Regional News Regional News

Transcription

B S e ct io n • Th u r s d ay, Fe b . 11, 2 016
FEATURES
CRIME
SOCIALS
OBITUARIES
EDITORIAL
Regional News
News from Bradford County, Union County and the Lake Region
McCoy, McDonald win titles for Tigers
Latia Jackson also earns
medal by placing fifth
For Union County High
School girls weightlifting coach
Bryan Griffis, there was so much
to be happy about, he didn’t even
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
know how to begin talking about
Staff Writer
the experience at this year’s Class
KISSIMMEE — Two state 1A Florida High School Athletic
championships. Three medals Association Finals, which were
overall. A third-place finish in held Feb. 5.
the team standings.
“It was indescribable,” he said.
Brandy McCoy and Latiyah
McDonald won their weight
classes, while Latia Jackson
placed fifth to earn a medal as
well.
Griffis would’ve been hard
pressed to put into words what it
was like to see the school produce
Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead (far left) dropped by to congratulate
Union County High School’s two state champions—Brandy McCoy and Latiyah
McDonald—as well as pay his repsects to all four state qualifiers. Pictured (l-r) are:
Whitehead, Latavia Jackson, McCoy, coach Tammy Griffis, McDonald, Latia Jackson
(who earned a medal with a fifth-place finish) and coach Bryan Griffis. Photo:
Smelley
Boatwright, Bakken
earn weightlifting
medals for Bradford
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
89
KISSIMMEE — One was
looking to improve upon her
previous year’s performance.
The other, as a first-time
participant, wasn’t sure what to
expect and was just looking to
enjoy the experience.
¢
Bradford
High
School’s
Kierston Boatwright and Kurston
Bakken both achieved the same
result as they earned medals at
the Florida High School Athletic
Association Girls Weightlifting
Finals on Feb. 5 in Kissimmee.
its first-ever state champion in
the sport, but he got to see two
state champs.
Like her coach, Jackson said it
was hard to describe what it was
like seeing two of her teammates
win it all, but she did find the
perfect way to sum it up.
“It’s just awesome,” she said.
McCoy, as a freshman, won
the 199-pound class with a staterecord 440-pound total, which
included a state-record bench
press of 245.
“She’s a beast,” Griffis said.
McCoy finished 90 pounds
ahead of runner-up Sydney
Hesterhagen of River Ridge. She
had the best bench press by 60
pounds and the best clean and
jerk by 25 pounds.
Her
clean-and-jerk
total
could’ve been even more. Griffis
said McCoy told him she wanted
to attempt 200, but he told her
to stick with 195. She did 195
so easily that Griffis said, “I
should’ve listened to her. She
could’ve done 200.”
McCoy admitted she didn’t
Happy
Valentine’s
Day!
Rosa London and
Michael McCray,
who are both 2011
Bradford High
School graduates,
have been together
since middle school
and will get married
on New Year’s Eve,
embarking on a new
life together and
careers in nursing.
See page 2B for
a profile of this
couple in honor of
Valentine’s Day.
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Bradford High
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Story is pictured
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Boatwright (left),
who placed third
at state, and
Kurston Bakken,
who placed
sixth. Photo:
Smelley
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Y
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2B
Telegraph, Times and Monitor B Section • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
Will you be my valentine?
Michael McCray got off to a bit of a rocky start with
Rosa London in middle school, but the two have
spent a lot of time together since then and are set to
celebrate their last pre-marriage Valentine’s Day
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
STARKE — Will you be my
valentine? Check “yes” or “no.”
If Michael McCray presented
Rosa London with such a note
today, she would most likely
laugh, thinking of that time in
middle school when that same
approach wasn’t so successful.
It started out as puppy love
on McCray’s part, but has since
become something much more.
The young couple, while still
placing their priorities on school
and their future careers, have
grown together and are now
engaged to be married on New
Year’s Eve.
What better day to embark on
a new life together?
“I think it’ll be cool because
it’s New Year’s Eve,” said
London, the daughter of Ruffie
and Rebecca London. “It’s like
really stepping into the New
Year. It gives us a fresh start for
everything. I’m excited about
that.”
McCray, the son of Vincent
and Latonya McCray, agreed
with that sentiment, saying,
“It’s like we’re starting a new
chapter.”
It will be the latest chapter
of a story that got its start
approximately 10 years ago. The
story, though, was in danger of
being nothing more than a mere
footnote in the lives of the 2011
Bradford High School graduates.
“I asked her out twice actually,
and she told me no both times,”
McCray said.
McCray said he was struck by
how pretty London was. He and
London both laughed as London
admitted that she was not so taken
with McCray’s looks. London
said it’s typical of middle school
students to focus only on looks,
but McCray admitted he wasn’t
“the cutest thing in the world” at
that time.
“I knew the truth,” he said.
“I had a face full of acne, and I
was chubby and short. She was a
track runner. I wasn’t.”
London did add that another
reason she was resistant to his
early advances was the fact she
didn’t know him that well.
“Rosa used to be really shy,”
McCray said. “Our personalities
were different in a way. I was
more of a walk up to a random
stranger and talk to them, and she
was more conservative.”
McCray may have felt at ease
striking up conversations with
strangers, but he was obviously
scared to approach London.
Instead, he wrote her a note with
the accompanying “yes” and
“no” boxes for her to check.
That was his second approach.
London said it wasn’t as strange
as his first, which involved
McCray asking a friend to ask
London out for him.
“I was like, ‘Really?’ Someone
Santa Fe offers
back-to-work
help for those
50 and older
at the Keystone Heights Airport
at 7 p.m.
A Kids Dash will precede the
5K run at 6:30 p.m.
Participants will receive a
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picture downloads.
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Are you 50 or older and Pit BBQ, beer and wine will be
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available for purchase during an
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Get help updating your job
search strategies, practice for
interviewing and networking,
and enroll in training programs
that employers value.
The Santa Fe College Andrews
Center in Starke will host an
informational session on March
9 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Call 855-850-2525 (toll free)
to register. You may also call to
obtain a free AARP Foundation
job-search guide and learn about
smart strategies for job searching
after age 50.
To learn more, visit aarp.
org/backtowork50plus, or call
Carolyn Das at 352-395-5184.
This program is available
to all, without regard to race,
color, national origin, disability,
sex, age, political affiliation or
religion.
Michael McCray and Rosa London during a photo
session in which McCray proposed. The school
sweethearts will be married on New Year’s Eve.
else asking me was weirder for
me because people wrote notes
all the time in middle school,”
London said.
McCray admitted he’s not one
to give up on anything. After
getting some advice from his
father, he said he worked up
the courage to actually talk to
London instead of using friends
or writing notes. That definitely
made more of an impression on
her, London said.
As time went along, the two
Bring family and friends— [email protected].
they don’t have to run.
The cost to enter is $15 for the
Kids Dash and $30 for the 5K
run.
If you register a team of five,
NOTICE
one runs for free.
The New River Community Health
Register online at cisbradford. Center Board of Directors will meet
Feb. 17, 2016, at 395 West Main
org.
Lake Butler, FL 32054 from
If you would like to be a Street,
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
sponsor, or simply want to learn
2/11 1tchg-B-sect
more, please contact Cassey
Bennett at 904-964-7776 or
Legals
66thth Annual
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Wed. March 9 • Noon – 2 pm
with Ben Carter
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See all the ride specials & more at BradfordCountyFair.net
See LOVE, 5B
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All Seats $6.00 Before 6 p.m. • 964-5451
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SCREEN 1
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Ben Stiller
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Fri 7:10, 9:10
Sat 5:05, 7:10, 9:10
Sun 5:05, 7:10
Wed-Thur 7:30
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Sun 4:50, 7:00
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Public Service Announcement
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS —
Communities in Schools of
Bradford County is hosting a 5K
glow run on Saturday, March 5,
(same provider as Clay County Fair)
Over time, of course, many
believed McCray and Rosa
would eventually get married.
In fact, London said her father—
even before he met McCray—
predicted she and McCray would
get married. He made that remark
while she was still in middle
school, which prompted London
to reply, “No, we’re not.”
Looks like there’s some truth
to that saying that Father knows
best.
“He knew this day was
coming,” McCray said.
Marriage, though, wasn’t a
topic the couple dwelled upon.
Their priorities were to get
through school so they could
embark on their careers. McCray
is currently working toward an
associate of science degree in
Santa Fe College’s Registered
Nursing Bridge Program, while
London is in the Licensed
Practical Nursing Program at
the Bradford-Union Technical
Center.
“She followed nursing first,”
McCray said. “My original plan
was business, but that changed
after my sophomore year in high
school.”
London said she likes the fact
they are both pursuing nursing as
careers.
“I was excited that he wanted
to do it,” she said, “but I support
him in anything.”
London is set to complete her
program in January 2017, while
Visit us on-line at www.FloridaTwinTheatre.com
CIS to host
5K glow walk/
run March 5
by Deggeller Attractions
spent more time together. They
were in the same classes, they
were in the same group of friends
and they joined many school
clubs together.
“We used those clubs to see
each other a lot,” McCray said.
London came to like McCray’s
personality and the fact he was
smart, saying, “I just kind of got
to know him better.”
McCray said he noticed that
the more time they spent with
each other, the more London
began coming out of her shell.
“I was used to a shy Rosa,”
McCray said. “Then she became
more like me, which kind of
made us stronger, I guess.”
London admitted she’s still
working on her shyness.
“I’m always trying to get better
and improve at stuff,” she said.
“Yeah, I’ve come a long way.”
McCray said he’s sure their
first date was a school dance.
Their first date outside of a
school function occurred in high
school and was really a double
date as the couple had to depend
upon an older friend of McCray’s
who had a driver’s license to
drive them to the movies.
Their first date alone occurred
after McCray obtained his
driver’s license. He and London
agreed they must have gone to
see a movie and had dinner at
Olive Garden.
“I’m pretty sure,” London
said, “because we do this all the
time.”
“We love Olive Garden,”
McCray said.
Even though they had spent
a considerable amount of time
together, they were nervous on
that date.
“It wasn’t as awkward because
we knew each other,” McCray
said, “but we were alone. We had
to initiate our own conversations
and keep them going.
“I will say that after a while
it became easier because we
realized there was nothing to be
afraid of.”
Sponsored by Community State Bank
and Tourist Development Council
STARKE, FL — Beck
Chevrolet of Starke and GM
have partnered in an initiative to
expand their customer base. The
bulk of this initiative involves
financing components that are
specifically targeted to assist
those who have had challenges
with credit. As a result of market
conditions such as the mortgage
crisis and economic downturn,
this segment has ballooned in
recent years. It is the
understanding that bad things
happen to good people and
recognizing the void in the
marketplace of programs that
provide adequate support that has
led to this initiative.
Historically,
finance
companies have offered rates as
high as 29% to offset what they
consider risk factors. In the event
they gauged risk to be in excess
of what the state of Florida
would allow rates to yield they
have charged loan discounts that
often added significant cost to
dealers which resulted in higher
prices. That meant huge rates and
larger prices — not fair!
Especially for those of us who
could use some help during
challenging times. Someone is
finally trying to do something
about it.
Here’s how it is designed.
