Local Contractors Claim County Actions “Illegal and Unfair”

Ruling On Injunction Against County Will Be Made Today


As a result of contract letting practices used by the Jackson County Commission, two local road construction contractors have entered a formal “Motion For Temporary Injunction and Request of Emergency Hearing” against the county. Anderson Columbia Company, Inc., and Jones Construction Company, Inc., jointly filed the motion on February 28 for an emergency hearing in order to maintain the status quo while the Court determines whether the contracts in question were awarded in violation of the Florida Statutes and contrary to County Procurement Ordinances.
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Chipola Wins Brain Bowl National Championship

Chipola College A defeated Chipola B 405-175 in the last round of the playoffs and 445-175 in the first game of the finals to claim the National Academic Quiz Tournament (NAQT) Championship, the first national title in school history. Both Chipola teams were undefeated until they played each other in the last round of the playoffs, and Chipola A won that match. Chipola A was then granted a one-game advantage going into the final and won the first game to win the title.

Dallin Kelson played solo as Chipola A and finished the tournament as the top individual scorer as well. This is the first time a player has won the national championship competing as a solo team. Kelson averaged 374 points per game, the highest scoring average ever for a community college team and he broke the individual scoring record by 20 points per game.

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Flood Plain Pains New Flood Plain Maps Creating Problems For Some Local Property Owners

At Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Jackson County Commission, the Director of the Planning and Development Department, Mrs. Joan Schairer requested formal acceptance of the revised county flood plain mapping which have been prepared at the direction of FEMA. This is a procedure which is required each ten years.

The revised maps define some new areas as being in the flood plain which were previously defined as being above this defined level.

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Peanut Farmer of the Week: Peanuts For Sale… At Willie Paul Baxter’s Stand on Hwy 231

A unique farm, in a unique location, farmed by a unique man. That is the Baxter Farm, located alongside Highway 231 in Jackson County. Willie Paul is gregarious and fun to be around in a social setting, but when it comes to public acclaim he does his best to avoid attention. It was difficult to agree to allowing the TIMES to do a story about him and his farm.

After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, Baxter returned home to Jackson County and started farming. Willie Paul has been farming on his own since 1960, that is 50 years. Most of that time he has been farming at his familiar Highway 231 location. He and his tractor certainly know every bump and turn in those fields. His first farm job was at the age of 14, running a home made, horse pulled row marker for Mr. Brian Pender, father of Marcus and Robert Pender of Greenwood’s Pender Peanut Company. He made $50 per month.

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Williams Murders Press Release

Held at the Cottondale City Hall with Chief Watford, Sheriff Lou Roberts, and State Attorney Glenn Hess.

Parks and Recreation (Interview with Chuck Hatcher)

Latest news on whats going on in Jackson County with our Parks. Please Enjoy!

COUNTY SUED....PRESS TIME NEWS!

It has come to our attention at press time that Anderson Columbia, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against the Jackson County Commission along with a request for an injunction in regards to the recent $1.3 million dollar road contract which was awarded to Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. without the normal bidding procedures.

City Elections Breakdown

April 12 is the elections date for most county municipalities. The breakdown is as follows:

Cottondale (No election required)

City Commissioners = James Elmore, Curtis Benefield, Mark Drummond.

Graceville (No election required)

City Commissioners returning = David Horton, Arthur Obar, Tommy Williams

Grand Ridge (Election April 12) – Seat Two = Ronnie Durden (unopposed),

Seat One = Donald Barbee Vs. Jim Neel, Mayor, Chris Wright Vs. Wayne Edenfield.

Marianna (Election April 12) – District Four = Rico Williams Vs. Loretha Brown,

Jim Wise (unopposed), Paul Donofro (unopposed)

Sneads (Election April 12) – Group Three = Wayne McClamma Vs. Jimmy Wright,

Group Four = Sammy McAlpin Vs. Mike Weeks,

Group Five = Helen Grice Vs. Butch Edwards Vs. Patricia Lindahl Vs. Paula Stone

Bascom, Jacob, Malone, and Campbellton will hold elections later this year.

