Tag Archive for greene publishing

Letter to the Editor: Tax Money Is Not a Public Slush Fund

June 29, 2011 Editorials, Letters To The Editor Comments Off

This can be taken anyway the reader wants. I’m MAD, mad as H—-, I just got my paper in the mail, while reading the paper about using the Madison extra tax money to pay for indigent care at the hospital, my wife was reading the mail, she said my Medical Insurance deductible is going up July 1st. to a thousand dollars. Yes, a thousand dollars,
I worked thirty years in law enforcement, my wife worked 20 years in Law Enforcement, we pay $720. a month for insurance. I’m on a fixed income, and while our President gives billions to foreign countries and none to Social security folks I’m suppose to give up more money over time. Call it like it is- which most people are afraid to say, those indigents, most likely haven’t worked an honest day in their life, most are second and third generation welfare recipients, many have two or three kids from different men, I’ve been in indigent peoples homes, over the 30 years I WORKED, they got their welfare checks and I’d see lotto tickets, dog track tickets, bolita tickets, they even traded food stamps for drugs.and wore $150. Nike shoes, with designer clothes, how do you do that when indigent? It’s bad enough we have a President, and a novice Governor, one trying to destroy our country and the other our State, and now these people want to use our tax dollars for a slush fund, Someone tell us where the hospital will go, when (a date) our hospital construction will start, they should also be required to publish at the end of each month, how much public tax money was taken in, how much public tax money was spent that month-on what and to whom! Don’t snow us with it’s a private matter, not public, etc. It is our money not a private slush fund.

Ken Sumner, Madison

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Goliath And BeBe’s World Needs Community’s Help

June 28, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Goliath and BeBe’s world has an urgent request for the community. The team at Goliath and BeBe’s uses, on average, 800 pounds of dry dog food each week. This means that they are spending hundreds of dollars each month to feed their dogs, and hundreds more to feeds the other animals that they care for. There is a serious need for dry dog food at Goliath and BeBe’s.
They can also use donations of canned dog food. This is what they use to give the dogs medication and also to feed to the older dogs who cannot chew hard food. Brands do not matter for the dog food. There are drop off points all across the city of Madison. They are Madison Veterinarian Hospital, the Country Store and Harveys.
There is also a huge need for hay. Due to the drought, Goliath and BeBe’s is feeding their horses and other grazing animals hay. These animals normally graze the 45-acre property that the shelter is located on, but since there has been minimal rain this season, there is little grass for them to eat. Donations of hay can be made to Upholds Feed.
If someone wants to purchase hay or dog food from Upholds Feed in honor of Goliath and BeBe’s, all that they need to do is call Upholds Feed, give them their credit card information and let them know that they are purchasing this in donation to Goliath and BeBe’s world. People can also go into Upholds to purchase the hay or dog food.
The team at Goliath and BeBe’s would like to thank the community for their past, present and future support of the shelter/sanctuary. For those who have not heard of Goliath and BeBe’s, they are a dedicated, true no-kill animal rescue, shelter and sanctuary located on 45 acres in Madison County. They are currently providing a safe haven for approximately 300 animals, ranging from horses to chinchillas and everything in between.
To learn more or to make a direct donation to Goliath and BeBe’s, please visit their website at http://www.goliathandbebe.com. Donations can be made via their PayPal account found on their website. Checks/cash can be mailed to their mailing address which can be found on their website.

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Two Arrested on Crack Charges

June 28, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Photo and report submitted by Sgt. Jimbo Roebuck.

On Friday 06-24-11 at 1010 am , Ptl. T. Johnson observed a blue motor scooter riding on Parramore st. being driven by Jarvis McQuay. Ptl. Johnson had prior knowledge of McQuay’s license being suspended . At this time, Johnson attempted to make contact with Mcquay, who pulled onto First St. and jumped off the scooter and got into the passenger side of a white Buick Lasabre which was illegally parked on First Ave. Johnson conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with Mcquay sitting in the passenger side of the vehicle.

While Johnson was speaking with McQuay , he observed the smell of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Johnson advised Mcquay to step out of the vehicle. Mcquay stepped out of the vehicle and threw a clear plastic bag containing marijuana into the vehicle. At this time, Mcquay was placed under arrest. Ptl. A. Land made contact with the driver Melvine Boynton and advised her to step out of the vehicle. Boynton stepped out of the vehicle and threw a red and white cigarette carton box in to the street and slapped Ptl. Land in the face. Boynton attempted to run , but was apprehended by Ptl. Land. Officers located 70 pieces of crack cocaine inside the cigarette carton. Both Jarvis McQuay and Melvine Boynton were transported to the county jail.

