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Some of the individually wrapped submarine sandwiches from Deb’s Deli are shown before the 40-plus Dixie County Chamber members and guests enjoyed them on May 14.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 16, 2026 at 6 a.m.
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     CROSS CITY – There were a number of positive and progressive news items revealed at the May 14 monthly luncheon meeting of the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce.
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Items to add to subs are shown here.


One Chamber member chose a chicken and American cheese sub, a pickle spear and macaroni salad, and sweet tea. Slices of frosted cake were available as well.

     Lunch was catered by Deb’s Deli of Old Town.
     A veteran of the United States Army has started a kayak-oriented business.
     There was a brief announcement about some kayakers participating in an extreme kayaking event, who landed their kayaks in the Community of Suwannee after a 230-mile trip that did not stop for nightfall or anything else. By the way, there is a “Suwannee Town Chamber of Commerce” in Suwannee (unincorporated Dixie County). That chamber is officially registered as Suwannee Town Chamber of Commerce Inc., a Florida Domestic Non-Profit Corporation, incorporated on Aug. 10, 2024, with the Florida Department of State. The “Town of Suwannee” in Dixie County, is not an incorporated municipality. It is officially classified as an unincorporated community within Dixie County. This means it does not have its own city government, mayor, or independent local services; instead, it is governed by Dixie County and any special district services (such as water/sewer) that apply.
     There are some local references to it as a “town,” although actually Suwannee functions as a hamlet — a small, self-contained settlement without formal geopolitical municipal status.
     Also, during the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce meeting of May 14, there was a revision announced as to how the monthly meetings are planned for the future.
     And, the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce members voted unanimously to pay a monthly fee for a website that is intended to better serve chamber interests than it has in the past.
     Dixie County Chamber of Commerce President Karen VanAenam welcomed everyone. A prayer was said, as was the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, near the outset of the meeting.
     Vice President Melanie Anderson was absent due to her attending a funeral that afternoon. The other officers were present.
     Dixie County Chamber of Commerce Secretary Christy Roberts’ minutes from the April meeting were approved for acceptance as written.
     Dixie County Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Debbie Dembo’s financial reports were accepted as presented.
     Dixie County Chamber of Commerce President VanAernam said there is a new concept for the general monthly luncheon meeting. There will be a “Community Spotlight,” and a “Business Spotlight” that will occur monthly as key features.
     She mentioned in passing that some chamber members are also members of the Rotary Club of Dixie County. She floated the idea of the chamber, which meets weekly, and the local Rotary Club to merge those two meetings during the monthly chamber meeting for that one week of the month. There was no more discussion about that.
     Interestingly, a former Dixie County Chamber of Commerce officer who passed away had tried (but seems to have failed) to show this chamber’s former leaders that the chamber of commerce is NOT a Rotary Club. The approach of chambers of commerce in the Tri-County Area is different than in other areas. The chambers are more social than economic entities. For instance, rather than inviting the press to chamber events, generally, if a media organization is not a chamber member in this part of Florida, then those business interests are excluded from being on a list of invitees – despite the relatively obvious benefit to chamber business members as well as the benefit to the community to know about how a chamber is helping the local economy.
     Many times, a chamber of commerce deals with methods to improve the community by helping existing businesses to thrive by promoting those business interests, as well as to help the community’s leaders understand methods to improve the local economic environment.
     A Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global network of business, professional and community leaders. Members volunteer their time and expertise to tackle local and international humanitarian issues under the motto “Service Above Self.”
     Because Rotary clubs function as networking hubs, clashes typically arise from perceived favoritism, ethical dilemmas in charity work, or competition among local business owners. 
     Sometimes, an individual may join Rotary primarily expecting a return on investment through new clients, while other members prioritize strictly charitable work. When the “networking” aspect of Rotary overtly overrides the “service” aspect -- or when a member uses their charity connections to strong-arm others for contracts, it causes a split between the community-minded volunteers and the purely commercially driven members. Hence, weaving Dixie County Rotary Club meetings into the separate Dixie County Chamber of Commerce meetings are inclined to create higher odds of this type of conundrum.
     A Rotary Club is a global service organization focused on community volunteering and humanitarian aid.
     In contrast, a chamber of commerce is a local business network designed to promote economic growth, advocate for local commerce, and provide business-to-business resources.
     Here are some differences between Rotary Clubs and chambers of commerce.
     ● Rotary Club: The main goal is “Service Above Self.” Rotarians focus on charitable projects, fundraising, and community betterment.
     ● Chamber of Commerce: The main goal is business advocacy. It functions to support the local business environment, drive economic development, and lobbies for pro-business policies.
     ● Rotary Club: Networking is a secondary benefit, not the main focus. Members build relationships while working together on philanthropic initiatives.
     ● Chamber of Commerce: The primary focus is business development. Meetings and mixers are intentionally designed to help members pass leads, market their services, and gain new clients.
     ● Rotary Club: A single, unified global nonprofit organization (Rotary International) comprising thousands of individual clubs.
     ● Chamber of Commerce: Independent, autonomous entities. A local chamber (e.g., the United States Chamber of Commerce) is generally funded by its members and operates independently of chambers in other cities. For instance, the Dixie County Chamber is separate from the Chiefland Chamber of Commerce; although the Rotary Club of Dixie County and Chiefland are connected through regional, state, national and international ideals of Rotary.
Deb’s Deli
     Sometimes, in past meetings, a member of the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce would sponsor the luncheon. The Dixie County Chamber of Commerce itself sponsored this week’s lunch, which was enjoyed by members and guests.
     For the May 14 meeting, the food came from Deb’s Deli of Old Town. To read the Sept. 9, 2022 story Deli has many offerings, click HERE.
     To read the March 23, 2025 story Deb's Deli expands with indoor seating, click HERE.
     As for the catered meal that provided lunch for 43 people, there were submarine sandwiches of chicken, ham, roast beef and more – all with Boar’s Head meats. There were various cheeses, as well, and people could add their own tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onions as well as mayonnaise, mustard and catsup in the buffet self-serve method of dining service of the afternoon.
Army veteran speaks out