Greenwood and Alford will not hold elections this year.

“Go For The Gold” - Area Peanut Producers Are Prepared for a Great Year

At the 36th annual meeting of the Florida Peanut Producers Association meeting on Thursday evening at the Agricultural Center there was a sense of anticipation as the room full of Florida peanut farmers are preparing for planting the 2011 crop. This crop promises great returns for their efforts, as peanut prices on the international market have surged upward, along with most other commodities.

The main job now is to get the seeds into the ground, nurture their growth, pray for good weather, and watch it develop until harvest. Lets all hope for a bountiful harvest in 2011.

The master of ceremonies for the event was Larry Ford, President of the Association and active peanut farmer in Jackson County. After the invocation and pledge of allegiance, Ford introduced special guests in the audience, and recognized those who had worked on preparing for the meeting.

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Lewis Quietly Leaves Sneads Council... Citing family and business concerns

Sneads City Councilman Greg Lewis is stepping down after six years in the Group 5 post, a job he has completed--by most accounts--with grace, integrity and progress. The town of 2,000 residents has seen many improvements since he first ran in 2004, filling a vacancy left open by Frank Pringle.

“I really enjoyed serving on the council,” he told the TIMES in a Thursday interview, “but I need to spend more time with my family and working in my business at this time.” Lewis said his health is okay but his mom Mattie is quite ill. No less than four candidates qualified last week for Lewis’ Group 5 seat, to be filled in the upcoming April elections.

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99 Year Old Golfer Plays At Indian Springs

All golfers take heed! No matter what your age you are not too old to continue to play this great, frustrating, challenging, emotion testing game. Last week Mr. Rupert Brown, long time resident of Clarksville came to Marianna to play a round of golf at the Indian Springs Golf Course.

Mr. Brown broke one of his hips several months ago, and has just now healed to a point where he could again play golf.

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Howard Milton, 25 Years of Devoted Service

It is a nostalgic moment for Howard Milton, and for many others who have worked with him during his 25 years of public service to the citizens of Marianna and Jackson County. He is retiring from public service at the age of 85.

Milton has faithfully served on the Marianna City Commission since 1986, when he won in a special election which was held for the seat after the incumbent was transferred out of the area by the company he worked for. Since that win, Milton has served consecutive terms with no opposition. Last week he announced his intent to not seek reelection in the upcoming April 12 election. After it was announced the seat would be vacated, Loretha Brown and Rico Williams have qualified for the election.

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Marianna Files Lawsuit Against Florida Public Utilities

As the court house opened on Wednesday morning, attorneys for the City of Marianna were present to file an official lawsuit against Florida Public Utilities. The complaint was filed in the 14th Circuit, for nonperformance by FPU by the terms of their existing franchise agreement with the City of Marianna.

If FPU is found by the court to have failed to comply with the terms specified in the franchise agreement, the way will then be opened for the City to cancel the franchise agreement and then purchase the FPU assets related to delivery of electricity service within the city limits of Marianna. The City could then become a municipal provider of electricity to its residents.

Another possible option would be to purchase the assets and then enter into contractual agreements with other parties for operation of the electrical services.

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An Evening With The Bibletones

The Bibletones Quartet will be ministering in music in the Sunday Evening service, February 27, 6:00 pm at Welcome Assembly of God Church.  The church is located in the Delwood Community, 6784 Messer Road.  For further information call 592-5177

Marianna Commissioners Get Mixed Reviews Contributed

Political Marketing International, Inc. PMI., www.ivrcalls.com recently conducted an impartial survey of what voters thought of the three incumbent city commissioners here in Marianna.The survey was conducted during the week of February 7th and has a plus or minus margin of error of 5%.

District Three – a total of 100 voters were contacted out of 249 households that were called. The two questions were asked of voters “do you have a positive, negative or no opinion of city commissioner James Wise”? A total of 56% of the voters said that they had a positive opinion, 14% said they had a negative opinion and 30% said they had no opinion.

