading home.
Photo SubmittedJefferson Somerset Cross Country Tigers Girls Team with Coach Harry Jacobs.
Warriors have mixedstart to basketball season
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Aucilla ChristianAcademy (ACA) Warriorsbasketball team has started their2018-19 varsity basketball seasonwith mixed results. On Monday,Nov. 20, the Warriors started theirseason on the road against St.Johns Country Day School. TheWarriors won the game 45-41.Nathan Green made 12 points forthe Warriors. Brandon Batesregistered the first double-doubleof the season with 21 points and11 rebounds.
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, theWarriors met St. Joseph Academyon the road in St. Augustine. This
game resulted in a defeat for theWarriors with a 53-38 final score.Green scored 10 points for theWarriors. Bates contributed 11points and six rebounds for theWarriors.
The Warriors returned homeon Thursday, Nov. 29 for a gamewith Altha High School. TheWarriors were defeated 53-51 in aclose game. Brady Browning had11 points and three rebounds forthe Warriors. Bates had anotherdouble-double with 23 points and12 rebounds.
Next, the Warriors had a homegame against Tallavana HighSchool. The Warriors werevictorious with a 62-23 finalscore. Three different Warriors
scored in double-digits. RyanJackson had 17 points and fiverebounds. William Sullivan scored11 points and registered sixrebounds. Bates was also good for11 points and six rebounds for theWarriors.
The Warriors began the monthof December on a winning notewhen they hosted Branford HighSchool on Monday, Dec. 3. TheWarriors won the contest, 47-28.Green led the Warriors with 11points and four rebounds.
The Warriors will play athome again on Friday, Dec. 7,when they host rival Robert F.Munroe High School. Tipoff is setfor 7:30 p.m. in the ACAgymnasium.
MONTICELLO NEWS • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • 11HOME IMPROVEMENT
Story Submitted
Are you thinking about going solar? Have youbeen wondering how the tax credit works?
Simpler Solar has been installing systems in theNorth Florida area for over 35 years and understandsthe questions you may have before investing in solar.
1. How expensive is solar? Rooftop systemstypically start at $8,000, but systems are available inall sizes for a variety of applications from rooftopsystems to solar powered water heaters and wellpumps. A good way to start figuring out what yoursystem will cost is $3 per watt plus the cost ofinstallation. 10 years ago the price was closer to $10per watt plus install. The drop in price combined withthe 30 percent tax credit makes residential systemsmuch more economically feasible today. Aninvestment in the stock market might make you a 5percent return. With good sun exposure you canexpect to make a 7 – 11 percent return on your money.Every 1,000 watts installed will save youapproximately $30 per month on your utility bill.
2. What is net metering? When you get a solarsystem, the utility company installs a meter at yourhouse. That meter can spin backwards or forwards.Imagine it is a sunny summer day when no one ishome using electricity. Your panels are generatingmore electricity than your house is using. Netmetering allows you to deposit that extra energy to thegrid and use it later (like in the evening when it is dark
or in the winter time when your panels aren’tproducing as much energy).
3. What if I have trees? Solar Panels must be ina non-shaded place on your home, business, orproperty. The optimal placement is on a southernexposure free of shading. Panels may be installed onthe roof, on a ground mount, or on tracking devicesdepending on the site. Systems are designed formaximum sun hours throughout the year. There willbe a longer solar window during the summer months,and a smaller window with the shorter days of winter.
4. Can I use solar for power in myoutbuildings? Yes, depending on what your needs arethere are a variety of options. Using solar panels withDC batteries and DC lights, you can provide lightingfor a barn, shop, etc. for a fraction of what it costs torun a utility line to an outbuilding.
5. Will panels affect my roof warranty? Theyshould not, although we recommend checking withyour roofing company to find out the details of yourwarranty.
6. How long does it take to get the panelsinstalled?Anywhere from 10 days to one month.Each permitting process is different, but it usuallypretty quick. Once you have made the decision to buy,a system is designed, permitted, wind tested and theninstalled.