Subvention
(provision
for
financial support) by the
manufacturer
toward
the
purchase of a new vehicle to the
finance company offsets risk
factors.
With
many
manufacturers there are optional
offers that allow for either a
rebate or a subvented APR.
Historically customers without
perfect credit history are not
eligible for subvented rates. With
this new program even those who
have had significant challenges
can qualify for subvented rates.
GM pays depending upon model
to offset risk and allow APR’s as
low as 0%. What this means is
many customers can now own
more car for less money.
Example: Customer “A” has
a 490 credit score and is buying
a used 2007 Silverado for
$16,500 plus tax, tag, title &
dealer fee; qualifies for a 22%
APR; and drives off paying
around $470/mo for 72 months.
Under this program Customer
“A” could qualify for 5.9% and
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Why pay over 20% in interest
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Stop
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how it can benefit you! Or call
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Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 • Telegraph, Times and Monitor B Section
3B
Tornadoes crush Rams for title
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
KEYSTONE
HEIGHTS
— Bradford High School put
together a 21-1 run spanning
the second and third quarters
en route to defeating top seed
Interlachen 66-42 and claiming
the District 4-4A championship
trophy on Feb. 5.
“It’s amazing. It’s been five
years coming,” Bradford head
coach Adrian Chandler said,
alluding to the last time the
Tornadoes won a district title.
Bradford (12-13) will now host
Jacksonville’s Andrew Jackson
in a Region 1 quarterfinal game
on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. If
the Tornadoes win, they will play
a semifinal game on Tuesday,
Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. They would
either travel to Jacksonville to
play Bolles or host Interlachen.
Jackson (16-7) was the District
3 runner-up after a 65-49 loss to
Bolles (26-3).
The Tornadoes, who were
seeded second in District 4,
showed what kind of game it was
going to be against Interlachen
(9-17) early when two firstquarter possessions featured two
rebounds each before ultimately
resulting in points. In fact, the
Tornadoes had four first-half
ABOVE: Shawn
Aaron (far left)
drives for a
layup in the
Tornadoes’
24-point
District 4-4A
championship
win over
Interlachen.
LEFT: Oliver
Griffin goes
strong to the
basket. RIGHT:
Caleb Jones
lays one in off
the glass. Jones
and the rest of
the Tornadoes
will host Andrew
Jackson in
a regional
quarterfinal
game Thursday,
Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.
Photos: Smelley
possessions in which they had
multiple offensive boards.
Bradford had 46 rebounds
for the game, with Johnny
Daugherty grabbing seven and
Shawn Aaron and Caleb Jones
each grabbing six. Jimtaz Curry
and A.J. McNeall each had five
rebounds.
“We have some good hybridsized guys—guys from 6-2 to
6-3, 6-4. When they’re playing
and working hard, it’s really
hard to bang with those guys,”
Chandler said. “We’ve got a
solid rotation. There are about
four or five guys.”
Another impressive stat line
was 21 assists, led by Tally
Chandler’s seven.
It was an example of the kind
of play the BHS coach expects
out of his team.
“To get this group of guys to
buy in and be selfless and not
selfish has been the biggest key,”
Adrian Chandler said.
Interlachen’s Jason Clubb
made a three-pointer to make it a
9-7 game in the first quarter, but
Bradford outscored the Rams 8-3
to close out the quarter. Aaron
had a layup before a steal by
McNeal led to a layup by Jones.
Aaron had another layup off a
Juwan Crum assist before Crum
scored on a rebound putback that
put Bradford up 17-10.
Jones and Oliver Griffin
combined for 12 second-quarter
points as the Tornadoes built a
16-point lead. A three-pointer
by Chandler sparked a 7-0 run to
close out the half. Griffin scored
off an assist by Jones, who later
added a basket in transition as
Bradford took a 32-16 lead.
The Tornadoes came out of the
break and outscored Interlachen
16-6 in the third quarter. The
Rams did not get their first field
goal of the quarter until 1:32
remained.
Adrian Chandler said it was an
example of the kind of defense
Bradford can play when the
players put forth the effort and
See DISTRICT, 12B
Bradford’s Tally Chandler (center) pulls up for a
jumper in the first half of the Tornadoes’ 66-42 win.
“Modern methods
with old-fashioned concern.”
NEED RELIEF FROM:
• Auto Accidents
• Work Injuries
• Headaches
• Neck and Back Pain
Call Dr. Berry
Serving the Area
for more than
27 Years
Dr. Virgil A. Berry
CHIROPRACTIC
PHYSICIAN
4B
Letters
[email protected]
Why can’t
locals lead
our schools?
Dear Editor:
What has been going on within
our school system with alt the
people being hired from out of
the county to work as principals,
assistant principals and staff to
manage our schools? It seems
that we should have the qualified
people here to do the work. The
quality of education of people
living in our county should be
enough to do all that is necessary
to principal, asst., principal
and staff for all of our schools.
They most likely would have a
better understanding of all the
workings of Bradford County.
A number of folks in Bradford
County have spoken to me about
their concerns. Concerns not only
about out of county personnel
with high paying jobs, but worry
about the quality of education the
children of our county receive. If
we want to graduate kids who
have learned well we all need
to be aware of all areas that we
can get to these goals. We should
all, whether we have children in
the system or not, have a concern
and be willing to do something
about any areas we can.
Malcolm Hill
Morgan Road
came into political prominence,
and for many weeks afterward, I
was one of the people who were
very impressed by what he was
saying because he extolled things
that I agreed with. I could
therefore say that he was, for a
time, someone I could support
as a candidate for president of
the United States. That has all
changed.
In spite of what he says, I do not
believe that this guy is actually
a conservative, no matter his
polling numbers. I think that the
people who express support for
Donald Trump are being fooled
by his willingness to verbally
buck the establishment. They
agree with most of what he says.
Unfortunately, what he says
and what he might do to us as a
leader of this country are not the
Dear Editor:
When “The Donald” first same. I have reasons for this lack
of trust.
In 2010, Trump spent his money
trying to stop Republicans from
taking back Congress. Then, in
2014, he switched sides, but his
focus as a “new Republican” was
to oppose conservatives. Two
years later, he is being touted
as a conservative candidate. No
way does a man who has recently
said “I am pro-choice in every
respect” suddenly change his
stripes.
But it’s not just his abortion
rhetoric that makes me doubtful;
there are all kinds of “nonconservative” statements that
he’s made that I, as an actual
conservative,
could
never
support.
Donald Trump said he
wants universal healthcare that
would be funded by increasing
corporate taxes; he said we
of Starke was arrested Feb. 3
by Bradford deputies for two
charges of battery. According to
the arrest report, Edwards was
drinking and became belligerent
with his girlfriend at their home.
When she attempted to go to
bed and threw him a pillow so
he could sleep on the couch,
an argument ensued. Edwards
pushed her and struck her in the
face. The victim then ran outside
and encountered her grown son,
who was at a residence next door
and heard his mother scream.
The son went into the home and
confronted Edwards about the
incident, with a fight ensuing
between the two after Edwards
pushed the second victim.
Law enforcement was called,
and Edwards was arrested and
transported to jail. Bond was set
at $3,000 for the charges.
Putnam deputies for burglary
and larceny. According to an
arrest report, Luna, known in
Melrose as “Bug,” pried open a
deadbolt plate to steal jewelry
and cash from Stone and Bone
Thrift Shop in Melrose.
Trump is not a
conservative
no matter
what he says
have to take in Syrian refugees;
he supports a ban on assault
weapons (a phony designation);
he said Republicans are “...just
too crazy right.,” he claimed that
Bill and Hillary are great friends
of his.
For me, the icing on the cake
was Trump’s recent statement
that, while he is definitely a
Christian, he doesn’t think he’s
ever asked God for forgiveness.
That is outrageous. What kind of
person makes such a claim?
Anyone who is a part
of any of the 30,000 plus
Christian churches, sects, and
denominations
knows
that
repentance is a basic concept of
Christianity. We all need to ask
for God’s forgiveness-probably
on a daily basis.
As far as I’m concerned,
Donald Trump is a phony. As
was suggested to me by a friend
just this morning, having made
tons of money, he needs a new
focus in his life. Seeking the most
powerful political position in the
world would absolutely fill the
bill. And, like any megalomanic,
he will say anything to get what
he wants.
After what this country has
endured for the past seven years,
we don’t need to elect anyone who
is simply seeking power. I pray
that the Republican presidential
nominee is someone else.
Leonard C. Young
t Crime t
Recent arrests
in Bradford,
Clay and Union
Bradford
Tommy M. Bigham, 30, of
Jacksonville was arrested Feb. 6
by Bradford deputies on two outof-county warrants from Duval.
Bond was set at $1,250 for the
charges.
Thomas Duane Cain, 48, of
Brooker was arrested Feb. 6
by Bradford deputies for two
charges
of
battery–second
offense. According to the arrest
report, Cain and his fiancée
were visiting a friend in another
home on the same property the
two reside at in Brooker. An
argument started between Cain
and the other man when Cain,
who had been drinking alcohol,
jumped up and threatened to hit
the man. The fiancée stepped
between the two men, and Cain
pushed her down, causing an
injury to her elbow. Cain then
struck at the man several times
before leaving the residence to
go to his mobile home. When law
enforcement arrived, they found
Cain hiding under the mobile
home, with a strong alcoholic
smell coming from his body. He
was arrested and transported to
jail. A record search revealed
Cain had been arrested in 1996
for battery in Gilmer County,
GA, leading to the felony battery
charges. Bond was set at $30,000
for the charges.
Mark Steven Faulkner, 27,
of Starke was arrested Feb. 4
by Bradford deputies during a
traffic stop for driving while
license suspended or revoked–
habitual offender. Bond was set
at $5,000 for the charge.
Keri Leanna Geiger, 29, of
Starke was arrested Feb. 4 by
Starke police for failure to
appear. Bond was set at $15,000
for the charge.
county warrant from Alachua.
Jacob Tremayne Hurley, 32, of
Orange Park was arrested Feb.
2 by Bradford deputies during a
traffic stop for operating a motor
vehicle without a valid driver’s
license. Bond was set at $500 for
the charge.
Tracy Massengill, 45, of
Freddie Lee Jones, 38, of Clay deputies for DUI.
Jacksonville was arrested Feb. 2
by Bradford deputies on an outAshton Blaze Wright, 18, of
of-county warrant from Dade.
Putnam deputies for burglary and
Demetrius A. Martin, 22, of larceny. According to an arrest
Starke was arrested Feb. 5 by report, on Aug. 8, 2015, Wright
Bradford deputies on a warrant threw a concrete block through
for willful and wanton reckless a side door at Howling Wolf in
driving, resisting an officer– Putnam Hall and stole cash from
fleeing or attempting to elude a the business. An investigator
police officer and driving while wrote in a report that Wright
license suspended or revoked. also tried to pry open an ATM,
The date of the occurrence of the destroying the machine in the
incidents leading to the warrant process. He also ransacked the
was Feb. 2. Bond was set at kitchen. Deputies also implicated
Wright in an Aug. 8 burglary of
$35,000 for the charges.