The second question was then asked “if James Wise seeks re-election do you intend to vote for him or would you prefer someone new? A total of 60% said they would support Mr. Wise while 40% said that they would support someone new.

District Four – a total of 100 voters were contacted out of 259 households that were called. The two questions were asked of voters “do you have a positive, negative or no opinion of city commissioner Howard Milton Jr.”? A total of 30% of the voters said that they had a positive opinion, 18% said they had a negative opinion and 52% said they had no opinion.

The second question was then asked “if Howard Milton, Jr., seeks re-election do you intend to vote for him or would you prefer someone new? A total of 55% said they would support Mr. Milton and 45% said that they would support someone new.

District Five – a total of 80 voters were contacted out of 174 households that were called. The two questions were asked of voters “do you have a positive, negative or no opinion of city commissioner Paul Donofro Jr., ”? A total of 39% of the voters said that they had a positive opinion, 20% said they had a negative opinion and 41% said they had no opinion.

The second question was then asked “if Paul Donofro Jr., seeks re-election do you intend to vote for him or would you prefer someone new? A total of 43% said they would support Mr. Donofro while 57% said that they would support someone new.

An Analysis -

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Teachers Recognized For Quick Action in Emergency

Last November on a typical fall day, students and teachers were eating lunch in the school cafeteria at Riverside Elementary in Marianna. The routine nature of the lunch period suddenly changed when teacher Alison Williams felt a tap on her arm. When she looked to see who it was, she saw little Regan Gullet standing beside her. He was in obvious distress.

He was holding his throat, desperately indicating that he was choking and unable to breathe. Alison and Leslie Guy who was also sitting at the table, sprang into action. They changed Regan’s position and began to hit him on the back, hoping to dislodge whatever obstacle had his breathing passage blocked.
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Another New Scam…Beware!

Just what the world needs…. Another brilliant scam designed to dupe innocent, trusting citizens into taking their dangled bait and thus losing some of their hard earned income. A local citizen brought the items used in the scam by our offices in order to show how the ruse works.

In this scam you receive an unsolicited check, this one was for just under $2000, written on a California bank. The account on the check was Competitor Group, Inc. of San Diego, California. The accompanying letter thanks you for participating in their
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Tea Party Program Targets 2012 Elections

According to Elaine Thompson with the local Tea Party group, “Concerned American Patriots”, the battle to restore America has only been partially won. “The next step is to install another wave of conservative legislators in the 2012 elections”, she proclaimed.

As part of that theme, the featured speaker at the February meeting will be Mike McCallister, who is an announced candidate for U. S. Senator. He will be running against the incumbent Senator, Bill Nelson.

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Special Days In February

February is a busy month in the family of Jami Folsom of Grand Ridge. It is especially meaningful to her grandparents, Willard and Emma Nell Durden of Grand Ridge as well as her other set of grandparents, George and Elemetter Johnson of Grand Ridge. Thursday, February 17 is the 60th anniversary for both couples, and then just four days later, just as they finish eating their anniversary cake, the grandfathers will share a birthday cake, since they were born on the same day, February 21.
And that’s not all! Her daughter, Morgan who will be five years old was also born on February 17th. And that’s not all!! Another Cousin and Uncle celebrate birthdays on the 17th. And that’s not all!!! … Another Aunt and Uncle have their anniversary on February 21. So the 17th of February and the 21st of February are truly special days in their family.
To All we wish happy anniversaries and birthdays. Especially those two couples who have made it past the 60 year mark!

For Sale By Owner

Virtual Tour by Kelly Riley at A & K Producations
Contact 850-573-4857

Getting An Ear-full

Legislative delegation engages in dialogue at Chamber breakfast

The Jackson County legislative delegation got an earful of complaints, concerns, questions, and comments from those in attendance at the Chamber’s “First Friday” breakfast last week. The event was sponsored by CenturyLink. Representatives Marti Coley, Brad Drake, and Senator Bill Montford were present to field questions from the audience. The next session of the legislature begins next week on February 8.

