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County Commission reaches
severance agreement
with former county attorney by 3-2 vote
Interim Levy County attorney
provides insight into the firm’s services

Sitting at the dais on Thursday morning (Nov. 13) are Levy County Commissioner Johnny Hiers, County Commission Vice Chair Tim Hodge, Chair Desiree Mills and County Commissioner Charlie Kennedy. By a 4-0 vote that morning, County Commissioner Rock Meeks was allowed to participate and to vote. Meeks made the motion that was approved 3-2 in regard to the final severance agreement reached with former Levy County Attorney Nicolle M. Shalley on Nov. 13.

Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 14, 2025 at 11 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – A special meeting of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday morning (Nov. 13) provided insight into certain aspects of local government.
     It was special in manners beyond being on the normal date and time for the regular agenda of the twice-monthly meeting by these five elected leaders.

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     The question of whether a County Commission member can participate, vote and even make a motion via telephone -- given the global COVID-19 pandemic is over where telephonic meeting actions were more prevalent -- was quickly broached and approved by Levy County Interim Attorney Heather J. Encinosa of Nabors Giblin & Nickerson, which is based in Tallahassee.
     When county commissioners Rock Meeks and Johnny Hiers were absent from a previous regular meeting, the three elected members of that board chose to schedule a special meeting when all five would be present, because those five people previously had voted 3-2 to terminate the employment of former Levy County Attorney Nicolle M. Shalley.
     An agenda item on that previous regular meeting, where only three members showed up, was to consider finalizing the severance payment and related actions.
     While Commissioner Hiers, Commission Chair Desiree Mills, Commission Vice Chair Tim Hodge and Commissioner Charlie Kennedy were present in Bronson at the start of the Nov. 13 meeting, Commissioner Meeks was again not in his seat at the dais.
     As fate would have it, Meeks was needed for a family medical situation in Alachua County.
     On a motion by Kennedy, seconded by Hodge, commissioners voted 4-0 to let Meeks participate and vote on matters during the remainder of the special meeting due to what they deemed was an “extenuating circumstance.” While there was no video of Meeks speaking, his characteristic accent and unique use of the English language in certain respects clearly could be recognized as him speaking.
     When an actual journalist asked after the motion and second was made to allow Meeks to vote on the question of him being allowed to participate in the meeting in his capacity as a member of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners, given that there was no financial conflict in this matter (which is a reason for a commissioner to exclude himself or herself from voting, and with that being the case, the person not voting would be required to complete a form), Interim Levy County Attorney Heather J. Encinosa of Nabors Giblin & Nickerson, which is based in Tallahassee, said Meeks would be abstaining from voting on allowing him to vote because the County Commission had not voted yet to allow him to vote via telephone.
     Once the 4-0 vote was made for Meeks to have authority as if he were sitting in Levy County rather than in Alachua County and serving the voters via telephone, the meeting moved forward. Meeks jokingly mentioned that he was not hunting although he would consider that an excused reason to be absent from a County Commission meeting. That statement definitely assured listeners it was none other than Rock Meeks himself on the phone.


Former Levy County Attorney Nicolle M. Shalley on Nov. 13 states facts to the County Commission that fired her without cause and without warning. She reminds them that either of the two methods to reach a conclusion, which she will agree to, include her noting that she will not bring litigation against the County Commission for its action in this regard. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
This Video was made By Jeff M. Hardison on Nov. 13, 2025
– All Rights Reserved


Interim Levy County Attorney Heather J. Encinosa (left) of Nabors Giblin & Nickerson, which is based in Tallahassee, tells the Levy County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday (Nov. 13) that they can choose one of two options to provide severance to former Levy County Attorney Nicolle M. Shalley, and both options Shalley is offering will preclude litigation against the county. The cost of that litigation would far outweigh either severance option, Encinosa said. Sitting at the same table is Levy County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper, who also helped the County Commission better understand some of the day-to-day operations of the county government under the county manager form of government, including when people depart from being county employees. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
This Video was made By Jeff M. Hardison on Nov. 13, 2025
– All Rights Reserved