Shiloh Feed and Seed, located
Ashley Michelle Phillips, 35, on S.R. 26 between Melrose and
of Melrose was arrested Feb. Putnam Hall. An investigator
7 by Bradford deputies during wrote that Wright stole beer,
a traffic stop for driving while cigarettes, cash and caffeine pills
license suspended or revoked– from the business.
subsequent offense and failure to
appear. Bond was set at $3,000
Union
for the charges.
Timmy Lamont Jenkins, 34,
of Lake Butler was arrested Feb.
Christopher John Robbins, 37,
5 by Union deputies on three
of Starke was arrested Feb. 2 by
out-of-county warrants from
Bradford deputies for battery.
Columbia: one for trespassing
According to the arrest report,
and two for failure to appear for
Robbins and his girlfriend were
misdemeanor offense. Bond was
drinking and started arguing
set at $9,000 for the charges.
about political differences when
he struck her in the leg and the
Josie Ross, 55, of Alachua was
chest. Law enforcement was
arrested Feb. 5 by Union deputies
called, and Robbins was arrested
for felony probation violation. No
and transported to jail.
bond was allowed for the charge.
Marlene Victoria Gladieux,
54, of Hampton was arrested
Feb. 4 by Bradford deputies
on an out-of-county warrant
from Clay for violation of
drug offender probation for
conspiracy to commit with intent
Tonya Sherice Coats, 36, of to sell, manufacture or deliver
Jacksonville was arrested Feb. 8 controlled substance.
by Starke police during a traffic
Sandy Patricia Griffis, 36, of
stop for driving while license
Keystone/Melrose
Starke
was arrested Feb. 7 by
suspended or revoked–second
George Wilhelm Luna, 26, of
Bradford deputies on an out-ofoffense.
Melrose was arrested Feb. 8 by
Robert Allen Daniels, 37, of
Keystone Heights was arrested
Feb. 2 by Bradford deputies
on an out-of-county warrant
from Alachua for original
charge of larceny, grand theft
over $5,000/under $10,000 and
public-order crimes–use twoway communication device to
facilitate a felony. Bond was set
at $55,000 for the charges.
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5B
Area high school ADs don’t like proposed school-choice law
BY STEVE JACKSON
Managing Editor
A proposed school choice
law is sailing through the state
legislature. The bill may or
may not become the law of the
land in Florida but if enacted,
school choice could have
negative effects on high school
sports, according to football
coaches and athletic directors in
BHS AD Bobby Johns
Bradford, Union, and Clay
counties.
If adopted, the new law
would permit parents to send
their children to any school in
the state, K through 12. The
controversial change is that
student-athletes can participate
immediately when they transfer.
And students can transfer at any
time during the school year.
One version of the proposed
change would require parents
to provide for the transportation
of their children outside of their
respective school district. Plus,
if a school does not have space
it does not have to accept the
student wishing to transfer. Other
points make a student ineligible
for the choice of schools if they
are suspended from the previous
school or failing to maintain
sufficient grades.
Educators
and
athletic
directors and coaches around the
state and in the tri-county area
are concerned that the new law
KHHS AD Chuck Dickinson
will “wreck high school sports as
we know it.” They cite the fear of
free agency or recruiting among
student athletes with boosters
and coaches aggressively seeking
star athletes to transfer to their
school just for the particular
sport’s season or even during the
season.
However, the Florida High
School Athletic Association
supports the proposal because, as
FHSA puts it, “it puts teeth into
enforcing recruiting.”
Harsh sanctions in the
proposed law can be applied to
coaches and to school officials
but not to boosters. The first
recruiting violation requires a
$5000 fine, a one-year suspension
from coaching and a $5000 fine
for a second offense, and the loss
of the teaching license and the
$5000 fine for the third offense.
“The Senate bill is deadly to
all sports in Florida,” maintains
Bobby Johns, athletic director at
Bradford County High School.
Johns is a representative of the
Section 1 FHSAA board of
directors. The veteran coach and
administrator says the senate
version basically allows a player
at school A to start the season
playing a sport at school A.
Then, if school A struggles(or
for any other reason) the student/
athlete can transfer at any point
to school B and be immediately
eligible.
“It (the senate version)
will open the door for actual
‘recruiting,’” Johns warned
earlier this week, “not just the
small things that take place these
days, but actual ‘let’s go out and
get the best players we can.’”
Johns added, “There is no
measure of how bad this will
destroy athletics across this
state. The fear is that it is almost
certain that one of these bills is
going to pass and it looks like
it is going to be the senate bill
(#684).”
Jones’ counterparts in Lake
Butler and in Keystone Heights
also have great trepidations
about the proposed school choice
becoming law.
“I don’t like the prospect of
having a kid (student/athlete)
pick up at mid-stream and
transfer here---or vice versa,”
said UCHS football coach and
athletic director Ronny Pruitt.
“I think it opens up a
Pandora’s box,” he said. “I’m
not for it. It would make us
more recruiters than coaches,”
commented
Pruitt,
saying
that he has no objection to a
student/athlete who “transfers in
for a legitimate reason” to let
them start playing during the
season.
Ditto
added
Chuck
Dickinson,
athletic
director and football coach at
Keystone Heights High.
“I would hate to see kids start
bouncing around from school to
school just to play a particular
UCHS AD Ronny Pruitt
sport,” said Dickinson. “The
reason a student/athlete is in
high school or college is to get an
education,” stressed Dickinson
The Keystone Heights AD/
coach feels like if school choice
becomes law it will apply more
to the urban areas of the state
where there are several schools
within 10 to 15 miles.
“To me, it seems like the
smaller community schools,
like in our area, if you get a
large influx of student/athlete
transfers, coming or going, you
lose the family or home-grown
feeling,” said Dickinson.
NCA to host playoff basketball tourney Feb. 11-13
STARKE
—
Northside
Christian Academy will host girls
and boys basketball playoffs—
featuring 16 schools from
Northeast Florida and Southeast
Georgia—beginning Thursday,
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McCray will complete his in
December. McCray had always
said they wouldn’t get engaged
until they were both done with
school, so London wasn’t
thinking a whole lot about the
future.
McCray, though, came to
the decision to go ahead and
ask London to marry him. His
thinking was: “I love her. I know
we’re going to get married. Why
wait?”
Feb. 11, at 5 p.m.
Action will take place
throughout the day on Friday,
Feb. 12, and Saturday, Feb.
13, with championship games
beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Feb.
13.
Admission is $5 for adults and
Both NCA girls and boys teams $3 for students.
are the tournament’s numberFor more information, please
one seeds. The NCA teams were call 904-964-7124.
scheduled to begin play on Feb.
12 at 8 a.m.
He spent a year thinking about
just how to do it because he
wanted it to be perfect. He wanted
it to be something London would
always remember.
McCray’s mother has a friend
who’s a photographer. London
had always wanted her and
McCray to have couple’s photos
made, so McCray scheduled
a time for him and London to
have their photos taken by his
mother’s friend. That’s when he
would propose.
“The closer we got to it, the
more nervous I got,” McCray
said. “The photographer was
telling me, ‘Stop being so stiff.’ I
was sweating. When the moment
came, the ring was in my pocket.
I swear, my hand got stuck in my
pocket.
“I thought about what I was
going to say. It didn’t come out
of my mouth at all. I told myself
to just speak from the heart. I
went with it. I got on one knee,
and she said yes.”
Though McCray described
himself as a nervous wreck during
the photo shoot, London said she
had no idea he was nervous about
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anything. In fact, she had no idea
a proposal was coming, though
in looking back on it, she said she
should’ve known something was
up. McCray’s mother and aunt
showed up at the photographer’s,
as did a friend of London’s whom
McCray had invited.
London said she thought,
“OK, there are just a lot of people
here,”
However, she was surprised in
the end.
“I was very, very excited,”
London said. “It was unexpected.
He did a great job of planning it.”
This Valentine’s Day will be
their last prior to their marriage,
but it will really be no different
from the ones that have come
before and the ones that have yet
to come. London said it’s just
another day.
“You should love your partner
no matter what day it is,” she
said, with McCray adding, “We
spend as much time together as
we can. We don’t need a specific
day to set aside to do that.”
However, McCray still has the
first Valentine’s gift he received
from London. It’s a plush dog
bearing the question: “Will you
be my valentine?”
McCray didn’t say if the dog
also came with a checklist, but
by now, it’s obvious he would
check the “yes” box.
6B
Bradford loses 33-30 to Bolles in Region 1-4A semifinals
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
STARKE — Bolles took
advantage of a technical foul on
Bradford for having six players
on the court, making 3-of-4 freethrow attempts in the final two
seconds to defeat the Tornadoes
33-30 in a Region 1-4A semifinal
game on Feb. 9.
Bradford (12-8) was in good
position for a chance to win in
regulation when Nyasia Davis
rebounded the second of two
misses at the foul line by Bolles’
Cyd Sims. The Tornadoes
called a timeout, but once they
inbounded the ball, they were
hit with the game-changing
technical. Margaret Ann Riley
made 1-of-2 free throws for
the Bullodgs, who retained
possession because of the foul.
Piper Carriere was then fouled,
making both free throws to cap
the scoring.
Bolles (11-14) will now
travel to play East Gadsden for
the Region 1 championship on
Saturday, Feb. 13, and the right
to advance to the Final Four.
Despite the fact Bradford
Bradford’s
Lequavia
Sims drives
past a Bolles
defender in
the Tornadoes’
Region 1-4A
semifinal loss.
The Tornadoes
earned the right
to play Bolles
by defeating
Fernandina
Beach 81-80 in
a quarterfinal
game. Photo:
Smelley
missed its first 16 field-goal
attempts of the first quarter,
it went into the second down
only two. Davis’ jumper off
an inbounds pass pulled the
Tornadoes to within 8-4. Davis
grabbed a defensive rebound on
the other end and fired an outlet
pass to Jah’mya Henderson,
who scored on a layup to make
it a two-point game. Bolles’
Libby Cohen hit a jumper, but
Bradford’s Meghan Woods made
two free throws to make the
score 10-8.
Henderson scored the first
basket of the second quarter off
a Woods assists to tie the score,
but Bolles answered with a threepointer by Riley. Davis tied the
score later at 14-14 with three
minutes to play in the first half.
Henderson hit a jumper with 45
seconds on the clock to help the
Tornadoes go into halftime tied
at 16-16.
Five turnovers and 2-of-8
shooting from the field hurt the
Tornadoes in the third quarter,
but they still trailed by only 2522 entering the fourth.
Davis hit a turnaround jumper
in the lane and later added a free
throw as Bradford tied the score
at 25-25 early in the fourth.
Bolles retook the lead, but Woods
made two free throws to pull the
Tornadoes to within 28-27.
Bolles went ahead 30-28 with
two minutes remaining, but
Davis answered with a basket to
even it up.
The Bulldogs’ Riley missed
the front end of a one-and-one
opportunity with 1:27 remaining.
Davis rebounded the miss.
Bradford missed two shots on
the other end, but maintained
possession thanks to a Lequavia
Sims rebound. The Tornadoes
called timeout with 55 seconds
remaining. When play resumed,
Henderson received the inbounds
KHHS girls lose 38-24
in region quarterfinals
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS —
Turnovers and struggles from the
field hurt the Keystone Heights
High School girls basketball
team in a 38-24 loss to Bolles in
a Region 1-4A quarterfinal game
on Feb. 4.