7. How does the tax credit work? The FederalGovernment has implemented a 30 percent tax creditfor solar systems. This credit is not a refund or rebate,but a credit. Businesses also receive accelerateddepreciation benefits from solar. The tax credit willremain at 30 percent for 2018 and 2019, but willdecrease over the next 3 years to 10 percent by 2022.Taking advantage of the 30 percent tax credit meansyou will receive a large return back from yourinvestment when you file your taxes. For example, ifyou file your taxes and you owe $5,000 and you havea $3,000 tax credit, your tax bill will be reduced to$2,000 giving you immediate savings. If you don’tuse your entire tax credit the first year, it can becarried forward for five years to future tax returns.
8. How long does the solar equipment last?Solar panels carry 25-30 year warranties, but willcontinue to produce power far longer. Inverters (theequipment that changes electricity from DC to AC soit can be used in your home) are warranted for 5-10years. Our Blue Printed Batteries have a proven 30+year lifespan and are comprised of materials that canbe recycled. Lithium iron phosphate battery packshave varied warranties between three and ten years,as do inverters.
9. Do I need a new water tank to put a hotwater system on my house?A Geo Spring Hot waterheating system includes a high efficiency, low energywater heater. This system incorporates two solarpanels with micro inverters to offset the powerconsumption of the hybrid unit. There are threesettings for optimal performance with this system andthere is never an issue with freeze damage in winter.This system starts at $3,600 and is eligible for the 30percent Federal Tax Credit.
10. Who can I contact in my area? SimplerSolar Systems is located out of Tallahassee and offerssolar energy systems, products and servicesthroughout Florida, the United States, and CaribbeanCountries. As North Florida’s leading solar energycompany, with over 35 years of solar experience,Simpler Solar Systems can help with any size solarproject.
We provide complete turnkey solar systems and afull range of solar products and services, includinghome solar systems (rooftop or ground mount), waterwells, hot water heaters, pool heating, pond aerationsystems, RV systems, LED lighting, our newest
lithium iron phosphate battery packs, DC refrigerationand even electric bikes.
If you are interested in solar or have questions,contact Joe Dinkel at (850) 242-2972. For moreinformation about Simpler Solar Solutions, go tosimplersolar.com.
Bob PerryConstruction CorporationBob Perry
Construction Corporation
Cell: 850-210-2441Phone: 850-997-8180Fax: 850-997-2478 P.O. Box 87 • Lamont, Florida 32336
Family Owned & Operated Since 1975Robbie Perry
General ContractorsCG C010945
John EvansCRC 1326731CCC 1329657
Locally Ownedand Operated
We Specialize inall types ofRoofing and
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P.O. Box 128
Monticello
Cell (850) 251-4624
Fax (850) 997-4908
Southeastern EnterprisesOf The Big Bend, LLC.
YeagerContracting Co. Inc.
(850) 508-2383 • (850) 997-2296
Serving Jefferson County for 27 years
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Considering solar energy? 10 Questions to get started
December 27, 29-31AA meetings are held at8 p.m. on Thursdays,Saturdays, Sundays andMondays at ChristEpiscopal Churchannex, 425 N. CherryStreet. For informationcall (850) 251-0278.Father Jim May, churchpastor.
December 27Gathering Tables, Soupand Bread Ministry atFirst PresbyterianChurch, 290 E.Dogwood Street, acommunity service tothe hungry in Monticelloand Jefferson County,will serve soup andbread every Thursdaythrough March from5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the
fellowship hall. All areinvited to fellowshiptogether in the name ofthe Lord. Rev. R.C.Griffin III, churchpastor. (850) 997-2252or [email protected].
December 28Christ Episcopal ChurchFood Share distributionfrom 8 to 10:30 a.m. onthe last Friday at 425 N.Cherry Street. Contact isSusan Craig. Father JimMay, church pastor.
December 30Mt. Pleasant AMEChurch and its pastorEric D. Grayer will hostthe 5th SundayMissionary CoalitionService at 11 a.m. alongwith Philadelphia AME
Church and its pastorDavid Williams andNew Bethel AMEChurch and its pastorJimmie F. Dickey. Mt.Pleasant AME Church islocated at 125 GrooverRoad.