The program began with a short presentation by members of the Chipola College staff who are involved in the new “Simulation Modeling Program” which offers certification in emerging three dimensional technologies. The first course in this program will begin April 11 and will run for sixteen weeks through August 4. The cost is $1500.

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Former Representative Don Brown Speaks At Republican Club Meeting

Hurricane Charley wrecked Florida in 2004 but a regulatory storm which was created afterwards by Gov. Charlie Crist blew away fair property insurance rates for homeowners. That’s according to insurance expert Dan Brown of the Heartland Institute. The former Republican state representative from DeFuniak Springs gave a power points presentation to Republican Club members in Marianna Tuesday at Jim’s Restaurant.

“When Charlie Crist stood up and said good riddance to State Farm, that was bad for Florida, not good,” Brown said. “That Hurricane Charlie turned a natural disaster into a man-made disaster.”

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Gourds for Birdhouses Workshop

The Jackson County Master Gardeners will be presenting a workshop on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Jackson County Extension Office Penn Ave. Learn how to attract Martins, Wrens and Bluebirds to your yard using gourds for houses. You will learn cleaning methods, whether to paint or not, best way to hang the gourds and more. Registration: 9:30AM (COST: $15 per person- light lunch will be included) CLASS: 10AM-NOON LUNCH: NOON-12:30 Gourds will be available for purchase. Purchase and prepare gourds (holes drilled free) Please pre-register, class space is limited call (850) 482-9620.

Scott Slashes State Systems

Yesterday state employees and legislators heard newly elected Governor Rick Scott use that most dreaded word ….. “Privatization!” In presenting his plan to reduce the state budget by $7 billion during his first two years in office, Scott revealed that he plans to cut some 8,600 state jobs, plans to require state employees to contribute up to 5% of their salaries into their retirement funds, plans to reduce educational spending, plans to cut several programs in the Department of Community Affairs, and plans to simultaneously cut property taxes.

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Become An Elected Official for your City…City Elections Coming Across Jackson County

Do you want to take part in your local government? If you are unsatisfied with the manner in which things are being managed, one solution might be for you to run for City Commissioner, and do the job yourself. If so, several county cities will be holding elections on April 12, with qualifying books closing on March 14.

The cities of Cottondale, Graceville, Grand Ridge, Marianna, and Sneads will all be holding April 12 elections. There are no elections in 2011 for Greenwood or Alford, and the other cities will hold elections in July, August, or September.

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Anderson Columbia Wins “RAP” Competition, But Loses Bid

The “Asphalt Wars” surfaced at this week’s regular meeting of the Jackson County Commission. Those in attendance got a good lesson in the use of RAP in road resurfacing. RAP is not a musical style, it is instead use of recycled asphalt which has been recovered from previous paving of roads, then blended with “virgin” (new) asphalt to reduce overall costs.

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Public Service Commission Approves Proposed FPU Rate Reductions…For a Few

A panel of representatives from the City of Marianna and Florida Public Utilities appeared before the Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday, February 8. The purpose was to gain approval of a revised rate schedule for a portion of FPU’s customers. This new rate schedule will provide rate reductions for 9% of the residential customers, and 4% of the commercial customers.

These lower rates will be awarded on a “first come – first served” basis to those customers who agree to reduce their consumption during peak usage periods and instead use most of their power during low consumption periods. That might mean these households would have to wash their clothes and take their showers late at night. Also, they would have to agree to power interruption which means they would be the first to have their power cut off or reduced should FPU ever not have enough power available to service the demand of the overall system.

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Alyne Pitman dies at 88

Alyne Pitman, a fixture in the Jackson County courthouse for almost three decades as supervisor of elections, died Monday at the age of 88.

She was first elected supervisor in 1960, after defeating Lee Mitchell Williams, another woman, who had been in office for 10 years. The sister of the late great Dr. McQuagge of Marianna, Alyne turned out to be quite adept at politics, staying in office until 1987, a span of 27 years. She retired early after the election of 1988 and was succeeded by her niece, Eugenia Mcquagge.