Keystone head coach Jessica
Carter said too many one-anddone trips on the offensive end
hurt her team more than anything.
“We
weren’t
getting
rebounds,” Carter said. “You’ve
got to get more than one shot.
You’ve got to get three or four,
and we just didn’t.”
As it was, the Indians (12-16)
had plenty of chances to grab
rebounds as they made just 10
field goals out of approximately
50 attempts.
Plus,
20-plus
turnovers
didn’t help their cause against a
Bolles team Carter described as
“beatable.”
Bolles earned just its 10th
win and advanced to the Feb. 9
semifinals, where the Bulldogs
defeated Bradford 33-30 (see
related story).
The Bulldogs made three
three-pointers in the first quarter
and took a six-point lead into the
second quarter. Despite Bolles’
own struggles, the visitors were
able to enter each reaming
quarter with that same six-point
lead before eventually pulling
away in the fourth.
A three-pointer by Caroline
McCormick pulled the Indians to
within 13-10 early in the second
quarter, but Keystone missed its
next six field-goal attempts and
turned the ball over four times.
Bolles struggled once it went
up 19-11, going 0-for-5 from the
field and 0-for-4 at the foul line,
but the Indians could add only
two more points before halftime
when Cheyenne Helton received
a pass from McCormick and
scored on a layup.
Keystone got those elusive
offensive
rebounds
Carter
referred to on its first two
offensive possessions of the
second half, but the Indians
promptly turned the ball over on
each possession before getting
the chance to attempt a second
shot.
See KHHS, 7B
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Cheyenne Helton (left) grabs a rebound in Keystone’s
Region 1-4A quarterfinal loss. Photo: Smelley
pass and held the ball on the
perimeter for 35 seconds as the
Bulldogs didn’t go out to guard
her. Bradford started moving the
ball around with 20 seconds left
to play, but Carriere came up
with a steal for Bolles.
Davis and Henderson led
Bradford with 10 points each,
while Woods had five points.
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that
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Faith Anderson and Sierra Moore
each had two points, while Sims
added one.
Bradford earned the right to
play in the Region 1 semifinals
by defeating Fernandina Beach
81-80 in overtime in a Feb. 4
quarterfinal game.
Moore went the length of the
See BHS, 7B
d
7B
Obituaries d
God By Faith from 6:00 pm until
8:00 pm. Professional Services
are entrusted to J. Hadley Funeral
Home, Starke.
at Sardis Baptist Church.
PAID OBITUARY
Daniel Elixson
Stephen Early Sr.
Toyce Cribbs
Toyce Cribbs
HAMPTON—
Toyce
Faye
Cribbs, 56, of Hampton died
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at her home.
She was born Dec. 5, 1959 in Starke
to Joseph Roscoe Bullington and
Lois Faye Teuton. She graduated
from Bradford High School in 1976.
She was a Mary Kay consultant.
She is survived by: her husband of
38 years, Doug Cribbs of Hampton;
daughter, Synica Faye (Michael)
Case of Starke; sister, Janelle
(Harry) Loper of Colorado Springs,
CO; and three grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be
held on Thursday, Feb. 11 from
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Archie Tanner
Memorial Chapel. Arrangements
are under the care and direction of
V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services
and Archie Tanner Memorial
Chapel, Starke.
Stephen
Early Sr.
STARKE— Stephen Lament
Early Sr. 46, died on Saturday, Feb.
6, 2016 at his residence. He was born
in Paterson, NJ and was educated in
the Bradford County School System.
He was a construction worker.
He leaves to cherish his precious
memories: parents, George and
Lucille Early, Starke; children,
Jatasha Early, Starke, Jehrakeem
Richardson,
Fairbanks,
AK,
Stephen Early Jr., Starke, Anaria
Early, Lawtey; sisters, Teresa
Early, KeShawn (Antonio) Hudson,
brother, Michael (Kathy) Early Sr.,
all of Starke; four grandchildren;
and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, cousins and sorrowing
friends.
Funeral services will be held at
11:00 am, Saturday, Feb. 13 at Starke
Church of God By Faith, Bishop
James E. McKnight Jr., Pastor.
Interment will follow at Oddfellow
Cemetery.
Wake Service will be held on
Friday, Feb. 12, at Starke Church of
LAKE
BUTLER—
Daniel
Alan Elixson, 30, passed away
unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016
at his home with his family. Daniel
was the construction business owner
of Site Work Unlimited Inc. for the
past four years. He took great pride
and ownership in every aspect of
the business. He was the true image
of a hard worker starting out with
only one tractor and continuing to
build a successful company. Daniel
accomplished more in his 30 years
here on Earth than some people do
in a full lifetime. Daniel was a Christian and
a member of Sardis Baptist
Church. He always lived life full
throttle with a big, contagious grin
on his face. He loved the outdoors
and was an avid fisherman and
Debra Hunter
hunter. He was passionate about the
water and spent many afternoons
bass fishing on his boat. He was a
devoted husband and wonderful
JACKSONVILLE—
Debra
provider for his family. Daniel was Murray Hunter, 58, of Jacksonville
the perfect example of what a father died on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 at
should be and that was evident in the Shands Hospital Jacksonville. She
short time he was able to spend with was born in Jacksonville on Aug.
his son, Emmett. 1, 1957 to Donald Eugene Murray
Daniel is survived by: his loving and Helen Maxine Davis. She is
wife and high school sweetheart, preceded by her companion, David
Courtney Floyd Elixson and nine Black.
month old son, Emmett Daniel
She is survived by: daughters,
Elixson. Daniel and Courtney were Amy Lewis of Jacksonville, and
married for almost seven years. Mandy Lewis of Jacksonville;
He is also survived by: his loving sister, Sandra Williamson of Santa
parents, Alvin and Tonda Elixson; Rosa Beach; five grandchildren;
paternal grandparent, Lorie Elixson; numerous nephews, nieces, aunts,
and maternal grandparents, Jimmy uncles and cousins.
and Faye Albritton. A Celebration of Life was held
The arrangements for Daniel are on Feb. 8 at Bethlehem Primitive
as follows: Visitation for family and Baptist Church in Sanderson. The
friends will be held at Sardis Baptist arrangements are under the care
Church on Thursday, Feb. 11 from and direction of V. Todd Ferreira
6:00-8:00 pm. The funeral will be Funeral Services, Macclenny.
held on Friday, Feb. 12 at 11:00 am
Debra Hunter
Miles Johns
Miles Johns
LAWTEY—Miles M. Johns, 59,
of Lawtey died after a brief illness
in his home on Monday, Jan. 25,
2016. He was surrounded by his
immediate family. He was born
in Pasco County April 3, 1956.
He was a graduate of U.C.H.S.
He served in the U.S. Army 101st
Airborne. He started his career with
the Department of Corrections in
1984 where he worked his way up
to the rank of Correctional Office
Fred Thomas and Bernice Pearce
Thomas. He was preceded in death
by: his wife, Lois Fletcher Thomas
and a brother, Ray Thomas. He
was a carpenter by trade. He was a
member of Lulu Baptist Church.
He is survived by: daughter,
Janell (Eric) Yeaden of Lake
Butler; son, Bobby Lynn (Patricia)
Thomas of Durham NC; sisters,
Louise (Clarence) Rogers of Lake
City, Jeanette Bonilla of Lake City,
Margie Smith of Lake Butler and
Betty Jo Thomas of Jacksonville;
five grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren; and three greatgreat-grandchildren
Funeral Services were held on
Feb. 10 at the Lulu Baptist Church
with Bro. Alvin Griffis officiating.
Arrangements are under the care
of Archer Funeral Home in Lake
LAKE
BUTLER—Anna Butler.
Driskell Luther, 86, of Lake Butler,
died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at the
Suwannee Haven Hospice with her
family at her side. She was born
in Midway, AL to the late Durrell
Driskell and Lula Bruster Driskell.
She was a sales clerk for several
years, and a homemaker. She was
a member of the Christ Church in
Starke. She was preceded in death
by: sons, James and Charles Leach.
She is survived by: daughters,
Sandra Leach of Green Cove
Springs and Anita Aquirre of Starke;
14 grandchildren: and several greatgrandchildren; sons, Glen Leach of
Palm Bay and Marvin (Billie) Leach
of Mississippi; daughter-in-laws,
Barbara and Lisa; and sister, Lelia
Carroll of Austin Texas
Funeral Services were held Feb.
9 in the Archer Memorial Chapel
with Rev. Lester Austin officiating.
of Archer Funeral Home in Lake
Butler.
Lieutenant before retiring in 2012.
He is preceded in death by his father,
John Carlton Johns.
He is survived by his wife of
38 years, Nancy Johns of Lawtey;
daughters, Sabrina Avery of Starke,
and Eva Alvarez of Lake City;
son, John E. Johns of Jacksonville,
mother,
Laverne
Helm
of
Jacksonville; brothers, Steve Helm
of Jacksonville, and James E. Johns
of Port Richey; and sister, Peggy
Miller of Lake City.
A memorial service was held
on Jan. 30 at the Archer Memorial
Chapel, a private burial will proceed.
Arrangements are under the care of
Archer Funeral Home.
Anna Luther
In Memory
John Moncrief
KEYSTONE
HEIGHTS—
John Ellis “Jack” Moncrief, 65, of
Keystone Heights died in Starke
suddenly, Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. He
was born in Cleveland, OH to the
late Berne M. and Mabel (Dobson)
Moncrief on March 26, 1950, and
was the owner of Happy Jack’s Auto
Sales in Starke. He was a member of
the First Baptist Church in Keystone
Heights.
Survivors are: his wife of 18 years,
Helen (Pappas); five children, Megan
Moncrief and Caleb Moncrief both
of Keystone Heights, John Moncrief
and Michael Moncrief both of
Jacksonville and Sherry Moncrief
Jello of Texas; brother, Elvin (Jan)
Moncrief of Ohio; six grandchildren;
and mother-in-law, Dorothy Pappas
of Keystone Heights.
A memorial service for Jack
was held Feb. 9 in the First
Baptist Church with Pastor Marty
Frakes and Pastor Daniel Findley
officiating. Please omit flowers and
make a contribution to First Baptist
Church (for Youth Dept.), P.O. Box
1517, Keystone Heights, FL 32656.
of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home,
Keystone Heights.
Leon Thomas
LAKE BUTLER— Leon F.
Thomas, 86, of Lake Butler died
on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at the
Suwannee Valley Care Center in
Lake City with his family at his side.
He was a lifelong resident of Union
County. He was the son of the late
Archer
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Celeste Keels
Celeste Michelle
Holder Keels
Aug. 31, 1969—
Jan. 2, 2016
She was beautiful, but
not like those girls from
magazines. She was
beautiful for the ways she
thought. She was beautiful
for that sparkle in her eyes
when she talked about
something she loved. She
was beautiful for her
ability to make people
smile, even if she was sad
herself. No, she wasn’t
beautiful for something as
temporary as her looks.
She was beautiful… deep
down in her soul.