     After a long discussion concerning the matter of the county paying severance to the county attorney, Meeks made the initial motion, seconded by Hodge, to accept one of the two options available to the County Commission to pay severance to Shalley.
     After some tweaking to the motion for preciseness, the revised Meeks-Hodge motion passed by a 3-2 vote – where Meeks, Hodge and Mills voted “Yes,” and Hiers and Kennedy dissented with their “No” votes. 
     Before Meeks made his motion, there were several points made clear. One point mentioned by Chair Mills was that the option Shalley had offered the County Commission was less expensive than the first version – which had been hastily hammered out with Shalley, County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper and Human Resources Director Jacqueline Martin on the very day Shalley was ambushed with a non-agenda termination at a regular County Commission meeting, where there had been no prior public discussion about any reasons to end Shalley’s employment as the county attorney.
     During the Nov. 13 meeting, it became clear that more than one county commissioner did not understand how one employee who was fired without cause could be entitled to some severance pay, while another employee who gave two weeks’ notice of their intent to quit, or who was terminated from employment without cause did not qualify for severance pay.
     Another point, that Kennedy told HardisonInk.com after the meeting was why he voted “No” on the final motion that passed. Kennedy said he voted “No” to that because he felt that since Shalley had only worked for the county for four years, rather than the six years noted as required for compensation to be paid for accrued sick leave, that part of the final severance agreement, which finally was agreed to, did not pass muster for him to accept.
     As for Hiers’ reason to vote “No” on the motion, he said he felt that all people should be treated the same when employment is ended without cause. He did not agree with the law or the logic where one person would be treated differently in that respect.
     Hiers said he would not speculate if he would have voted “Yes” on the first severance agreement posed by county staff because that motion was not made. He prefers not to comment on hypothetical scenarios.
     Regardless of anything else, though, Commissioner Hiers said he is glad this matter is completed and done.
     Before the final agreement was reached, there were several times when either County Manager Harper or Interim County Attorney Encinosa let the County Commission know every termination from employment includes unique situations.
     While some County Commission members may perceive this as unequal treatment, the county attorney and the county manager answer directly to the County Commission. Therefore, the County Commisison decides about agreements, if any, when the parting of the ways happens there. Other employees fall under the administration of the county manager, who also is the person to be over department heads.
     Based on the reason for a person to no longer be employed, Harper said, whether it was with cause, or a position was being eliminated, or the worker quit with proper notice, whatever the circumstances, “… each one of those severance agreements were different.
     “They come through HR (human resources), they come through our attorney, and they come through myself,” Levy County Manager Harper continued as she told Commissioner Kennedy facts related to his question.
     Harper said there are employees who no longer work for the county and some of them “absolutely did not deserve” severance payments and agreements. Most former employees do not even qualify for that added payment as they end their jobs with the county government.
     Kennedy said he felt the county HR requirement to work for at six years with the county to be paid for accumulated sick leave payments at the end of employment “is not worth the paper it is written on” if the county agrees to the payment of that to the former county attorney because Shalley only worked for the county for four years.
     Interim Levy County Attorney Encinosa said that statement about the value of HR policies is not correct. All of the HR policies for the county are valid and applicable, she intimated. In this instance, the county is agreeing to something beyond that standard because it is advantageous financially for the county to agree to that special condition, she explained, again. Litigation is expensive, she had stated before and many people understand that concept.
     The final settlement was for $2,500 to help the former attorney pay for her health insurance for two months, because an employee loses the county’s health insurance upon no longer being employed. Also, there was a final payment of $20,440.66 for accrued sick leave time and for unused vacation pay she had earned, which was 239.38 hours multiplied by $85.39 hourly fee for this attorney’s service as Levy County attorney. Those payments end any claims Shalley has in civil circuit court or federal civil court for alleged unlawful employment actions by the Levy County Commission.
     With that modified Meeks-Hodge motion, it passed 3-2, as noted, with Hiers and Kennedy voting against that motion.
     Before that vote, one woman who chronically complains about county government went to the lectern and complained loudly, twice. Although the chair of the County Commission said shouting by people at the lectern was not allowed, and although the chair said there is a three-minute time limit and each person can address the County Commission one time per agenda item, the chronic complainer again did not have to abide by the rules of civility set allegedly for people equally.
     It appears as if a belief by some that something said with more volume is somehow true and correct than if it is stated in a normal conversational tone has taken effect in Levy County. Also, as shown from repeated performances by one chronic complainer at the Levy County Commission meetings, one opinion blogger, it appears, has more rights to state her thoughts and opinions loudly to the County Commission more than any other member of the public at those public meetings.
New Attorney Services
     Interim Levy County Attorney Encinosa let the County Commission know that its $16,000 monthly retainer for three months, excluding travel and short-term housing costs for that Tallahassee-based firm includes work by Encinosa, as well as attorneys Evan Rosenthal, Kerry Parsons, Kirsten Mood and potentially 28 other attorneys at three other offices in Florida other than the one in Tallahassee.
     Encinosa has served as an interim Levy County attorney during the vacations of a former Levy County attorney, as well as when that former attorney retired and the county leaders sought a new attorney, eventually choosing Shalley four years ago.
     The additional $300 hourly fee beyond this $48,000 for this first three months’ retainer will be added only if the county becomes involved in litigation, or if Nabors Giblin & Nickerson must dedicate in excess of 10 hours on a legal matter for the county.