December 30Memorial MissionaryBaptist Church will holdits annual 5th SundayFellowship Program at11 a.m. on Sunday withguest speakerProphetess Victoria Blueof Callahan. The PraiseDance Team of JoAnnBridge Academy ofGreenville will perform.Music will be providedby the Memorial GospelChoir. All are invited tocome and worshiptogether for this end-of-the-year program. Rev.Dr. J. B. Duval, churchpastor.
January 2, 16First PresbyterianChurch, 290 E.Dogwood Street, willhost EaglesWings, an
outreach ministryserving the community,on the first and thirdWednesday from 9 to 11a.m. Volunteers arealways needed todistribute food items andto donate non-perishablefood items. ContactCoordinator JoAnneArnold at (850) 997-2252 or [email protected]. R.C. Griffin III,church pastor.
January 3Community PrayerBreakfast is held from 7to 8 a.m. on the firstThursday of the monthat a different locationwith a guest speaker anda program. All arewelcome to come andbring a guest. For moreinformation contactCoordinator GaryWright at (850) 997-5705 or (850) 933-5567.January meeting will beheld at the MemorialMissionary BaptistChurch.
12 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • MONTICELLO NEWS FAITH & FAMILY
CHURCH NEWS [email protected] OR (850) 997-3568
4124 Bassett Dairy Rd • Monticello • 997-8444Email: [email protected]: www.ebcmonticello.com
Pastor, Robert DennisonSunday Bible Study......................9:45 AMMorning Worship Service..............11:00 AMChoir Practice...............................5:00 PMEvening Worship Service..............6:00 PM
WEDNESDAYBible Study/Prayer Meeting...........6:00 PM
RA’s/GA’s/Mission Friends/Youth
425 N. Cherry Street • Monticello • 997-4116www.ChristChurchMonticello.comEmail: [email protected]. James Bowen May, Priest
Communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ since 1840Sunday 9:00 AM............Adult and Children Sunday School
10:00 AM ................................Holy EucharistNursery provided for children under 5
CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
325 W. Washington StreetMonticello (850) 997-2349
www.fbcmonticello.orgPastor Sean Vickers
Sunday School..........................................................9:45 AMSunday Morning Worship......................................11:00 AMChildren’s Church - Ages 4-6 & 7-12.......................11:30 AMSunday Evening Worship.........................................6:00 PMWednesday Youth Group/Service.................6:15 to 7:15 PMWednesday Bible Study............................................6:30 PM
-Nursery for all services-Adult Choir Practice Wednesdays .........................7:00 PMChurch/Family Supper (Sept–May) Wednesdays 5:00 PMWomen’s Prayer Group, third Monday..................6:30 PMCommunity LLL Meeting, fourth Tuesday...........10:00 AMOutreach/Visitation, Thursdays............................10:00 AM
625 Tindell Road • Aucilla • 997-2081P.O. Box 163 • MonticelloPastor Daryl Adams
(850) 251-0129Sunday School..............................9:45 AMSunday Worship Service............11:00 AMWorship Service..........................6:00 PM
WednesdayChoir Practice.............................6:00 PMFellowship Meal..........................6:45 PMPrayer Meeting/Bible Study........7:10 PM
285 Magnolia St • Monticello • 997-2165www.cbcflorida.org
Dr. David E. Walker, Pastor
Sunday School..............................9:45 AMSunday Morning Worship...........11:00 AMSunday Evening...........................6:00 PMWednesday Evening....................7:00 PM
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
ELIZABETH BAPTIST CHURCH
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
US 19 South at Cooper’s Pond Road(850) 997-1166
Minister Steve CordleSunday Bible School.................................10:00 AMWorship Hour...........................................11:00 AM
WednesdayBible Study .................................................7:00 PM
CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST
US 19 N 1590 N. Jefferson Street (US 19)(850) 997-3906
[email protected] and Bethany Grosvenor, PastorsSunday School..................................9:45 AMMorning Worship..........................10:45 AMStudent Life Group..............................4:30 PM
Tuesday EveningMens & Ladies Bible Study 6:00 PM
SaturdaySpanish Church Services....................7:30 PM
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
FIRST CORINTHIAN CHURCH955 Lemon St./ P.O. Box 1112, Monticello,
(850) [email protected] John Jones
Sabbath Morning Worship...............11:00 AMWednesday/Friday Bible Study.....................6:30 PM
325 W. Walnut Street • MonticelloPastor John Hicks 997-5545www.monticelloFUMC.org
[email protected] & Worship..................................8:30 AMSunday School.......................................9:30 AMTraditional Worship............................11:00 AM