BHS
Continued from 6B
court and scored in the final
seconds of regulation to force
overtime and give the Tornadoes
the chance to end the Pirates’ 20game winning streak.
Davis
and
Henderson
combined to score all 15 of the
Tornadoes’ points in overtime.
Davis finished with a team-high
28 points, while Henderson
added 23.
Sims also reached double
figures with 16 points, while
Moore had eight. Anderson and
Christine Barber had four and
two, respectively.
KHHS
Continued from 6B
Still, the Indians seemed
to have found a spark when
McCormick drove to the basket
and scored to make it 21-15 at
the 5:24 mark of the third quarter.
After a defensive rebound by
Helton on the other end, Haley
Julius made a three-pointer to
pull Keystone within three.
The Indians did not score
again until Helton made a free
throw with approximately five
minutes left in the game.
McCormick led Keystone
with 11 points, while Helton
and Julius had six and five,
respectively. Savannah Channell
added two points.
It may have been a frustrating
end to the season, but Carter said
she was proud of her players,
who accomplished a goal many
would’ve thought unattainable.
“We won the district for the
first time in 10 years,” Carter
said. “We brought it back to
Keystone. Nobody can take it
away from them.”
Keystone will suffer a big
loss with the graduation of
McCormick, but the team loses
just three seniors overall. Carter
looks forward to the future with
the players that are returning
as well as a couple of eighthgraders who show promise.
“I’ve got some good ones
coming up,” Carter said. “I’m
excited.”
8B
Season ends for UCHS boys with 70-66 loss in district semis
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
NEWBERRY
—
Union
County High School closed the
game with a 21-9 run, but the
comeback started too late as the
second seed Tigers lost 70-66
to third seed Newberry in the
semifinals of the District 6-1A
tournament on Feb. 5.
Manny Sykes and Franklin
Williams combined to score 19
points in the fourth quarter after
combining for just nine in the
first three, but the Tigers (18-8)
BHS evens
record with
12-1 district
win in softball
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
PALATKA — Charli Morrow
and Savana Shealey drove in three
runs each as the Bradford High
School softball team rebounded
from a season-opening 12-1 loss
to defeat District 5-5A opponent
Palatka 12-1 on Feb. 5.
Bradford (1-1, 1-0) played
West Nassau this past Tuesday
and will host district opponent
P.K. Yonge on Thursday, Feb. 11,
at 6 p.m. The Tornadoes travel to
TITLES
Continued from 1B
expect to do as much as she did
in the clean and jerk. In fact, she
felt pretty nervous throughout
the meet.
“My adrenaline was going,”
she said, adding, “It was a bunch
of stress.”
She said she did a lot of
praying as well as stressing, and
it paid off.
“It’s a good feeling,” McCoy
said.
McDonald, a senior, was
making her second straight trip
to state. Like McCoy, she posted
personal-record totals in winning
the 169-pound class with a 335
total (190 bench press, 145 clean
and jerk). She finished 30 pounds
ahead of runner-up Natasha
Gatling of Port St. Lucie.
It took a while for the fact
that she was a state champion to
really sink in.
“At first, I couldn’t believe
it until I came to school on
Monday,”
McDonald
said.
“Everybody was talking about
it.”
McCoy said, “Everybody was
yelling in the hallways.”
Whether it felt real or not at the
time, McDonald possessed the
confidence of a state champion
going into her lifts. Griffis said
McDonald is usually nervous
and a little grumpy before
competing, but this time she was
smiling. When Griffis asked her
if she was going to make every
lift attempt a successful one, she
trailed by 16 with less than five
minutes to play before rallying in
an attempt to extend their season.
Instead, it was Newberry
that qualified for the regional
playoffs and earned the right to
play top seed Hawthorne for the
District 6 title. Hawthorne won
the championship by defeating
Newberry 64-61.
Union
committed
nine
turnovers in the first quarter
as the host Panthers built a 2011 lead. The Tigers scored the
first seven points of the second
quarter to pull to within 20-18,
with Isaiah Johnson getting a
basket in transition as well as
making a three-pointer, while
Dakenundrick Wells had a
rebound putback.
Consecutive layups by Wells
and Williams helped keep it a
two-point game, but Newberry
put together an 11-0 run that
included a three-pointer by
Jacquez Keith. Keith also had a
layup before the buzzer after a
loose-ball scramble that sent the
Panthers into halftime leading
play Bolles on Friday, Feb. 11, at
6 p.m. before returning home to
host Baker County on Tuesday,
Feb. 16, at 7 p.m.
The Tornadoes took a 5-1
lead into the top of the fourth
and added six more runs. Gracie
Blankenship scored on a wild
pitch, followed by Annie Luke’s
run on a sacrifice fly by Shealey.
Harli Phillips and Shelby
Wilkison both scored on errors
before Shianne Cassels hit a tworun single.
Cassels, who finished with
two RBI, capped the scoring with
a run-scoring double in the fifth.
Victoria Wilkerson had one
RBI.
Harli Phillips was 2-for-3,
while Blankenship, Shealey and
Wilkison were each 2-for-4.
Blankenship and Wilkison each
hit a double.
Wilkerson earned the win,
giving up four hits and no walks,
while striking out six.
Shealey had a home run in the
Tornadoes’ season-opening game
against Suwannee on Feb. 2, but
that was one of only three hits by
Bradford batters in a 12-1 loss.
replied, “I’m ready, coach. I’m
ready.”
“I don’t know why, but I was
(confident),” McDonald said.
Griffis said he should’ve
allowed McDonald to attempt
even heavier weights.
“She was having a heck of a
day,” he said.
The top six finishers in each
class earned a medal, so Jackson
stood on the platform and
received one as well after placing
fifth in the 119 class. She had a
260 total (135, 125) and tied
with two other lifters: Christine
McNeal of Lake Weir, who was
fourth, and Alexandria Mitchell
of Leesburg, who was sixth.
The lifters’ weigh-in totals
were used as tiebreakers.
“I was happy,” Jackson said,
“but I was kind of disappointed I
didn’t get all my lifts. I could’ve
gotten higher, but I just took
what I got and appreciated the
place I came in.”
As it was, Jackson, a senior,
established a personal record
in the bench press. Plus, Griffis
said the 119 class was neck and
neck the whole way, so the fact
that Jackson earned a medal says
a lot.
“She did an excellent job,”
Griffis said.
Jackson’s twin sister, Latavia,
also competed, placing 15th in the
139 class with a 275 total (145,
130). Her bench press and clean
and jerk were both personal
records.
“That’s all you could ask her to
do,” Griffis said.
Though she didn’t earn a
medal, she said, “It was fun. I
kind of wish I could do it again.”
Though the efforts of just a
few lifters—the Jackson sisters,
McCoy and McDonald were
the only qualifiers—Union
was able to place third in the
Automot
N
D
2
L
the score 61-48 with 3:09 to
play. A three-pointer by Fred
Sirmones following a Newberry
turnover made the score 65-56
with 2:25 left.
Union got a layup by Williams
and a rebound putback by
Frazier to make it a seven-point
game. Sykes scored following
a turnover to pull the Tigers to
within 67-62 with 57 seconds
remaining. Sykes then had a steal
that led to an eventual rebound
tip-in by Frazier to make it 6764.
Newberry’s Neal went 1-of-2
from the foul line before Williams
had a rebound putback with less
than 10 seconds remaining to
make the score 68-66.
Tramell Smith was fouled with
two seconds remaining and made
both free throws to seal the win
for the Panthers.
Williams and Sykes led the
Tigers with 16 and 12 points,
respectively, while Sirmones
had 10. Watkins and Wells added
nine and eight, while Frazier and
Johnson had six and five.
as part of an eight-run fourth
inning to help the Union County
High School softball team open
the season with a 12-1 win over
District 6-1A opponent Hilliard
on Feb. 5.
The Tigers (1-0, 1-0) played
district opponent Baldwin this
past Tuesday and will host Class
7A Gainesville on Thursday,
Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. Union then
hosts district opponent Newberry
on Friday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.
before traveling to play Class 5A
Keystone Heights on Tuesday,
Feb. 16, at 7 p.m.
A solo home run by Devin
Lewis helped Union take a 3-0
lead over Hilliard in the bottom
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
of the first.
Staff Writer
Five of the Tigers’ eight runs
LAKE BUTLER — Jordan in the fourth came courtesy of
Howe hit a three-run home run
two batters: Howe and Madelyn
Kish, who hit a two-run double.
Kish, who was 2-for-3,
finished with three RBI, while
Kaylan Tucker had two. Kensley
Hamilton and Brooke Waters
each had one RBI.
Lewis, Teala Howard and
Katie Zipperer were each 2-for2, while Lexi Androlevich was
2-for-3.
In the circle, Tucker gave up
four hits, while striking out eight.
Union won a preseason
tournament in Live Oak,
defeating Columbia 3-2 on Jan.
29 and Lafayette 6-2 on Jan. 30.
In the championship game,
Howard was 3-for-4, while
Tucker and Androlevich were
2-for-2 and 2-for-3, respectively.
Tucker had three RBI, while
Kish, Waters and Zipperer each
had one. Kish and Hamilton each
hit a double.
Waters earned the win, giving
up one earned run on five hits.
Tigers open
softball season
with 12-1 win
ive Repair
team standings with 16 points,
finishing behind River Ridge
(27) and Nature Coast Tech (20).
“This has been the best season
we’ve ever had,” said Tammy
Griffis, who assists her husband,
Bryan, in coaching the team.
Such a season came about
because of the hard work and
dedication of a core group of
girls who made their way to state.
“That’s why they have been so
successful,” Tammy Griffis said.
Three of this year’s state
qualifiers may be graduating,
but McCoy will return, and
her teammates have high
expectations of her.
“I think she’s going to keep
getting better and breaking
records,” Latavia Jackson said.
specialists
• IMPORT & DOMESTIC •
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The Tigers cut the Panthers’
lead to 11 several times in the
third quarter, but Newberry held
a 54-40 lead going into the fourth
after Union’s Daquan Frazier
converted a layup off of Daryl
Watkins pass before the buzzer.
Two free throws by Malik
Neal—the game’s leading scorer
with 28 points—put the Panthers
ahead 61-45 with approximately
five minutes remaining. Sykes
scored on a layup and made a
subsequent free throw to make
in the
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9B
UCHS football duo signs with Valdosta State
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
LAKE BUTLER — “It doesn’t
seem real.”
Union County High School
senior football player Isaiah
“Bump-Bump” Johnson may
have had a hard time believing
what was transpiring on National
Signing Day (Feb. 3), but his
future college roommate can
assure him it’s all true. That’s
because his roommate will be
fellow UCHS senior Joseph “JoJo” Merriex.
The two Tigers participated in
a signing ceremony in the UCHS
media center, signing their letters
of intent to play for Valdosta
State University.
“It’s exciting—very exciting,”
Merriex said. “I’m just happy at
this point in life. It’s like a new
step. I’m just really happy.”
Johnson said, “It feels very
good. It’s a blessing.”
Merriex said he had interest
from a number of schools, but
visiting Valdosta State felt like
visiting home.