Veterans Day ceremony
in Cross City honors all

Elizabeth Leptensky of American Legion Auxiliary 383 of Old Town mans a table at Wandle Wheeler Park in Cross City on Veterans Day 2025. She is holding up two fingers on both hands, which is known as a peace sign.

Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 12, 2025 at 9 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY – The 26th Annual Cross City Veterans Day Parade and Program provided participants and onlookers with an opportunity to honor all United State military service veterans on Tuesday (Veterans Day, Nov. 11).
     Kenneth “Tank” Lee has been the guiding star for this celebration for closer to 30 years now, where the first few years of the program happened in a cemetery. Lee’s family and others have joined him and brought this tradition forward through the past decades. Lee said he plans to have this program every year as long as there are veterans and as long he can.


Dixie County Commission Chairman Jody Stephenson greets Cross City Police Chief Jamey King at the park before the event begins.


Dotti Leichner, Dixie County Clerk Barbi Higginbothan and Bob Leichner pause for a photo opp, when requested, after they were noticed greeting each other. Bob and Dotti, former owners of the Dixie Music Center, setup the sound system again this year, easily marking 20-plus years of that service to help celebrate the men and women who served America to keep it free from tyranny. The Leichners have volunteered their time and equipment at other Dixie County events, too.


Sheila Frierson (left) and Katrina VanAernam of the Dixie County Anti-Drug Coalition unpack lots of bags that turn into backpacks. This included information that offers drug abuse prevention education as well as drug addiction recovery resources for military veterans. Also, in the bags there were supplies commonly needed in crisis or disaster situations.


Bob Leichner works to overcome a speaker’s issue that was putting out sketchy sounds.


Here are (from left) Candy Webster, Tom Browne, John Driggers Sr. (in the back), and Jerry Bazar. Browne was the 2025 Cross City Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal. Brown is a past VFW State Commander as well being a member of the Military Order of the Cootie. His cohorts at the event are an impressive group of people, too.


Lee St. Laurent, a Vietnam veteran, was noted by Tank Lee for some of his tour of duty dealing with radar -- right in Dixie County.


Top organizer and emcee Kenneth ‘Tank’ Lee welcomes everyone to the ceremonies in the park on Tuesday morning.