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIESBible Study.............................................4:15 Prayer Group..........................................5:15 Fellowship Meal....................................6:00 Chancel Choir Practice..........................6:30
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH290 E. Dogwood Street • Monticello • (850) 997-2252
R.C. Griffin, III, PastorSunday School..............................................9:45 AMSunday Worship..........................................11:00 AMAdult Bible Study-Wednesday................6:30-7:30 PMMen’s Breakfast....................2nd Saturday 8:00 AM
780 Second Street • Monticello • 997-4947Moderator J.B. Duval, Pastor
SundaysSunday Church School (Every Sunday).........9:30 AMSunday Worship (2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays)..11:00 AMYouth Worship (2nd Sunday)......................11:00 AM
Wednesdays Prayer Meeting/Bible Study..........................7:00 PM
415 E. Palmer Mill Rd • Monticello • 997-1119www.newhopecog.net
Pastor Dr. E. Bob Kuschel“The Sunday Place To Be”
Sunday School..................................10:00 AMWorship Service.........................11:00 AMWed. Bible Study...............7:00 PM
NEW HOPE CHURCH OF GOD
7369 Boston Hwy. Monticello(850) 997-1596
Pastor David DuringSunday Bible Study...........................10:00 AMSunday Worship.................................11:00 AMSunday Evening.................................. 6:00 PMWednesdayBible & Prayer Meeting....................... 7:00 PM
OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
MEMORIAL M.B. CHURCH
From the Pulpit...Glory to the Max
A woman walked into her bathroom at home.As she did, she saw her husband weighing himself
on the bathroom scales, suckingin his stomach. The womanthought to herself, ''He thinksthat he will weigh less bysucking in his stomach.'' So, thewoman rather sarcastically saidto her husband, ''That's not goingto help.'' Her husband said, ''Sureit will. It's the only way I can see
the numbers.'' Christmas has passed and we have a brand-
new year with endless possibilities ahead of uscoming in less than a week. Weight loss is thenumber one resolution people make after theholiday feasting, but there are many more freshand different opportunities that await us;opportunities to make changes in our life andlifestyles that will result in blessings experienced.As I was adjusting the rear view mirror after mywife drove our car this week, I realized how smallthe rear view mirror is compared to thewindshield. It occurred to me that it was designedso that I would be able to see more of what is infront of me than what’s behind me. In other words,where I’m going is more important than whereI’ve been. The same is true in life.
The Apostle Paul puts it this way inPhilippians 3:10,12-14 (NIV): “I want to knowChrist and the power of his resurrection. Not that I
have already obtained all this, or have alreadybeen made perfect, but I press on to take hold ofthat for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to havetaken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgettingwhat is behind and straining toward what is ahead,I press on toward the goal to win the prize forwhich God has called me heavenward in ChristJesus.”
We have no guarantee of even one more day tolive. None of us has a guarantee that tomorrowwill come for us. All any of us have is right now.Consequently, our time on this earth is valuablebecause it’s very limited. Once a minute is goneit’s gone and gone for good. We don’t have rewindbuttons. We can’t go back and replay our lives,and we aren’t guaranteed to have the same chancesnext year to make up for those we failed to takethis year.
What will make a difference is how we use thehours that we have left; to take the knowledge thateach of us has, and apply it with wisdom to makethe most of the time we have remaining. LikePaul, we need to free ourselves of things that holdus back, focus on what’s in front of us, and fulfillwhat is ahead of us.Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. Letus live each day to its’ fullest, prioritizing andremembering what’s really important as we allpress on toward the goal for the prize of ourupward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Pastor John HicksFirst United Methodist Church
MONTICELLO
690 Cypress Street • Monticello • (850) 997-4375“Still standing on the promises of God”
Dr. Melvin Roberts, PastorSunday Church School....................10:00 A.M.Sunday Praise & Worship..................11:15 A.M.2nd Sunday Youth Praise & Worship4th Sunday Individual Outreach Ministry & Fellowship3rd Sunday Holy CommunionWednesday EveningsPrayer Meeting....................................6:30 P.M.Bible Study...........................................7:00 P.M.