“When I first got there on my
official visit, they accepted me as
a brother,” Merriex said. “I love
the school. I love the people. I
can’t wait to go.”
While the goal of playing
college football seemed within
the reach of Merriex when he was
a sophomore, it wasn’t until this
past year that Johnson thought he
had a chance due to some health
issues he had in regard to his
kidneys last summer.
“I didn’t really think I was
going to be able to play this
year,” Johnson said.
Health was the only thing
standing in Johnson’s way. The
versatile player is super confident
of his abilities, and why not? He
played running back and receiver
on offense and also played in the
defensive secondary.
“I just feel like nobody on the
field can stop me,” Johnson said.
Union head coach Ronny
Joseph Merriex (second from right) prepares to officially become a Blazer. Looking
on (l-r) are: Sarah Gibbs, Alvin Merriex Sr., Charlene Merriex and Alvin Merriex Jr.
Isaiah Johnson
(second from
left) signs his
letter of intent.
Looking on (lr) are: Altonia
Alexander,
Amy Alexander
and Sylvester
Williams.
Photos: Smelley
Pruitt
said
he
believes Valdosta State will
play Johnson on offense, but
he’s certainly a player that can
contribute wherever he’s needed.
“They just like his athleticism,
his speed, his vision and his
hands,” Pruitt said.
Johnson seems to have a
preference for offense, but
beyond that, he doesn’t care
which of the skill positions he
lines up at.
“I just want the ball,” he said.
Take away the athleticism,
and you’d still have quite a
player. Pruitt said Johnson has an
extremely high football IQ.
“Bump-Bump is one of those
who knows what everybody else
is doing,” Pruitt said. “He knows
their job and their assignments as
well as his own.”
In Merriex, Valdosta State is
getting a player with a strong
desire to go along with his
physical attributes. Pruitt said
a player such as Merriex can
certainly go off to college and
get bigger and stronger, but the
physical attributes need to be
paired with desire to complete
the package and make a player
successful.
“When he gets on the football
field, he gives you his heart,”
Pruitt said, adding, “He’s what
I call a soldier. He’s going to
follow you. You tell him what
you want, and he’s going to do
it.”
Merriex, as a lineman,
obviously is not the type of
versatile athlete Johnson is, but
don’t think he doesn’t possess
athleticism. Pruitt compared
Merriex to former UCHS lineman
Lonnie Gosha, who signed with
the University of Arkansas out of
high school and went on to play
for Troy University.
“He just doesn’t look like a kid
who’s as quick and as fast as he
is,” Pruitt said of Merriex. “First
step, he’s as fast as anybody I’ve
coached. That was one of those
intangibles that Lonnie had.
Lonnie was a big guy, but for the
first 5 yards, Lonnie was as fast
as anybody you had on the team.
“That’s kind of what Jo-Jo’s
got. He’s got that quick first step,
and he has a knack for being
able to fire out low and stay low.
That’s something that’s kind of
hard to coach, especially in big
guys.”
See SIGNINGS, 10B
Tigers’ Tucker to play softball at Santa Fe
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
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Salads • Subs • Wraps • Burgers • Pizza • Stromboli • Calzones • Soups
LAKE BUTLER — “KayKay wants the ball all the time.”
That’s what Union County
High School head softball
coach Andrew Strickland had
to say about his senior pitcher,
Kaylan Tucker, who now has the
opportunity to keep that ball in
her possession after high school.
Tucker signed a letter of intent
to play for Santa Fe College
during a National Signing Day
ceremony on Feb. 3 in the UCHS
Kaylan Tucker (second from left) signs her letter of intent to play for Santa Fe
College. Looking on (l-r) are: UCHS assistant coach Jim Godwin, father Vince
Tucker, Santa Fe assistant coach Art Bautista-Hardman and mother Michelle Tucker.
Photo: Smelley
media center.
“I’m so blessed to have this
opportunity,” Tucker said. “I’m
so thankful for everybody who’s
helped me get to this point in my
life.”
Of course, Tucker did a lot to
help herself get this opportunity
through her devotion to a game
she said she’s been playing since
she was 6. Strickland said Tucker
does whatever is necessary to be
successful.
“She loves to compete,”
Strickland said. “We need nine
like that. If we had nine like that,
we’d never lose. That is a hard-
working young lady.”
Tucker is excited to get the
chance to play for Santa Fe—a
school she believes she’ll feel
comfortable at as someone who’s
attended a small high school.
Plus, she likes the fact that it’s
not far away.
“It’s the best thing about it,”
Tucker said. “If I need to come
home, I can. My family can come
watch me. I’m so close.”
Though she loves to pitch—
and that’s definitely what she
wants to do in college—Tucker
will be going to Santa Fe
classified as a utility player as
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well. Strickland said Tucker
is versatile and full capable of
playing every position.
“They’re getting a wellrounded player,” he said.
Tucker said she would love to
continue playing after two years
at Santa Fe if the opportunity
presents itself. For now, though,
she looks forward to stepping
onto the field wearing a Saints
uniform.
“It’s going to be a dream come
true,” she said.
Strickland said it’s “extremely
tough” for high school studentathletes to adjust to college. From
his own personal experience, he
described the process as a “daily
grind.”
He said if Tucker keeps doing
what she’s been doing, she can
make a successful transition and
keep improving as a player.
“She just needs to remember
what got her here,” Strickland
said. “She needs to work on the
little things every day to become
a better ball player.”
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in
10B
UCHS baseball
team starts
season with
14-4 victory
BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Staff Writer
LAKE BUTLER — Union
County High School scored 12
runs in the first three innings
and got a combined no-hitter
from pitchers Casey Driggers
and Caden Cox in a 14-4 win
over Dixie County to open the
baseball season on Feb. 8.
The Tigers (1-0) played
District 6-1A opponent Newberry
this past Tuesday and will host
Bradford on Thursday, Feb. 11,
at 7 p.m. Union then hosts Oak
Hall on Monday, Feb. 15, at 7
p.m.
Union went into the bottom of
the third leading 5-4, thanks in
large part to a three-run homer
MEDALS
Continued from 1B
“It was awesome,” Boatwright
said.
Boatwright, a senior, who
was making her second straight
appearance at the state finals,
placed third in the 110-pound
class with a 250-pound total
(125 bench press, 125 clean and
jerk). She was 30 pounds behind
champ Callista Durrett of River
Ridge and 20 pounds behind
runner-up Kristen Dawson of
Wolfson.
Though she was aiming for
top-six, medal-qualifying finish,
Boatwright was thrilled with a
top-three finish.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” she
said.
After placing 17th at last
year’s finals, Boatwright said
her thoughts immediately turned
toward getting back to this year’s
finals and improving upon that
performance. Bradford head
coach Deac Story said her actions
proved how serious she was as
by Ty Cook in the first inning.
Cook and Dalton Teston scored
the first two runs of the third on
errors. Dylan Thornton drove in
one on a sacrifice fly, while Seth
Hendricks and Driggers drove
in a run each on a single and a
double, respectively. Taz Worrell
hit a sacrifice fly to score another
run before J.C. Lovelace hit a
solo home run.
Cook finished with three
RBI, while Lovelace, who was
2-for-4, had two. Hendricks and
Driggers were 2-for-2 and 2-for4, respectively, with each driving
in a run. Thornton, Worrell,
Stephen Milner and Jarrett Shadd
each had an RBI.
Driggers earned the win,
giving up four unearned runs on
no hits. He had seven strikeouts.
Cox gave up no hits in one
inning.
The Tigers went 2-0 in a
preseason tournament at Bell
High School, defeating the host
team 5-2 on Feb. 2 and then
Bradford 4-3 on Feb. 5.
Milner had a two-run single in
a three-run seventh inning and
finished with three RBI overall
in the win over Bell.
Teston and Matthew Starling,
who drove in a run in the seventh
as well, each finished with one
RBI.
Milner was 2-for-4, while
Lovelace was 2-for-3 with a
double.
Lovelace gave up two runs
on three hits in three innings of
work. He had five strikeouts.
Shadd pitched three innings,
giving up one hit and striking out
five.
Worrell closed it out, giving
up no hits and striking out two in
one inning.
Union trailed 3-1 against
Bradford, but a run scored by
Teston on an error capped a
three-run sixth inning in the 4-3
win.
Lovelace hit an RBI double
in the bottom of the third to put
the Tigers up 1-0, but Bradford
answered with two runs in the
fourth. Austin Benczak had a
single that scored Caleb Polk,
who reached on an error, while
Jamarian McNeal scored on the
defensive throw.
The Tornadoes went up 3-1
when Danny Clarke hit a single
to score Dylan Cassel, who
walked.
Lovelace and Cook led off
the Tigers’ half of the sixth
with walks. A single by Teston
loaded the bases. Milner drove
in Lovelace with a single, while
Cook scored on the throw. An
error later allowed Teston to
score what would be the game
winner.
Starling earned the win, giving
up one hit in two innings.
Cook started on the mound,
giving up one hit and striking out
eight.
spent the off-season working
with a personal trainer.
Story said Boatwright had
already earned her medal before
the season even began because of
the work she put in. Boatwright,
though, said she can’t take sole
credit for her accomplishment.
“I honestly wouldn’t have
gotten there without my
teammates, (coach) Story and
my family,” she said.
Bakken, a sophomore, was
making her first trip to state. Sure,
she wanted to do well, but she
admitted she didn’t realistically
expect to earn a medal.
“It was just amazing to be
there,” Bakken said. “To get on
the (medal) stand was just the
best feeling ever.”
Bakken placed sixth in the
unlimited class with a 355 total
(190, 165). She actually tied with
Jouie Miller of Nature Coast
Tech, but was awarded sixth
place because of the weigh-in
tiebreaker.
The tie actually created a
bit of confusion. When Story
looked at the score sheets to try
to determine where Bakken was
going to finish, he thought she
had earned seventh place.
Therefore, the announcement
that she was sixth was a pleasant
surprise.
“We were up in the stands
talking and having fun when they
made the announcement,” Story
said. “We heard her name, and
she ran down there.”
Boatwright was just as happy
for her teammate as she was with
her own performance.
“To hear that she got sixth and
was able to platform—that was
the most amazing feeling for all
of us,” Boatwright said. “I was
really proud of her.”
If you ask Boatwright, there is
more to come for Bakken. She
told her teammate, “I will lay
down money that you will go
again next year and your senior
year and, if not take it all, at least
platform again in the top three.”
This year’s performance
certainly has Bakken thinking
about what could be in the future.
“I’m just so excited,” she
said. “I’m definitely striving to
be down there next year and not
only coming in the top six again,
but maybe also winning.”
Do you hear
what I hear?
Two men were walking in
the heart of downtown Atlanta.
Suddenly, one said, “Listen. I
hear the sound of a cricket. Do
you hear that?”
“No,” came the reply, “I
didn’t. If you heard it, I wonder
why I didn’t.”
Taking a coin from his pocket,
the one who heard the cricket
dropped it on the sidewalk.
Suddenly, people stopped in their
paths and immediately began to
look for the coin.
Watching the people look for
the coin, the first gentleman said
to his friend, “We hear what we
listen for.”