From the Dixie County Commission are (from left) Dixie County Veterans Service Officer Steve Fremen, County Commissioner Daniel Wood III, County Commissioner David Osteen, Assistant County Manager Roy Bass and Commission Chairman Jody Stephenson at the lectern. In the background on the right is Veterans Day Master of Ceremonies Tank Lee, who has been doing this for going on 30 years now.

Dixie County Veterans Service Officer Steve Fremen accepts a large, heavy American flag piece of art as well as a plaque for his years of service to the veterans of Dixie County.


Representing the host city for the event are (from left) Cross City Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka, Fire Chief Will Garner, City Manager John Driggers Jr., Mayor J. Ryan Fulford, Police Chief Jamey King and Superintendent Joseph Henderson.


Retired Sgt. Phillip Snyder, who led the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at Dixie County High School years ago, is seen here. Tank Lee spoke highly of Sergeant Snyder’s service in the schools after serving the people of America in the military.


MaShayla Rollison sings The Star-Spangled Banner during the opening part of the Veterans Day program in Cross City on Nov. 11. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
This was filmed by Jeff M. Hardison on Nov. 11, 2025.
All Rights Reserved



VIDD- Jalen Teague, a senior at Dixie County High School, tells the audience how much he respects and honors, and is thankful for the service of all American military service veterans during the program in Cross City on Veterans Day 2025. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
This was filmed by Jeff M. Hardison on Nov. 11, 2025. All Rights Reserved



American Legion District 3 Commander Enrique ‘Rick’ Cabrera speaks about Veterans Day, peace after war, and about the American Legion. American Legion District 3 includes 15 Florida counties, which include Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy counties. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
This was filmed by Jeff M. Hardison on Nov. 11, 2025.
All Rights Reserved

     As part of the extensive program on Veterans Day 2025 in Cross City, Lee recognized many of the people from some of the first of these programs – really 29 years ago. Lee mentioned Sgt. Phillip Snyder, who led the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at Dixie County High School, and how Sgt. Snyder drove a school bus into that cemetery for one of the first Veterans Day programs in Cross City.
     A school bus traveling into a cemetery is not something someone sees every day, Lee said. Lee also noted for the crowd a lifelong friend – Tom Browne, who was the Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade that ended at Wandle Wheeler Park, where the ceremony began.
     Pastor Joe Brooks of the Cross City Church of God gave the opening prayer after Lee welcomed everyone and introduced the preacher.
     MaShayla Rollison sang The Star-Spangled Banner as part of the opening program.
     After representatives of the Dixie County Commission were introduced, Commission Chairman Jody Stephenson presented Veterans Services Officer Steve Fremen with a big American flag work of art and a plaque.
     Stephenson said Fremen has done “way more for this county than anyone could ever imagine.”
     The County Commission chairman called on Fremen to speak to the crowd, which he did and which can be seen and heard by clicking on the photo below.

VIDB- Dixie County Veterans Service Officer Steve Fremen speaks during the Veterans Day program in Cross City on Tuesday (Nov. 11). He speaks about the replaced monument to honor the veterans of Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and he tells people about all of the people who helped that replacement come to fruition. He spoke about the many soldiers who were called up to active duty after being in the reserves. They left their homes and jobs to go fight when they were called upon. He thanked all veterans for their service. He reminded people that Veterans Day started as Armistice Day after World War I. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
This was filmed by Jeff M. Hardison on Nov. 11, 2025.
All Rights Reserved