Jarvis McQuay : Dwls , Poss. of Marijuana , Tampering with evidence and Resisting with violence.

Melvine Boynton : Poss. of crack cocaine with intent to sell , Battery on LEO , Tampering with evidence and resisting arrest with violence.

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New Column: Hot Questions, Hot Topics

June 28, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

By David Abercrombie, MCMH CEO
WHY DOES THE HOSPITAL HAVE TWO BOARDS?
When I first came to Madison five years ago, I was informed that the hospital had two boards -a hospital district board and a hospital corporate board. I have to admit that it confused me. No doubt it confuses many of you too. Now that I understand the reason, let me pass that understanding on to you.
Just to get our bearings, the name of the hospital district board is: Madison County Health and Hospital District. The name of the hospital corporation is: Madison County Health Systems, Inc. For clarity sake, I’ll call one, “the District” and I’ll call the other, “the Corporation.”
Before April 7, 1983 there was only one hospital board – “the District” board. The hospital district is a sub-unit of state government and its board at that time, as it still is today, was appointed by the governor of the state.
The Corporation didn’t yet exist. At that time, all employees of the hospital were District employees and because the hospital was (and is) a subunit of State government, it was required by State law to participate in the State of Florida Retirement System. The State Retirement System contributed 100% of all contributions to each employee’s retirement fund. This cost the Hospital District about a million dollars every year. Looking at this long-range, that means that it cost the District about $10,000,000 over ten years! A million dollars each and every year could be saved by spinning off a non-profit corporation and allowing this non-profit corporation to lease the hospital building and equipment, employ all the hospital employees, and operate the hospital.
The District would then confine its scope of duty to owning and leasing the building and other such property, and ensuring that the healthcare was properly attended to by the non-profit corporation. It was decided back then that the same people the governor appointed to the District board would also serve on the Corporate board. Because it is so obvious, you’ll likely never ask this, but for the sake of completeness let me say that the board members that serve today are not the same people that served in 1983; nor, for that matter is the District’s lawyer the same. The passage of thirty years brings a lot of changes. So…here we are thirty years later and the hospital has still has the two boards.
The question has got to be asked: Okay, is it still necessary to have two boards? The answer is: “yes.” The non-profit hospital corporation (not the District) was issued the State license to operate the hospital. The District does not have a license to operate the hospital.
It would seem like an easy matter to transfer the license, but nothing is ever seems easy. There are a couple of very major hurdles to this. First, if the license to operate the hospital is ever turned back to the State, then there is no guarantee that the State would re-issue another license to a different owner. Certain criteria would have to be met and it would take time, lots of it. Secondly, Medicare has a long process when it stops paying one hospital owner and starts making those payments to another owner (different owners with different license numbers effectively mean a different hospital).

This can take up to an additional year AFTER the new owner has received its new license. All payments from Medicare (about 52% of all money coming into the hospital comes from Medicare) would probably cease for probably about a year, or longer. So, there would probably be no hospital in Madison County for at least a three year span, if everything went right. Obviously, the hospital, as a continuing entity, couldn’t survive such an experience. This doesn’t even take into account that the current 130 hospital employees and the medical staff would be scattered to the wind. The hospital would probably never open again. The hurdles are just too great.
Then why not get rid of the District board and keep the Corporate board? This can’t be done either. First off, as was mentioned earlier in this article, the district is a subunit of State government (a Special Act codified by Chapter 2003-333, Laws of Florida). These board members serve at the pleasure of the governor. The citizens of a county can’t arbitrarily shut down a subunit of State government. Secondly, and this is important – the loan to build a new hospital is made to the District, not the Corporation. So, regarding the two Boards – it is what it is… at least for several years into the future.
This existing two-board structure actual works pretty well. If there is a problem, it seems to be in the form of confusion and misunderstanding. It has been said that the corporation was implemented to hide information regarding the hospital’s operation. That is not so. As a matter of fact, the board meetings of both, the District and the Corporate boards are held at the same sitting, one immediately following the other. Both meetings are open to the public. It has always been that way.
Everyone reading this has a blanket invitation to attend either, or both, meetings. Meetings are held the fourth Thursdays each month at 12 noon. As a way to make these meetings even more accessible, one meeting each quarter is held in communities other than Madison. For example, the meeting of June 23rd was held at Lee. So check your public notice postings to be sure of the time, date, and locations. They are subject to change from time to time.