Occasionally the shepherds’
flocks of sheep would get mixed
together while they were grazing
or drinking water from a quiet
stream. When it was time for the
shepherds to go their separate
ways, one of them would raise his
voice and make a specific sound
that was familiar to his sheep.
Suddenly, his sheep would start
to run and gather around him as
though drawn by a magnet. They
knew his voice, and when he
called, they responded.
Jesus once said, “My sheep
recognize my voice; I know
them, and they follow me.”
Oftentimes, Jesus, our shepherd,
calls us to follow Him. But too
often we are too busy listening to
the “calls” of this world.
Prayer: Help us, Father, to
have ears that are listening,
minds that are open and hearts
that are willing to hear your
voice and follow you. In Jesus’
name, amen.
Scripture for today (John
10:27): My sheep listen to my
voice; I know them, and they
follow me.
Available March 01, 2016
WINTER SERVICE SPECIAL
Oil & Oil Filter Change, Blade Sharpening
and Free Inspection
59
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SIGNINGS
Continued from 9B
Merriex said he’s looking
forward to working on improving
his all-around game, whether it’s
his speed, agility, finesse moves
or power moves.
He’s also looking forward to
sharing his college experience
with Johnson.
“It’s great because you’ve got
somebody to talk to,” Merriex
said. “You’ve got somebody you
can trust. We’re also going to
be roommates, so that’s going
to make it even sweeter. It’ll be
great.”
Johnson said, “It’ll help both
of us because we can motivate
each other.”
Both players said they’ll be
nervous when they step onto the
field for the first time as Valdosta
State Blazers. Merriex said he’s
excited, though, and promised,
“I’ll be ready.”
Any jitters Johnson has will
soon disappear.
“I’ll probably be a little
nervous on my first play,” he
said, “but once I touch that
ground and get back up, I’ll feel
better.”
Pruitt is eager to see where the
two go from here.
“This is your book,” Pruitt
said. “It’s going to be what
you write. You’ve been given
an opportunity. You’ve been
blessed. Let’s see what kind of
book you’re going to write—a
short story or a novel? What are
you going to do with it?
“It’s all what you make of it.”
95
Starke • 1101 South Walnut St. • 904-368-0131
Keystone • 101 Commercial Dr. • 352-473-4001
www.futchsdepot.com
Winner of the 2012 & 2013 Kubota’s “Top 25% President’s Award”
Rent: $950.00 • Both Floors, upstairs &
Down • Delivery Entrance Rear
Call for Appt. to see
Chuck Floyd
904-263-8152 or 386-496-0087
North Florida
Pharmacy
of Keystone Heights
Friendly, Personal, Fast Service
with Pharmacist Jim Autry & staff.
Drive Thru or Come In
Transfer Prescriptions with a Simple Phone Call
All Insurances plus
All Medicaid & Medicare Part D Plans
ACCEPTED
*Staywell and Prestige Included*
(These plans may not be accepted by some local competitors)
(352) 478-2057
Mon–Fri 8 am — 6 pm
Sat 9 am — 1 pm
405 S. Lawrence Blvd.
Keystone Heights
Customer Satisfaction
Makes Us #1
Now Doing
ALIGNMENTS!
Take the R
oad that Leads to Joe’s!!!
(904) 964-6305
(352) 473-2210
(386) 496-2261
Classified Ads -
call 352-317-2942 asking
$215k.
50
For Rent
WE HAVE 2 OR 3 bedroom MH, clean, close to
prison. Call 352-468-1323
PERMANENT ROOMS
for rent at the Magnolia
Hotel. Both refrigerator
and microwave. Special
rates, by the month. Call
904-964-4303 for more
information.
NEWLY RENOVATED mobile homes-DW, 16x86,
2BR, Lakefront 2BR
house. Starke & Lake Butler. 678-438-6828
3BR/2BA house for rent. Tile
floor, granite counters,
Jacuzzi tub, gas fireplace,
2-car garage. Lake access. Post Masters Village in Keystone Heights.
$1,000/mo. plus 1-month
deposit. Call Dave
352-473-3560.
HIDDEN OAKS MHC2BR/2BA/$545,
3BR/2BA/$595. Close to
A+ schools, city water/
sewer, ch/a. Lake Butler
386-496-8111 Mike
B R A D F O R D C O U N T Y,
near Hospital across from
Country Club. 3BR/2BA
DW, CH/A, fireplace,
stove, refrigerator, and
dishwasher. New kitchen,
60 days old. New carpet
and vinyl. Positioned on 1
acre. Includes lawn care.
Non-smoker, service animals only. $850/mo. $850/
security deposit. Available
February 1st. Call 904662-3735 leave message
or 904-964-5295
NICE 2BR/1BA APT. CH/A.
Electric range, refrig.
Hardwood floors. $450/
mo. sec. deposit. References, call 904-9661334. 3BR/2BA DW. South of
Starke, on 49th Ave. Extra clean, very nice, very
spacious. Florida Power &
Light Co. Service animals
only. $600/mo. plus deposit. 352-468-2674
3BR/1.5 BATH House in
Starke. $675/rent $675/
security. Service animals
only. 904-415-1622
BEST OFFICE LOCATION
in town. In front of Starke
P.O. $650 per mo. Call
904-364-9022
Bradford • Union • Clay
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Notices
Auctions
Motor Vehicles & Accessories
RVs & Campers
Boats &ATVs
Land for Sale
Real Estate Out of Area
Commercial Property
(Rent, Lease, Sale)
48 Homes for Sale
49 Mobile Homes for Sale
50 For Rent
51 Lost/Found
52 Animals & Pets
53A Yard Sales
53B Keystone Yard Sales
53C Lake Butler Yard Sales
54 Produce
55 Wanted
56 Antiques
57 For Sale
58 Child/Adult Home Care
59 Personal Services
60 Home Improvement
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
Scriptures
Vacation/Travel
Love Lines
Business Opportunities
Help Wanted
Investment Opportunities
Hunting Land for Rent
Carpet Cleaning
Food Supplements
Money to Lend
Farm Equipment
Computers &Accessories
Word Ad Classified Tuesday, 12:00 noon
Classified Display Tuesday, 12:00 noon
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED USE YOUR PHONE
964-6305 • 473-2210 • 496-2261
Classified Advertising should be paid in advance unless credit has already been established with the
newspaper. A $3.00 service charge will be added to all billing to cover postage and handling. All ads
placed by phone are read back to the advertiser at the time of placement. However, the classified staff
cannot be held responsible for mistakes in classified advertising taken by phone. The newspaper reserves
the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any advertisements at any time. Only
standard abbrevations will be accepted.
40
Notices
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. All real
estate advertising in this
newspaper is subject to
the Federal Fair Housing
Act of 1968, which makes
it illegal to advertise “any
preference, limitation or
discrimination based on
race, color, religion, sex
or national origin, or an intention to make any such
preference, limitation or
discrimination.” Familial
status includes children
under the age of 18 living
with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women
and people securing custody of children under
18. This newspaper will
not knowingly accept any
advertising for real estate,
which is in violation of
the law. Our readers
are hereby informed that
all dwellings advertised
in this newspaper are
available on an equal
opportunity basis. To
complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at
1-800-669-9777, the tollfree telephone number
for the hearing impaired
is 1-800-927-9275. For
further information call
Florida Commission on
Human Relations, Lisa
Sutherland 850-488-7082
ext #1005
42
Motor Vehicles
& Accessories
UP TO $500 CASH FOR
JUNK $CARS$. Free pick
up, running or not. Call
352-771-6191. CASH $
CASH $ CASH
45
Land For Sale
CITY LOT off Center Street
on Alverez Court. $6,000.
Call 904-364-9022
HWY 230 E. 2 parcels, 2.67
acres & 1.26 acres wooded by concrete bridge.
Parcel 1 & parcel 2 of Security Home Sites, survey
available. $18,900. Call
904-364-9022
FOR SALE (4) city lots.
Property located on Geiger Road. Water, sewer
available. Zoned SFR.
Contractor/builder special
$32,000 takes all four.
Call 904-364-9022
47
Commercial
Property (Rent,
Lease, Sale)
DOWNTOWN STARKE Re-
tail and/or Office Space
for rent. 113-115 E. Call
St. 144 to 1100 square
feet available. Call Jerry
at 904-364-8395
PRIME OFFICE SPACE
FOR RENT. 1,000 sq. ft.
up to 9,000 sq. ft. Contiguously at $8 per sq. ft.
annually. Smith & Smith
Realty 904-964-9222.
KEYSTONE 2400sqft.
Open. Warehouse/office.
Ch/a. (suitable for warehouse, shop, church, etc.)
Hwy 21 S. Lease $850+/
mo. 352-473-5174
8 - B AY C O M M E R C I A L
BUILDING for rent. Formally Carlos Auto Repair,
270 Fox Run, off Commercial Circle in Keystone
Heights. Suitable for auto
repair, paint and body,
storage or other uses.
$1000/mo. Call Jeannie
Breedlove at 352-4752838
51
Lost/Found
L O S T
W A T C H
Centurion wristw a t c h l o s t M o n d a y.
Gold/Silver band. Please
mail 1205 Blanding Street
Starke, FL 32091 or 904964-6927
49
Mobile Homes
For Sale
FOR SALE HOME
2br/2ba 1600sqft 2.3acres
w/creek great room split
plain vaulted ceiling, pool
YARD SALE: EVERYDAY
6573 C.R. 125 Lawtey. 5
miles from 301...
57
For Sale
OFFICE BUILDING for sale.
Stable income producing
rental base. 113-115 E.
Call St. $249,000. Call
Jerry Williams, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Premier
Properties 904-364-8395.
MINI DOTSON PUPPY’S
Short hair and Long hair.
8 weeks old, 13 to pick
from $175/ea call Nancy
352-473-9458
2012 KIA SOUL. 33,500
miles. Nicely equipped.
See at Magnolia Hotel
Parking Lot. $7,900. Call
904-364-9022
59
Personal
Services
AAA CONCRETE- driveways, patios, sidewalks,
steps and anything concrete. New, removed
& replaced. Licensed
& insured. 231-8340365
PRESSURE WASHINGhouses, decks, motor
homes and whatever
needs cleaning. AAA
Concrete at 231-8340365
CLARK FOUNDATION REPAIRS, INC. - Correction
of termite & water-damaged wood & sills. Leveling & raising Houses/
Bldgs. Pier Replacement
& alignment. We do all
types of tractor work,
excavation and small
demolition jobs. Free Estimates: Danny (Buddy)
Clark, 904-545-5241.
65
Help Wanted
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
for The Arc of Bradford
County. Maintain agency
and state standards. Must
be at least 21, have HS diploma or equivalent, clean
FL DL, 2 years care giving
experience with disabled
Lake Butler
Apartments
1, 2, 3 & 4
Bedroom
apartments with rental
assistance.
Call 386-496-3141
TDD/TTY 711.
This institution is
an EOE.
• Pumps
• Sales
• Parts
• Service
Southern Villas
of Starke
Where one call
does it all!
persons, 1 year supervisory experience, able to
pass Level 2 background
check, good physical condition, computer literate
(esp. MS Office). DrugFree Workplace. Salary
DOE. Send resume to
[email protected];
NO phone calls.