GREATER FELLOWSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
1287 S. Jefferson Street • 997-RGCC (7422)www.restoredglory.org
Pastor Eddie and Elder Veronica YonGet Moving Womens Fitness & Fellowship, Monday.....6:00 PMSunday Church Service.................................................10:00 AMTuesday Night Taebo......................................................6:00 PM Thursday Church Service................................................7:00 PM
Pastor’s Office by Appointment
RESTORED GLORY CHRISTIAN CENTER
4543 Waukeenah Hwy• 264-0802www.sardismumc.orgPastor Steve Lenzo
[email protected] Service ............................................9:30 AM
Sunday School To FollowTuesday Bible Study.......................................6:30 PM
SARDIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
13 Barrington Road • Monticello • (850) 997-8747Rev. James Mack, Pastor
Sunday School..................(Every Sunday)...............9:45 AMMorning Worship..................(1st & 3rd Sundays) 11:00 AM
Bible Study/Prayer Meeting(Thursday before 1st & 3rd Sunday)........................ 7:30 PM
ST. RILLA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Hwy. 27 South • (1 mile south of Hwy 59)Monticello • 997-4226Rev. J. W. Tisdale
Sunday Morning..........................9:30 AMSunday Worship.........................11:00 AMTuesday nights basic English classes
w/Gloria Norton at 7:00Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study...................7:00 PM
ST. PHILLIP AME CHURCH
MONTICELLO
How would you rate your “joy level” for 2018?Did your choices throughout the year (specificallybehavior-related) bring an abundance of joy or way toomany regrets?
I hope you’re among those in the “abundance ofjoy” group. But if 2018 was a tough year, I pray 2019will be better.
Perhaps you’ve beenstruggling with a temptation thathas had such a tight grip on youthat you’ve just about decided tostop resisting it. Or you continueto give in to a behavior, eventhough you hate yourself everytime you do.
Many of us struggle withactions we’re not proud of.Whether they’re as addictive aspornography or as destructive as
being disrespectful to our spouse, sinful deeds leave usfeeling ashamed and hopeless. Why do we sabotageourselves and doom ourselves to failure by falling forthe lie that participating in these activities will fulfillus?
What if, rather than spending time justifying whywe should visit that porn site, mouth off to our spouseor cheat on our income taxes, we mentally switchedcourse and did something radically different? Howwould it change our mindset if we spend that timeworshipping God instead?
I realize this sounds crazy – especially when we’rein the grips of temptation. But what if we chose to placeourselves in the grips of praise instead? Wouldn’t it beworth trying, at least once?
I’m not minimizing the stronghold of that sin. I’mmaximizing the power of praise – no matter what we’reup against. Let me illustrate. Let’s pray, using Exodus15:11 as a baseline to get us started:
“Father, there is no god like You. There is no godthat compares to Your majesty and Your holiness, forYou, alone, are awesome in splendor. So I comehumbly before You in great need of Your wonder-working power to change my heart and my will.”
Then, be completely honest with your heavenly
Father about your struggle. Thank Him for all the timesHe’s delivered you and acknowledge that you’ve madeit this far because of Him.
Will you consider trying this? Just once, give it asincere effort. See how praising a holy, wonder-working God can change your heart and will. Thenconsider doing it again the next time. The more oftenyou do this, the higher your 2019 will rank on the “joy-level” scale.
Sheryl H. Boldt is the author of the blog,TodayCanBeDifferent.net.You can reach her [email protected].
Mickey StarlingECB Publishing, Inc.
The Middle Florida Baptist Association is pleasedto have collected 2,022 shoeboxes for Operation
Christmas Child and the fun did not stop there. On
Monday, Dec. 3, a group of ladies from Monticello,Madison, Perry and Mayo ventured to Atlanta to helpwith the processing of shoeboxes at the Samaritan'sPurse distribution center. During the two-day trip, thegroup worked hard and had a lot of fun, helping toprocess over a million boxes that were shipped to
Atlanta.All of the boxes that came to the Atlanta
distribution center were shipped to Africa. MiddleFlorida Baptist Association Secretary Judy Phillipswould like to express her appreciation to Madison FirstBaptist Church for supplying their bus for the trip andto Jefferson County resident, Arlene Young, for drivingthe bus. “We had a great time and this is a trip thatchanges your life,” said Phillips.