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Florida Gas Prices Fall Almost Six Cents Per Gallon In The Last Week

June 27, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Florida_Weekly_Gas_Price_Update

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Enjoy the July 4th Weekend Get-a-Way at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park

June 26, 2011 Uncategorized Comments Off
X-Hale's Chelsea Dierickx lead vocalist

X-Hale's Chelsea Dierickx lead vocalist

Music, fun, games and much more!

 

 

SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK, LIVE OAK, FLA – Want to have a fantastic July 4th this year enjoying music, bicycle riding, canoeing, swimming, playing games, cooking hot dogs and burgers on the grill and just having a great time? The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Fla has just such a weekend planned for you and your family!

Call for our special rates for the July 4th Get-a-Way which kicks off with the Mike Mullis Variety Show Friday, July 1, in the Music Hall, followed Saturday and Sunday night with the X-Hale Band rocking the rafters with country and Southern rock music. Saturday there will be free hot dogs and kids’ games along with other activities for our guests. You may want to rent a golf cart and check out the park’s 800 acres, fish a while in Rees Lake, play mini golf, disc golf or just kick back and take time to enjoy life doing absolutely nothing! Day admission for non-overnight guests will be $10 per carload on Saturday, July 2, to enjoy the festivities.

Outside our overnight guests will find a beautiful swimming pool to enjoy. Right next door is the ice cream shop with every flavor imaginable featuring sundaes, banana splits, milk shakes and more…all with homemade ice cream! The Store of the Village is fully stocked with everything you’ll need for a camping weekend including soft drinks, food, mementos and more! And don’t forget to check out the crafts shops in our Crafts Village where you’ll also find our radio studio where Dr. Don can be found each Sunday afternoon broadcasting bluegrass music for your enjoyment!

Admission to the Music Hall Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights will be $5 per person with that $5 deducted from your evening’s tab.

The SOS Café and Restaurant will be open during this event and will have available the regular menu of delicious food and beverages at regular prices as well as weekend specials.

For more information about the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, call us at 386-364-1683, email us at spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. You may also contact the SOSMP to inquire about any of the many exciting events coming up this year at the SOSMP such as the 311 Pow Wow, Blackwater Music Festival, Bear Creek Music and Art Festival and much, much more!

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located at 3076 95th Drive 4.5 miles north of Live Oak, Fl off US 129 at the famous Suwannee River. The park is 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 off US 129. Keep an eye out for the SOSMP sign and white painted board fence!

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Letter To The Editor: Rally Around The Flag

June 25, 2011 Letters To The Editor Comments Off

Once again, I am compelled to address the desecration of our flag by those who do not comprehend the meaning of the U.S. flag. Our flag is the symbol of freedom and democracy in this country, and around the world. It epitomizes what our military personnel defend and rally around. It is sacred and must not be desecrated.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court in 1989 ruled it is legal to desecrate the flag under the First Amendment of our Constitution’s right of free speech.
The U.S. House of Representatives will consider H. J. Res. 13 shortly, which prohibits the physical desecration of the flag. A parallel resolution, S.J. Res. 19, will go before the U.S. Senate in coming months. Two thirds majority votes in the House and Senate are required to put forward a constitutional amendment for ratification by the states.
Please contact your state representatives and senators and ask them to support these resolutions. Over 1,200,000 U.S. military personnel have died promoting freedom and democracy in the world, and our flag is the symbol that embodies their sacrifices.
We have to rally around the flag.

Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH

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Martin Authorized To Issue No-Burn Edicts

June 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Ginger Jarvis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Due to the near-drought conditions prevailing in the area, the Madison City Commissioners authorized Fire Chief Alfred Martin to issue no-burn announcements at his discretiion. The board took the step at its regular meeting on June 14.
Martin said that he will consider information and warnings from the U. S. Forestry Service as guidelines for issuing bans when appropriate.
In other business, the board discussed restoration and protection of the Four Freedoms Monument. Cindy Vees, interim Chamber of Commerce Director, said that the Chamber has been asked to spearhead cleaning the monument. Mayor Jim Catron said that he will consult with Roy Smith, local marble worker, to assess the problems with the statue and offer suggestions for cleaning and repair. He added, “We would need to consider how to protect it after cleaning and restoration.”
The board also discussed changing its present policy regarding sewer-line work at the Madison Heights apartment complex. City Manager Harold Emrich said, “The city now has a policy of cleaning out the sewer lines and charging the owners $300. This should be something that they hire the private sector to do.”
Emrich cited a recent call in which city employees caused some damage to an apartment, which cost the city to repair. He said that city workers are not plumbers and should not be working on private property.
Commissioners Judy Townsend commented, “We have been providing this service as a courtesy.”
Commissioner James Stanley asked, “Are we doing it for everyone?” Emrich replied, “No.”
Commissioner Myra Valentine said, “We are taking jobs away from the private sector by doing this.”
The board agreed to consider the policy and contact the apartment owners to find a way that residents can get help in a timely manner.