“I always found her to be a gracious lady,” County Judge Woodrow Hatcher said Wednesday afternoon. “And the integrity of the elections she supervised was never in question.” Hatcher was first elected in 1976.

Alyne was very active in the Democrat Party organization in Jackson County. Eugenia served well in her two years as Elections Supervisor, but was defeated in her attempt at reelection in 1988 by the current Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Stephens. Alyne’s son, Bob Pitman of Marianna remains a poll worker during elections, Stephens said Wednesday.

Wade Williams, Correctional Officer Killed in Swamp Shootout

Murder suspect Wade Williams is dead and so is a law enforcement officer who was part of a manhunt team tracking him down Wednesday morning in Holmes County. Holmes Correctional Institution Col. Greg Malloy died from gunshot wounds after being taken by a life-flight helicopter to a hospital in Ft. Walton Beach. Col. Malloy, 44, was part of the canine tracking team at HCI. A second correctional officer was wounded in the hail of bullets that lasted several minutes, Jackson County Sheriff Lou Roberts told the TIMES Wednesday afternoon. But the wounded officer will be okay, according to eyewitness reports. “Our prayers go out to the families of these officers,” Roberts said.

Wade Williams, suspected of killing his parents Bruce and Sharon Williams in their Cottondale home Jan. 26, had been the subject of a week-long manhunt that included Jackson, Washington and Holmes counties and parts of Alabama. Roberts said Williams was firing two guns Wednesday, one a pistol and one possibly a long arm.

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Jackson Chamber Hosts Annual Meeting and Banquet

At Friday evening’s gala annual meeting and banquet, a huge assembly of Chamber members and supporters assembled to give recognition and awards to deserving members of our community, to officially install the incoming Chairman, and to have a good time.

The evening began with a forty five minute “meet and mingle” period with free refreshments provided by Waste Management, and beautiful background piano music provided by the talented Anita Pizza. After welcoming remarks by Chairwoman Dr. Sara Clemmons and the invocation, the guests enjoyed a delicious meal. Then John Milton introduced the featured speaker, Mark Hinson.

Mark Hinson is a Marianna native who now resides in Tallahassee and writes as a humorist columnist for the Tallahassee Democrat. Many of the stories he relates in his columns are based on his childhood experiences growing up as part of the Richard Hinson family in Marianna. As part of his presentation he repeated some of his more notable stories.

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Homer Hirt Is “Citizen of the Year”

“It’s about time I received this award, I’ve felt I should have gotten it years ago,” Hirt quipped after incoming Chamber Chairman John Milton handed him his award. “Maybe Sid Riley the editor of the TIMES will now begin to put my column ahead of the ‘Partners for Pets’ feature,” he continued to jest.

Seriously, we here at the Jackson County Times are pleased that Homer Hirt was properly recognized for the devotion he has displayed in many facets of life here in Jackson County. After growing up in Chattahoochee, and graduating from Florida Southern, Homer proudly served as a Naval Officer in the US Navy. He then returned home to become an entrepreneur, operating an auto dealership in Sneads, in the facility now occupied by West Florida Electric. At one time he was Mayor of Sneads. Later Homer managed the Sneads River Port, combining the knowledge of the river system he developed as a boy, with his naval knowledge of boat operations.

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Marianna Officials Continue Utility Struggle

As part of the City of Marianna franchise renewal agreement with Florida Public Utilities a stipulation was included which required the utility to institute a system of reduced rate charges for usage during off peak times. This feature is normally offered by utilities, and is of particular importance to those commercial users who operate a facility twenty four hours per day. For instance, locally it would be very important to Family Dollar Distribution and Ice River Springs.

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Jackson School System Stars Were Shining

In a special program sponsored by the Jackson County Teachers Credit Union, the Jackson County School Board, and Schools Superintendent Lee Miller, a large crowd assembled in the Marianna High auditorium on Monday evening for the purpose of honoring our teachers and school system employees. It was a special moment in the school year.