MONTICELLO NEWS • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • 13FAITH & FAMILY
14492 Waukeenah Hwy/ P.O. Box 411Wacissa • 997-2179 • www.wacissaumc.org
Pastor Steve [email protected]
Sunday School.............................9:45 AMSunday Morning.........................10:55 AM
WednesdayDinner & Prayer Meeting..............5:45 PMYouth Group.................................6:15 PMChoir Practice................................7:00 PM
WACISSA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of LLOYD
1206 Springfield Road • Lloyd • 997-TLC7 (8527)Pastors Tim and Beverly Buchholtzwww.TransformingLifeChurch.com
Sunday................................................ 9:30 AMAdult Grow and Connect Group
Sunday................................................ 10:30 AMSunday Morning Celebration • Children’s ChurchSunday Evening...........................................6:00 PM
Youth GroupWednesday............................................7:00 PM
Adult Grow and Connect GroupYouth Group Fun & Fellowship
TRANSFORMING LIFE CHURCH ASSEMBLY OF GOD
LLOYD
WACISSA
124 St. Louis Street • Lloyd • 997-5309Pastor Jered Day
www.fbclloyd.net • [email protected]
Sunday 9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Praise & Worship4:59 pm Choir5:00 pm TeamKID6:00 pm Youth6:00 pm Praise & Worship
Wednesday 5:30 pmFamily Supper6:30 pm
Youth Potter’s Wheel (Grades 6-12)Music Missions and More (Children)
6:45 pmWorship on Wednesday
2nd/4th Monday 6:00 pm Ladies Bible StudyThursdays 9:30 am Crafty Ladies2nd Thursday 11:00am Lloyd Silver Saints3rd Thursday 5:30pm W W Diners
(Widows/Widowers)3rd Friday 6:00pm Brotherhood
7150 Apalachee Pkwy • Tallahasseewww.chbaptistchurch.orgPastor Derrick Burrus
(850) 345-0425
Sunday School...........................10:00 AMSunday Worship.........................11:00 AMChildren’s Chapel........................11:00 AMSunday Evening...........................6:00 PMWednesday Evening....................7:00 PM
Prayer Meeting and Bible Study Classes for Students
INDIAN SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH
CAPITAL HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH
81 Methodist Church Rd • Waukeenah 997-2171
www.waukeenah-umc.org
Interim Pastor Richard JonesSunday School.............................9:45 AMSunday Worship.........................11:00 AMYouth Group.................................7:00 PM
WednesdayChoir Practice..............................7:00 PMYouth Group.................................7:00 PM
www.waukeenahcemetery.com
WAUKEENAH UNITED METHODIST
5593 Veterans Memorial Drive (Hwy 59)Tallahassee • (850) 893-5296
www.indianspringsbaptistchurch.comemail: [email protected]. Greg Roberts
Sunday School.............................9:45 AMSunday Worship.........................11:00 AM
WednesdayFellowship Meal...........................6:15 PMPrayer Meeting.............................7:00 PMChildren/Youth Programs..........7:00 PM
TALLAHASSEE
WAUKEENAH
Sheryl H. BoldtColumnist
Mount Pleasant AME welcomesnew pastor, Eric Grayer
Debbie SnappECB Publishing, Inc.
Eric Devon Evans Grayer wasappointed pastor of the MonticelloMount Pleasant African MethodistEpiscopal Church, located at 125Groover Road.
He is a lifelong resident ofMonticello, attending schools in theJefferson County School District. Afterhigh school graduation, Grayercontinued his education, graduatingfrom Tallahassee Community Collegewith an Associates degree in 2014, withhonors.
He went on to continued hiseducational endeavors soon after by
attending St. Leo University, pursuing aBachelors degree in Elementary
Education, soon after transferring to theUniversity of Phoenix and majoring inEnglish. He does want to continue hiseducation to obtain Masters andDoctoral degrees.