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PUT ON A HAPPY FACE: CREWS KEEP PAINT CURRENT ON HIGHWAY 90

June 25, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off
CakePaintTurtle 007f1

Submitted by Pat Lightcap

It has given one a secure feeling to see the effort that has gone in to keeping all of the paint striping current on Highway 90 as the new surfacing has been added. This helps all of the drivers to stay in their lanes and know where the turning lanes are. This has not been easy with the multiple layers of new pavement being added. But it has kept us save and even added a little humor if we take the time to notice. The face painted at the intersection of Hwy 90 and Range indicates the painter had a little extra material and a good attitude to brighten our day.

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Video: MCMH Hospital Board Holds Meeting in Lee

June 23, 2011 Front Page One comment

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Captured: Terrance Dobson

June 23, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
wanted Dobson


Dobson was arrested on Wednesday morning, June 29, in Perry.

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FYI: Special County Commission Meeting Set For Next Wednesday

June 23, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MADISON COUNTY, FLORIDA

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, Florida will hold a special public meeting, to which all persons are invited to attend, as follows:

Date: June 29, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: The Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room, Room No. 107
Madison County Courthouse Annex
229 S.W. Pinckney Street
Madison, Florida 32340

Purpose: To consider and possibly act upon the response from the Army Corp of Engineers regarding the permit application to replace the CR150 bridge at the Little Aucilla River and allow the construction of a temporary bypass road around such bridge during construction and replacement.

To consider a possible amendment to the present Interlocal Agreement between the County, the Town of Greenville, the Town of Lee and the City of Madison to allow a portion of the proceeds of the Small County Surtax to be expended for Indigent Care within the County.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in any of the above meetings is asked to advise the Board at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Tim Sanders, Clerk, at Post Office Box 237, Madison, Florida 32341, telephone:(850) 973-1500. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Clerk by calling 711.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Posted on June 23, 2011. Board of County Commissioners of
Madison County, Florida

By: /s/ Tim Sanders
Tim Sanders, Clerk

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DAILY WILDFIRE REPORT

June 23, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off

Submitted by Chelsea Parker, Division of Forestry
6/23/2011
__________________________________________________________

NOTE

- Yesterday, the Perry District had one small road-shoulder fire off I-10 in Madison County caused by a vehicular tire blow-out. This fire is contained at this time and will be checked again today. In total, the Perry District has 7 active wildfires that have burned over 150 acres.

- Presently, the Perry district is EXTREMELY limited on man power, having sent several personnel to assist in wildfire suppression efforts and operational activities out-of-district where there is a greater need. We are urging citizens to refrain from outdoor burning of any kind so that the limited local firefighting personnel can continue to be ready and available to fight unpreventable fires such as those caused by lightning.

- Firefighters need your help protecting your home. Keep your yard lean, clean and green! Use fire-proof and fire resistant building materials! Visit www.firewise.org for more information on how your home can become FIREWISE!

- If you see or hear of a wildfire, IMMEDIATELY call 911 or the Division of Forestry Perry District office at (850) 838-2299
__________________________________________________________

BURNING RESTRICTIONS:

- NO BURNING will be permitted today

- STRONGLY urging citizens to refrain from ALL burning of any kind until a substantial amount of rainfall is received.

- Governor Scott’s Declaration: http://www.flgov.com/2011/06/13/eo-11-128/

__________________________________________________________

FIRE DANGER INDEX:

The Division of Forestry uses the Wildland Fire Danger Index (FDI) for estimating the potential for a fire to start and require suppression action on any given day. It does not consider how quickly any fires that do start will grow, or how difficult they will be to suppress.

http://flame.fl-dof.com/fire_danger/wims-report.html

Madison- High
Taylor- Moderate
Lafayette- High
Dixie- High

__________________________________________________________

KEETCH-BYRAM DROUGHT INDEX (KBDI):

The Keetch-Byram drought index (KBDI) is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil and duff layers. The index increases for each day without rain (the amount of increase depends on the daily high temperature) and decreases when it rains.