TEMPORARY FARM LABOR: Tricotn II, Shaw,
MS has 2 positions with
3 mo. experience required
for operating large farm
equipment for cultivating,
tilling, fertilizing, planting,
harvesting & transporting
grain & oilseed crops,
transport grain from fields
to storage facilities, daily
maintenance of irrigation
system; repairs & maintenance to building &
equip; must be able to
lift 75 pounds; must able
to obtain driver’s license
within 30 days; once
hired, workers may be
required to take random
drug tests at no cost to
worker; testing positive
or failure to comply may
result in immediate termination from employment; tools, equipment,
housing and daily trans
provided for employees
who can’t return home
daily; trans & subsistence
expenses reimb.; minimum wage rate of $10.69/
hr, increase based on
experience, may work
nights and weekends;
three-fourths work period
guaranteed from 4/1/16 –
12/1/16. Apply at nearest
FL Workforce Office with
Job Order MS158427 or
call 850-245-7105
DRIVER WANTED
CDL and clean driving
record a must. Split shift
required. Local deliveries.
Call 352-317-4241
HORSE FARM-12 acres,
fenced. 2BR/2BA MH,
ch/a. Barn w/electric &
water-horses-tack-pony &
pony cart. $1500/mo. Call
904-553-1063
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES- car dealer w/cutting
edge business-seeks a
partner (will train). Expect
above average profits.
Call 904-553-1063
TEMPORARY FARM LABOR: Berry Farm Enterprises, Tunica, MS, has
3 positions with 3 mo.
experience required for
rice production, operating tractors, combines &
farming implements for
planting, growing & harvesting of rice, soybeans,
corn & wheat, shipment &
storage of rice, soybeans,
corn, & wheat, application
of herbicide, pesticide,
fertilizer & fungicide for
rice, soybeans, corn &
wheat crops; repairs &
maintenance to building
& equip; must be able
to lift 75 pounds; must
able to obtain driver’s
license within 30 days;
once hired, workers may
be required to take random drug tests at no cost
to worker; testing positive
or failure to comply may
result in immediate termination from employment;
tools, equipment, housing
and daily trans provided
for employees who can’t
return home daily; trans
& subsistence expenses
reimb.; minimum wage
rate of $10.69/hr, increase
based on experience,
may work nights and
weekends; three-fourths
work period guaranteed
from 4/1/16 – 12/15/16.
Apply at nearest FL Workforce Office with Job Order MS15859 or call 850-
Now Accepting
Applications
Set Right Mobile Homes
245-7105.
NEED CAREGIVER for
baths tw i c e a w eek .
Need experience and be
a woman. 404-960-4394
Kay
EXPERIENCED COOK.
Part time to cook for residents that have diet restrictions. Apply in person.
Parkside ALF 329 Church
Street, Starke.
EXPERIENCED LEVEL A
OR B Diesel Techs and
Semi-Trailer Mechanics
needed” Full & part-time
positions at our Lake Butler Facility. Great pay &
benefits! Apply in person
at 1050 SE 6th St. Lake
Butler, FL or email resume
to [email protected]. Apply at our
website pritchetttrucking.
com Go to Maintenance
Department on the Employee page.
801 South Water Street
Starke, FL 32091
TDD/TTY 711
1, 2, & 3 bedroom HC & Find: sall
Non-HC accessible
apartments.
“This institution is an equal
opportunity provider, and employer.”
“Equal Housing Opportunity”
Jew
Hwy
301
Sat &
Sun
C
Special Valentine Gifts
Decorative Mirrors, Unique Vases
Handcrafted, Vintage & Contemporary Jewelry
Crystal candleholders, Incense, Picture Frames
M
One On One Firearms
Training Classes
3 hr Concealed Carry $40
5 hr Basic Pistol $65+ Ammo
Contact: One On One Firearms
Charles 386-590-7937
Joy 352-870-0113
1 AND 2
BEDROOM APARTMENTS
POOL HOME
on Geneva Creek
607 Bradford Court
Starke, FL
Call for more info
904-964-6216
Hearing Impaired Only
call 800-955-8771
4 bedroom 2.5 bath 2680 sq. ft
466 31st Way South East,
Melrose $235,000
Handicapped Accessible
This Institution is an Equal
Opportunity Provider
and Employer.
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
QUALITY SERVICE SINCE 1964
,
REALTOR
Palatka, FL
beckywilliamsrealtor@
yahoo.com
STATE LICENSE
#1305
Ask about our
1&2 BR Apartments HC &
non-HC Units. Central AC/
Heat, on-site laundry,
playground, private, quiet
atmosphere.
53 A
Yard Sales
11B
DURRANCE PUMP
Facebook.com/NefarBass
Specializing In Relocations, Re-Levels, Set-Ups & Disposal
Rodney A. Carmichael, Owner
904-364-6383
Email: [email protected]
1001 Southern Villas Dr.
Starke, FL
“Equal Housing Opportunity”
Use the Coup
1&2
Bedrooms
NOW
AVAILABLE
$
460 – $505
Equal housing opportunity.
This institution is an equal
opportunity provider & employer.
EXPERIENCED
DRIVERS NEEDED
Immediately!
LOCAL
&
REGIONAL
WORK
Class A CDL, Minimum age 23, good MVR
and job history required.
A P P LY O N L I N E A T
PritchettTrucking.com
(800) 486-7504
Out of Area Classifieds
Guaranteed Delivery.
Call Now 1-800-2240305
-Grads work with
airlines, airports, and
others -Get certified in
just 12 weeks with
Heavy Equipment
FAA approved training. Operator Career! We
Call AIM 888-242-2649 Offer Training and
Certifications Running
Bulldozers, Backhoes
and Excavators.
Lifetime Job
850-983-1400
Placement. VA
Benefits Eligible! 1866-362-6497
for
Only $99.00 Your #1
Bonus
trusted provider for 10 Make $60K+
a Year
years. Insured and
Great Benefits +
401K Paid
Orientation + Tuition
Reimb. CDL-A Req(877) 258-8782
drive4melton.com
with your
own bandmill- Cut
lumber any
dimension. In stock
ready to ship! FREE
Info/DVD:
www.NorwoodSaw
mills.com 1-800578-1363 Ext.300N
As low as $8750 security
deposit!
W/D Hook-ups • Pool • Business Center
Fitness Room • Kids Club
PETS WELCOME!
Call
904-368-0007
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
␀㈀㜀㤀Ⰰ㤀　ጠ 䌀甀猀琀漀洀戀甀椀氀琀攀砀攀挀甀琀椀瘀攀栀漀洀攀眀⼀漀瘀攀爀㈀㠀　⬀⼀匀䘀漀渀琀眀漀氀愀爀最攀氀漀琀猀 ⠀㄀⸀㔀愀挀爀攀猀⤀ 椀渀琀栀攀匀琀愀爀欀攀䌀漀甀渀琀爀礀䌀氀甀戀愀爀攀愀眀⼀猀攀瀀愀爀愀琀攀氀椀瘀椀渀最 ☀ 昀愀洀椀氀礀爀漀漀洀猀Ⰰ 戀爀攀愀欀昀愀猀琀Ⰰ 漀昀昀椀挀攀Ⰰ ☀ 爀攀挀爀漀漀洀猀琀漀漀℀ 䔀渀挀氀漀猀攀搀椀渀ⴀ最爀漀甀渀搀猀愀氀琀ⴀ眀愀琀攀爀瀀漀漀氀 ☀ 栀漀琀琀甀戀Ⰰ 眀椀爀攀搀昀漀爀猀甀爀爀漀甀渀搀猀漀甀渀搀Ⰰ 漀瘀攀爀猀椀稀攀搀最愀爀愀最攀Ⰰ 猀琀漀爀愀最攀猀栀攀搀Ⰰ 㤀ⴀ稀漀渀攀椀爀爀椀最愀琀椀漀渀猀礀猀琀攀洀Ⰰ 猀攀挀甀爀椀琀礀 ☀ 眀愀琀攀爀琀爀攀愀琀洀攀渀琀猀礀猀琀攀洀猀椀渀猀琀愀氀氀攀搀Ⰰ 最愀猀ⴀ瀀漀眀攀爀攀搀䔀氀攀挀琀爀漀氀甀砀漀瘀攀渀⼀爀愀渀最攀Ⰰ 渀攀眀爀漀漀昀䄀一䐀䴀唀䌀䠀䴀伀刀䔀℀
䐀䤀䄀一䄀䐀⸀ 圀䄀吀吀匀Ⰰ 刀攀愀氀琀漀爀글 ⠀㤀　㐀⤀㜀㈀㤀ⴀ㈀㔀㐀㜀
12B
It’s celebration time as
the BHS boys basketball
team won the District
4-4A championship by
defeating Interlachen
66-48. Pictured are:
(front, l-r) Tav’ien Young,
Kalifah Barr, head coach
Adrian Chandler, Jordan
Hill, (back, l-r) assistant
coach James McBride,
Johnny Daugherty, Jimtaz
Curry, Shawn Aaron, Trey
Greenidge, A.J. McNeal,
Tally Chandler, Caleb
Jones, Oliver Griffin, Juwan
Crum, Larry Highsmith,
Jordan Lee, scorekeeper
Starr Pittman and assistant
coach Eugene Blye.
DISTRICT
Continued from 3B
work as a team.
“If you look at it, all season
long, God really hadn’t allowed
anybody to beat us in the half
court,” Chandler said. “As long as
we are working and getting back
and really taking the challenge
to play defensively in the half
court, we normally get the stops
we want. That’s been the talk,
really—taking the challenge
defensively and working as hard
as we can as a group.”
By the time the Rams got that
first field goal of the second half,
Bradford had built a 29-point
lead, thanks to a 12-0 run. Jones
and McNeal combined for three
free throws, followed by a basket
by Daugherty. Aaron, who
scored seven of his team-high 13
points in the third quarter, then
had two consecutive baskets,
drawing a foul on the second and
making the ensuing free throw
for a 44-17 lead. McNeal drove
the baseline for another score
that put the Tornadoes up 4617 before Interlachen’s Jaquan
Walker finally gave the Rams a
bucket.
Bradford continued to crash
the boards, with Curry and
Daugherty each scoring off his
own rebound early in the fourth
quarter to put the Tornadoes up
52-25.
Curry, who was recently
moved up from junior varsity
and contributed greatly to the
Tornadoes’ 46-40 semifinal win
over Keystone Heights on Feb.
2, scored five points in the fourth
quarter, which also featured
points by two other players up
from JV. Jordan Hill had three
points, while Ta’vien Young had
two.
Jones joined Aaron in double
figures with 10 points, while
Chandler and McNeal added
eight and seven, respectively.
Crum and Griffin each had six,
while Daugherty and Kalifah
Barr had four and two.
Adrian Chandler said he
is excited to see where the
Tornadoes go from here. He
certainly doesn’t think anybody
should count his team out, as he
feels people have done at times
this season.
“Right now, as long as God
allows these guys to keep
working, and we keep being
selfless and not selfish, and we
stand together, I think we’ll be
fine,” he said.
Y
M
Y
M
C
K
C
K

Regional News Regional News

Transcription

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