Grayer is currently employed withthe Leon County School Board, servingas a Security Monitor for itsSpringwood Elementary School. Andwas more recently hired as a FacilitiesSupervisor at Florida State University.He is also the Staff Minister for TillmanFuneral Homes.
With the favor of God on his life,Grayer is the youth minister at BethelAME Church also in Monticello. He isalso a member of the Steward Board, thepresident of the Sons of Allen and the
Superintendent of Church School.It was during the 153rd Florida
Session of the Annual Conference, inSeptember of this year, that Grayer wasappointed pastor of the Mount PleasantAME Church. He aspires to become anordained pastor and most importantly hewants God to be pleased with his work.
He is the son of John Grayer, Sr.and the late Katie M. Evans. He wasraised to serve the Lord and he knew atan early age, he would preach the gospelof Jesus Christ some day.
Pastor Eric D. Grayer may bereached by calling the church at (850)997-5588 or emailing [email protected]. Let'swelcome him on his new journey.
Pastor Eric D. Grayer
2,022 shoeboxes collected
Photo SubmittedThese wonderful volunteers had a great time serving with many others who traveled to Atlanta to
help prepare shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are:Sonya Webb, of Madison; Judy Phillips, of Madison; and Angie Howell, of Mayo. Pictured in the frontrow, from left to right, are: Bonnie Webb, of Madison; Barbara Rotunda, of Mayo; Ella Parrish, of Perry;Cindy Tschudi, of Monticello; Arlene Young, of Monticello; and Danielle Williams, of Monticello.
A radical way to handletemptation in the New Year
1994 Pontiac Grand Am. Newengine. AC works but must behooked up properly. Body inrough shape. First $800 takes itaway. 850-242-3547 11/2,rtn,nc
LegalNoticesClas edssifi
HELP WANTED
14 • MONTICELLO NEWS • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 CLASSIFIEDS & LEGALS
Deadline:12/28, 10 AM
Florida Press Service, a company of the Florida Press AssociationFLORIDA PRESS SERVICES, INC. STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED PROGRAM.
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AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, United, Deltaand others- start here with hands on training for FAAcertification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation
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Dec. 24 - Dec. 30
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MR. STUMP 850-509-8530Quick Responses. 2/24, rtn
SERVICES
2 BR /2 BA Mobile Home atMonticello Meadows onSouth Jefferson St. Call 850-997-3890 5/11,rtn,c
FOR RENT
Need Toddler room Teacherat child care facility in Monti-cello. Must have 45 hourschild care classes or willing toget. Please call 850-342-1111after 9am. 10/10,rtn,cFOR SALE
915 sq ft Commercial OfficeBuilding; downtown Madi-son; Shelby Ave; across fromthe courthouse and post of-fice. Call Emerald at (850)997-3568 11/23,rtn,nc
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that G M Mitchell, the holder/s of the following TaxSale Certificate has filed said Tax Certificate for the Tax Deed to be issued thereon.The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the Description of the property, and theName in which it is assessed as follows:
File Number: 18-000057-TD
Certificate Number: 31 Year of Issuance: 2014
Description of Property: 00-00-00-0241-000A-0010
Lot 1 Blk A Emerald Subd – Plat B Pg 93ORB 611 PG 117
Site Address: 735 Fourth St
Name in which assessed: Yeager Contracting Company, Inc.
All of said property being in the County of Jefferson, State of Florida. This propertywhen sold may be subject to the current year taxes.
Unless such certificate shall be redeemed according to law, the property described insuch certificate will be sold to the highest bidder at the Jefferson County Courthouse,North Steps on January 18, 2018 at 11:00 A.M.
Kirk ReamsClerk of the Circuit CourtJefferson County, FL
BY: Sherry Sears, Deputy Clerk 12/12,19,26,1/2
Positions available at NorthFlorida Community Col-lege, Madison FL: Full TimeNursing Instructor; PT Com-mercial Truck Driving In-structor. See www.nfcc.edufor details. 12/12-28,c
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THESECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OFFLORIDA IN AND FOR JEFFERSONCOUNTYGENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISIONCASE NO. 17-56-CA
US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,NOT IN ITS INIDIVDUAL CAPACITYBUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF OWSREMIC TRUST 2015-1,
Plaintiff,
vs.