The scale ranges from 0 to 800.

Madison- 685 (+8) Severe
Taylor- 649 (+9) Severe
Lafayette- 617 (+10) Moderate/Severe
Dixie- 684 (+7) Severe
.
__________________________________________________________

ACTIVE WILDFIRES: 7 (1 NEW)

1. Madison County (NEW)

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 6/22/2011 @ 1:52 pm

— LOCATION: Off I-10 near mile marker 256

— ACRES BURNED: 1/5 acre

— CAUSE: Vehicular Tire Blow-Out

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 6/22/2011 @ 2:23 pm

— Madison Co. Fire Department also responded to this wildfire

_____________________________________

2. Dixie County

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 6/19/2011 @ 6:40 pm

— LOCATION: SW Hwy 57/Shired Island Road near Horseshoe

— ACRES BURNED: 5 acre

— CAUSE: Lightning

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 6/19/2011 @ 7:39 pm

— Dixie Co. Fire Department also responded to this wildfire

— UPDATE 6/23/2011:
- Some smoke still visible on the fire
- Fire will be checked again today
- Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge will be monitoring and mopping up this fire from this point forward.

_____________________________________

3. Taylor County

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 6/17/2011 @ 11:08 pm

— LOCATION: off Beach Road on Dark Island

— ACRES BURNED: 33 acres

— CAUSE: Lightning

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 6/18/2011 @ 4:11 am

— UPDATE 6/23/2011:
- 1,800 gallons of water were utilized to extinguish smoke on the fire yesterday.
- Also assisting with this fire, were the Dixie County Fire Department, the Beaches Volunteer Fire Department, Taylor County Fire Department, FWC, and the Jena/Steinhatchee Fire Department.

_____________________________________

4. Taylor County

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 6/16/2011 @ 11:36 am

— LOCATION: off Hwy 14 and Hwy 98, south of Old Cabbage Grove Fire Tower

— ACRES BURNED: 75.4 acres

— CAUSE: Lightning

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 6/16/2011 @ 1:06 pm

— UPDATE 6/23/2011:
- No smoke visible on the fire yesterday
- Fire will be checked again today
- Foley Timber & Land Company also responded to this wildfire
_____________________________________

5. Dixie County:

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 6/7/2011 @ 5:20 pm

— LOCATION: Near the town of Suwannee, off of Hwy. 349

— ACRES BURNED: 10 acres

— CAUSE: Lightning

— Wildfire was contained by Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge Personnel

— UPDATE 6/18/2011:
- Some smoke still visible, Fire line still secure
- Lower Suwannee NWR will continue to monitor this wildfire.

_____________________________________

6. Taylor County:

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 6/6/2011 @ 10:11 pm

— LOCATION: Cabbage Grove on the North side of Highway 98.

— ACRES BURNED: 5.5 acres

— CAUSE: Lightning

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 6/7/2011 @ 12:58 am

— UPDATE 6/23/2011
- No smoke visible on the fire yesterday
- Fire will be checked again today
- Foley Timber & Land assisted with this fire again yesterday
_____________________________________

7. Dixie County:

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 6/6/2011 @ 3:18 pm

— LOCATION: County Road 353 NE, between #1 and #2 Road in Saw Hill Hunting Club.

— ACRES BURNED: 23.4 acres

— CAUSE: Lightning

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 6/6/2011 @ 9:21 pm

—UPDATE 6/23/2011:
- No smoke visible on the fire yesterday
- Fire will be checked again today
- Dixie County Fire Department and the Campbell Group also responded to this wildfire.

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Video: Madison County Commission Meeting, June 1, 2011 Part 1

June 5, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Technical difficulties fixed and unedited video is now available from the first part of the June 1 Madison County Commission meeting.

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Greene Publishing, Inc. And Interpress Studios Want Photos Of Tomorrow’s Leaders

March 1, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.


Greene Publishing, Inc. and Interpress Studios are looking for Tomorrow’s Leaders.

Interpress Studios will be in Madison from 3:30-7 p.m. on Monday, March 7, to take photos of those leaders. All parents who want their children to be featured in this should call Emerald Greene at (850) 973-4141 or (850) 973-3497 to set up appointments to have the photos taken.

The photos will be taken at the Masonic Lodge on Rutledge Street, next to Richie’s Subs and Sweets.

Each child who has his or her photo taken will be featured in the newspaper spread for free at a later date. Each parent will also have a chance to purchase photo packets.

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