     Among the things Fremen reminded listeners of is that without veterans, the quality of life of American living in a free country can change to become like other places where dictators rule – like Russia, China, North Korea and other places that are not democracies.
     Fremen said he hopes young people today see the call to do something that is bigger than they are – to serve in the United States military service to prevent fascism and tyranny from becoming commonplace in America.
     Cross City Mayor J. Ryan Fulford was called to the stage, and he brought Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka, Fire Chief Will Garner, City Manager John Driggers Jr., Police Chief Jamey King and Superintendent Joseph Henderson to be recognized.
     The mayor said the City of Cross City is happy to host this wonderful event at Wandle Wheeler Park to pay homage to all the veterans.
     The mayor let the listeners know that he is grateful to the Cross City Public Works Department for ensuring the park was so clean and ready for this event.
     Mayor Fulford pointed out the Bob and Dotti Leichner deserve recognition, too, for making sure the sound system worked for this event for several decades now.
     Emcee Lee recognized the many veteran groups at the event – including the American Legion Post 383 from Old Town, with that post’s Legionnaires, Riders, Sons of the American Legion, the Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 383 Honor Guard – Connie Linacre, Jeremy Sutton, Lloyd Roosa, Mazzy Roosa, Kevin Badcock, Karla Meek and Barbi Stanley.
    Also mentioned were members of AmVets Post 42 of Chiefland, AmVets Post 422 of Fanning Springs, VFW Post 5625 of Chiefland, VFW Post 3381 of Old Town, American Legion Post 57 of Lake City, DAV Tri-County Post #63, and AmVets Post 423.
     Also noted as being present at this event were members of the Military Order of the Cootie.
     The Military Order of the Cootie is the “Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars” (VFW), founded in 1920. It is an auxiliary organization dedicated to entertaining and supporting hospitalized veterans and their families, with members volunteering thousands of hours to do activities like bingo, casino days, and holiday parties. Eligibility requires being an active VFW member in good standing who has demonstrated leadership and service.
     Lee also mentioned the birthday of the United States Marine Corps being on Nov. 10. On Nov. 10, 1775, the Continental Marines were established – making this most recent “birthday” the 250^th anniversary.
     The keynote speaker this year was Commander Enrique “Rick” Cabrera, the America Auxiliary Department of Florida, District 3, which covers 15 Florida counties. He thanked everyone for inviting him to be the speaker of the day.
     Veterans Day is a day to honor the men and women who have worn a uniform as members of the United States Armed Forces, Cabrera said.
     “Veterans Day is a time to remember that freedom is never free,” CMDR. Cabrera said. “It’s secured and preserved by the dedication, courage and sacrifice by those who have served.”
     Cabrera reminded listeners that Veterans Day is not about war.
     It’s about peace. It’s about generations of Americans, and all of the battles fought.
     “It’s about every man and woman who has stepped forward when their country called,” he said. “From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan; from the jungles of Vietnam to the sands of Iraq, our veterans have stood guard over liberty – defending the values that define this country -- America.”
      Cabrera said it is vital to remember the families that stand behind every service member. The parents, spouses and children of soldiers, as well as all of their friends who each carry their own burdens of sacrifice from service members performing the duties they have been called to complete.
     The love and support of families and friends make veterans’ service possible, he said.
     Organizations like the America Legion provide for the continuing service of those missions every day, he said.
     Cabrera spoke about the history of the American Legion, which began in 1919 after WWI. And he spoke about American Legion helping communities, veterans and youth through its programs, including Boys State, Girls State, and youth scholarships.
     The people in posts like American Legion Post 383 show what it means to serve beyond the time when they are in uniform. 
     Cabrera asked the audience to not only thank veterans for their service, but commit to action by listening to veterans’ stories, volunteering at Legion posts, supporting veteran-owned businesses, or simply showing gratitude daily.
     The strength in America lies not only in its might, he said, but in its heart – in its selflessness demonstrated by those who have defended this country.
     “Tso all our veterans,” he said, “on behalf of our grateful nation, thank you for your service – your sacrifice – and your example.”
     Lee gave his closing remarks, and the Honor Guard provided a gun salute and the playing of Taps to conclude the program. 
      Publisher’s Note: This 15-year-old daily news website is owned by an honorably discharged United States Army veteran. Also there are two other stories from this event -- with one on the Leisure Page and one on the Community Page.
     There are many stories, photos and videos related to veterans and Veterans Day published during the past 15 years of HardisonInk.com, including:
     To see the Nov. 12, 2024 story and photos Keynote speaker knocks it out of the park at 25th Annual Cross City Veterans Day Program, click HERE.
     To see the Nov. 12, 2023 story and photos from High School musicians, teacher and boosters honor veterans; Young Beta Club members shine in service, click HERE.
     To see the Nov. 12, 2023 story and photos from Cross City Veterans Day parade maintains tradition, click HERE.
     To see the Nov. 12, 2023 story and photos from Cross City honors vets; Keynote speaker urges education for youth click HERE.
     To see the Nov. 11, 2018 story, photos and videos from Dixie County celebrates its veterans, click HERE.
     To see the Nov. 12, 2016 story, photos and video from Veterans honored in Dixie County, click HERE.