KRISTA STRAIT A/K/A KRISTA LYNNOWEN A/K/A KRISTA LYNN OWENS,UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF KRISTASTRAIT A/K/A KRISTA LYNN OWENA/K/A KRISTA LYNN OWENS,WILLIAM L. STRAIT, JR., ASHVILLEAREA PROPERTY OWNER'SASSOCIATION INC., A FLORIDA NOTFOR PROFIT CORPORATION, AND ALLOTHER PARTIES HAVING ORCLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT,TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THEPROPERTY UNDER FORECLOSUREHEREIN, AND JOHN DOE AND JANEDOE AS UNKNOWN TENANT(S) INPOSSESSION OF THE SUBJECTPROPERTY,
Defendants.
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Fore-closure filed December 31, 2018 entered in Civil Case No. 17-56-CA of the CircuitCourt of the SECOND Judicial Circuit in and for Jefferson County, Monticello, Florida,the Clerk of Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at the north door ofthe Jefferson County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Circle, MonticeIlo, FL. 32344 in ac-cordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 24th day of January, 2018 at11:00AM on the foIlowing described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judg-ment, to-wit:
Lot 17, Block "C", Aucilla Shores Subdivision, according to the map or platthereof, recorded in Plat Book B, Page 38, of the Public Records of JeffersonCounty, Florida.
Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other thanthe property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within 60 daysafter the sale.
Dated this12th day of December, 2018.
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURTAs Clerk of the Court
BY: Sherry SearsDeputy Clerk 12/19,26
MONTICELLONEWS
Call us: 850-997-3568
Legal deadline for New Year
12/28, 10 am for 1/2/18
The official legal organ forMonticello and Jefferson County
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISIONFile No. 2018-CP-000100
IN RE: ESTATE OF
VIOLET JANE BRYANT,Deceased.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of VIOLET JANE BRYANT, deceased, whosedate of death was January 16, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for JeffersonCounty, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is One Courthouse Circle,County Courthouse, Monticello, Florida 32344. The names and addresses of the per-sonal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands againstdecedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must filetheir claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTERTHE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYSAFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demandsagainst decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHSAFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH INFLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANYCLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OFDEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: December 26, 2018.
CAROLYN T. LEBOEUF, ESQ.FL. Bar Number: 0362409Attorney for James Bryant4832-B Kerry Forest ParkwayTallahassee, Florida 32309Telephone:(850)222-2000; Facsimile:(850)222-9757Primary Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 12/26,1/2
JAMES BRYANTPersonal Representative 44 Redwood LaneCrawfordville, FL 32327
Adoptable: AndersThe Wolf Creek Pet Adoption Center is a no-kill
humane society that gives a place for the animals ofJefferson County to live until they find their foreverhomes. The center is located at 2123 E. WashingtonSt., in Monticello, and can be reached at (850) 342-0244. The adoption center is open from 10 a.m. to 4p.m., Wednesday through Monday, and is closed onTuesday. Visit the Jefferson County Humane Society,Inc. on Facebook. Call or visit them today forinformation about adoptions, fostering an animal,volunteer opportunities or current donation needs!
ECB Publishing, Inc. PhotoBy Ashley Hunter, Dec. 12, 2018
With a face that is almost irresistible, Andersis one of the many dogs at the Wolf Creek PetAdoption Center. Despite those big eyes and hislove for people, Anders story started off sadly. Hisarrival at Wolf Creek three months ago was not ingood situations. Badly wounded and dirty,Anders was suspected to have been a bait dogfor illegal dog fights. Anders was cared for by thestaff at Wolf Creek as well as by a local vet andhas since made a remarkable recovery. Eventhough he still has some scarring on his face,Anders is opening up and blossoming at thecenter - and he’s ready to find a forever home.Anders is sweet, and absolutely loves people -even if he needs a few minutes to warm up tostrangers. A pit-mix, Anders is smaller than mostother dogs in his breed, making him the perfectinside dog. Think you are able to give Anders theforever home he’s waiting on? Give Wolf Creek acall today!
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