After a reception period in the school cafeteria, the crowd assembled in the auditorium for the special event which would culminate with the announcement of this years winner of the much coveted designation of “Jackson County Teacher of the Year”. This award began in 1970, and has grown in importance through the decades.

The program began with the Marianna Civil Air Patrol serving as an honor guard which presented the American flag to the audience. Then the pledge of allegiance was citied and national anthem was sung by the Riverside Beaver Chorus. This was followed by opening remarks from Superintendent Lee Miller, Linda Neel with the Jackson County Teachers Credit Union, and Charlotte Gardner, current Chairperson of the Jackson County School Board. Then the Riverside Beaver Chorus entertained with several songs.

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Marianna Designated “Rural Community of the Year”

At a special ceremony and reception held at the Agricultural Center last Thursday morning officials from the USDA presented a special plaque to the city of Marianna which designates Marianna as the Florida Rural Community of the Year. This award is given annually to the community which has engaged in activities which most improve the quality of life for its citizens.

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County Awards Court House Project to Ajax Construction

During Tuesday evening’s regular meeting the county commission awarded the one million dollar court house renovation project to Ajax Construction of Tallahassee. Last week three construction firms made presentations before the Commissioners in which they described their firm and how they would approach the requirements of the project.

These firms were the local firm of M & W Construction which had partnered with Lord and Sons Construction, Ajax Construction of Tallahassee, and Peter Brown Construction which has offices in Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola. This project was not put out for bid in the normal fashion.

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County Hopes To Dip Into BP “Slush Fund”

At Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Jackson County Commission a vote was taken on a proposed contract agreement with JDA Strategies of Tallahassee. This would be a contingency fee arrangement in which the research firm would analyze all county revenue streams in a search for justification for the County to file a claim against British Petroleum for losses related to the oil rig disaster last year. This firm has worked on a 40% contingency basis with other area counties in quest of justification for claims against BP.

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Devaunte Patterson Given Special Tribute By Marianna High

“When Tomorrow Starts Without Me….”

Those were the words at the top of the printed program for the event.

A special school assembly was held on Tuesday morning as a tribute to MHS student, Devaunte Patterson, who was killed in a tragic automobile accident last week. Jackson School System Administrators, School Board Members, MHS faculty and students all were part of the special event which expressed their sadness and caring for Devaunte, his parents Nikki Patterson and Ronderick Couch, and his extended family.

“Make each day count. Tell those you love and care about how you love and appreciate them. You never know when you may be suddenly taken from this world. We should always be prepared.” Those were the words of Schools Superintendent Lee Miller as he made opening remarks. Miller continued, “Secondly, always remember to buckle up when you are in a car. In the future, buckle up as a tribute to Devaunte.”

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Jackson Chamber To Hold Annual Banquet and Meeting On Friday Evening

Our 83rd Annual Chamber Banquet and Meeting will be on Friday evening, January 28th, the last Friday evening in January, at the National Guard Armory on Hwy 90 west of Marianna.
The evening opens with a networking reception from 5:30pm - 6:45pm featuring live music plus refreshments for every taste. An outstanding fine dining experience with personalized service at your table begins at 6:45pm.
Our featured speaker for the evening is Jackson County native and noted writer/humorist Mark Hinson. Mark is a senior writer and columnist for the daily Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com, both part of the Gannett news chain. A graduate of Marianna High School, he is the son of legendary Jackson County community icon Dick Hinson.
For two decades, Mark has covered arts, entertainment, cultural issues
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Existing Manager Leaving The North Florida Youth Development Center (Dozier School)

Things remain in a condition of change at our North Florida Youth Development Center (Dozier School) as Michael Cantrell announces that January 13 was his last day as Operations and Programs Manager at the facility. He is leaving to take a position in Tennessee, the home state of his wife. Mr. Cantrell has been actively working during the past year to implement a new culture into the operations of the center. His primary assistant, Gavin Tucker has been designated as interim Manager. Mr. Tucker has worked at Dozier for twelve years, and has received a strong recommendation for the position from Mr. Cantrell.