Elder Options provides information
for seniors impacted
by suspension of SNAP benefits
Information Provided
Published Nov. 6, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
     GAINESVILLE -- Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be issued starting Nov. 1.
     Older adults in need of food are encouraged to contact their local senior center or lead agency to learn more about congregate meal schedules or home-delivered meals.
     Elder Options is proud to provide support for seniors across North Central Florida. Call the Elder Options Helpline 1-800-262-2243 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information and referrals for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in need.
     To contact a county’s lead agency about reserving a meal, please use the directory below. 
     Need help finding additional food resources? Call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 or 1-800-963-5337 for information about food banks, pop-up distributions, and other community assistance programs.
● Alachua County
Elder Care of Alachua County, Inc.
352-265-9040
https://eldercare.ufhealth.org/
● Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Union Counties
Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc.
904-964-6696 – Bradford County
352-498-5018 – Dixie County
352-463-2940 – Gilchrist County
386-792-1136 – Hamilton County
386-294-2202 – Lafayette County
352-490-7055 – Levy County
386-362-4115 – Suwannee County
386-496-2342 – Union County
https://srecinc.org/
● Columbia County
Columbia County Senior Services, Inc.
386-755-0235
https://www.columbiaseniors.org/
● Citrus County
Citrus County Support Services
352-527-5900
● Marion County
Marion Senior Services, Inc.
352-620-3501
https://www.marionseniorservices.org/

Community Food Resources
     ● Salvation Army, 639 E. University Ave., Gainesville 352-376-1743
     ● SWAG Family Resource Center, 807 S.W. 64th Terrace, Gainesville 352-505-6823
     ● Gainesville Community Ministry, 238 S.W. Fourth Ave., 352-372-8162 
     ● Catholic Charities Gainesville, 1701 N.E. Ninth St., 352-372-0294 
     ● The Children’s Table, 680 W. Thrasher Drive, Bronson, 352-486-6525

19o^th Performance

The three members of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners present for the Oct. 4 meeting perform the HardisonInk.com jingle in the Levy County Government Center Auditorium on Oct. 4, 2025. Seen here (from left) are Chair Desiree Mills, Vice Chair Tim Hodge, and Levy County Commissioner Charlie Kennedy. Commissioners Johnny Hiers and Rock Meeks were absent from that meeting. This group marks the first county commissioners to sing the jingle. There have been entire groups of people performing the jingle, including from the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office as well as some trustees for Central Florida Electric Cooperative. Mark “Clawhammer” Johnson is the only professional performer who has played the jingle as a solo hit on the banjo, so far. Jeff M. Hardison asks people to sing the jingle, and some of them agree to sing it. (Thanks people!) CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO SEE AND HEAR THE VIDEO ON YouTube.com. The very first person to sing the jingle was in Chiefland in March of 2013. HardisonInk.com started as a daily news website on Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo and Video by Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 4, 2025 at 8 p.m.
All Rights Reserved Do Not Copy And Paste Anywhere