Under Cantrell’s leadership, great strides have been made at the school to create a learning, positive environment for the interns. There are those within the structure in Tallahassee who wanted the facility closed, and the entire program be changed to one using group homes instead of centralized schools. Due to the progress made by Cantrell during the past year, much of that opposition has been quieted.

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Deputy Now Required At School Board Meetings

There was a new attendee at the Jackson County School Board Workshop on Tuesday afternoon. He was JCSO deputy Jeff Fowler. After the horrendous incident at the Bay County School Board meeting in December, school officials are now more aware of the potential for violence that now apparently exists at any official meeting.

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School System to Emulate “The Biggest Loser”

At Tuesday’s workshop meeting of the Jackson County School Board, Jack Noonan, area General Manager for Sodexo, the company which contracts with the School Board to operate the food service system at all schools. Noonan announced that they are initiating a weight reduction program for all teachers and staff within the entire school system in Jackson County.

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CCTV Channel 4 May Begin Direct Broadcasting

Royce Reagan, Director of Operations for Chipola Television CCTV 4 spoke before the Jackson County School Board at Tuesday’s workshop meeting. Reagan described how for a relatively small investment the station can link with the schools to broadcast school activities and programs over the Jackson County area.

A tower is already available, and a transmitter would cost approximately $25,000. This would enable direct, antenna reception broadcast throughout the county, along with the existing Comcast coverage.

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Grand Ridge Council To Let Voters Decide Issues

Decision-making can be difficult for a town council lacking a required fifth member, or mayor. At their regular meeting last Thursday, Grand Ridge council members were deadlocked on the proposed appointment of an interim mayor and had to put a proposed decision to allow Sunday sales of alcohol on the ballot in a non-binding straw poll.

An election for mayor and two council seats is scheduled (if needed) this April; qualifying begins next month. But Councilman Thomas Peaden was ready to fill the vacancy Thursday. He nominated Wayne Edenfield, who owns a mobile home transport company, for mayor until the election. “The new mayor will not be seated until June,” Peaden said, “and that’s a long time to be without a mayor. I know Wayne to be a good conservative man and I know he’d do well.”

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Decision Time For Commissioners on Court House Renovations

Three firms vying, not bidding, for contract.

Three major regional constructions firms are vying for the contract to spend about $1 million on renovations and roofing at the Jackson County courthouse in Marianna. Representatives from Ajax Building Corporation, Lord & Son Construction, Inc. and Peter Brown Construction, Inc., made their presentations to the Jackson County Commission Tuesday morning.

Commissioners have until the next regular meeting, on Tuesday, Jan. 25, to decide which firm will do the work. The courthouse renovations, to be paid for from a special fund that includes a grant and court fees, are expected to begin in March or April and to be completed by the end of the year.

All three firms estimated the costs to be from $200,000 to $300,000 for a new roof; $200,000 or more in glass and glazing and up to $400,000 in exterior restoration. The special building fund includes about $1.1 million, said county administrator Ted Lakey. The county has already retained the services of Donofro and Associates as the architectural firm that will be working with the contractors. The architects will be paid about 7 percent of the total construction costs, said Paul Donofro Jr.

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Marianna High Student Killed in Crash

Tragedy struck Saturday afternoon on Old Greenwood Road, near Marianna. Devaunte’ Lamar Patterson, a seventeen year old student at Marianna High School was killed as he lost control of his 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier on a curve.

Apparently the vehicle spun out of control, struck a tree, and overturned during the incident. Patterson was not wearing his seat belt, and was thrown from the vehicle as it crashed. There was no evidence of any alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor. The student was the only occupant in the car.

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Dr. Sinclair Franz Dies Suddenly At Home

The Jackson County community is morning the sudden death of Dr. Sinclair Franz, a local retired surgeon who was once Chief of Staff at Jackson Hospital. For most of his career Dr. Franz was a key element of the area medical community.

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