Adam Williams, a business owner who is a Dixie County Chamber of Commerce member as well as being a United States Army veteran, speaks about the need for improved mental health awareness for veterans who are returning from active military engagements. He is among the people who seek to reduce the potential for suicide by those veterans, as well as suicide by anyone.

     Adam Williamson, a United States Army veteran, spoke about the need for people to be more aware and to act in regard to the suicide epidemic of military service veterans. Veterans in the United States are at a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans are about 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than nonveteran adults, as is also noted by the American Psychological Society.
     Williamson shared how a member of his family, as well as his best friend from his Army days, and other members from his group in the Army took their own lives.
     This was the planned topic for May meeting of the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce, under the first “Community Spotlight.”
     Mental Health Awareness Month, also called Mental Health Month, has been observed every May since 1949, when it was founded by Mental Health America (MHA), originally known as the National Association for Mental Health. 
     Nikie Waits, founder and chief executive officer of Road 2 Redemption Inc., had initially planned to speak about suicide and mental health needs in Dixie County during this chamber meeting, but like some others who were unable to attend, she had to change her plans for the afternoon.
     As for Williamson, he has started the AW Kayak Expeditions business. He plans to grow the business and continue to help people who have mental health issues through this venture as well.
     Speaking of kayaking, a group of people recently competed in the Suwannee River 230 Source to Sea adventure, where they paddled down the Suwannee River from its headwaters all the way to where it meets the Gulf of Mexico in Dixie County.
Business Spotlight for May
     Chamber President VanAernam said her plan to have one or members of the Rains family speak about Southern Rains Antiques and Sweets, 16319 S.E. U.S. Highway 19, Cross City, as the business to be spotlighted at this monthly meeting did not happen. Andrew Rains was unable to attend as had been planned. Interestingly, the new business is across the street from the Dixie County Public Library in Cross City. It is in the location of a former barbecue restaurant and a former illegal gambling operation. The business owners needed to attend a funeral that afternoon, too.


This is a photo of the screen in the Dixie County Public Library’s kitchen-dining room-conference room where Jesse Sampley of Meridian Pursuit communicated with Dixie County Chamber of Commerce members and guests on May 14 to discuss his company taking over the management of the chamber’s website – to improve odds of it increasing customer traffic to chamber members’ interests. He was speaking from his office in Ocala (Marion County), as chamber participants involved in the discussion were in Cross City. Sampley is in the upper right corner of the screen, and soe of the many people in the chamber meeting are in the lower left area of the screen.

Website Improvements
     The Dixie County Chamber of Commerce website has not been the most effective tool in past years. Jesse Sampley of Meridian Pursuit -- a digital marketing agency headquartered in the Ocala, has been improving the site. The Dixie County Chamber of Commerce paid him a couple of years ago to improve the site, and it was improved to a point.
     Effective with the vote on Thursday (May 14), the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce is paying Sampley $225 a month for his company to manage the website, which will include information to help attract customers to members’ businesses, as well as to have a relatively good events calendar – which will be something more than just the link to the “Visit Dixie County” website’s calendar, which is funded by the Dixie County Tourist Development Council (TDC). Dixie County TDC funds are generated by a “bed tax” placed on tourists who rent rooms for overnight stays in Dixie County at motels, hotels, lodges, RV resorts, bed and breakfast locations and the like.
Other News
     Chamber members learned about the scholarships the chamber funded for Dixie County High School graduates this year, as well as hearing about events announced at the meeting. There is a free method for anyone to let the world know about their events.
     The Community Calendar events shown on the Calendar Page of HardisonInk.com are listed for free. Contributors who want to list their events are asked to please provide the date, time and place of the event; what is happening and if reservations are required; or if there is a charge and other relevant facts. All events are listed chronologically on that part of the Calendar Page of the seven-page daily news website. Please email announcements to hardisonink@gmail.com. People who send notices of events that they want other people to see are asked to include a name and contact information when submitting events, so that accuracy can be confirmed by the publisher. The information should be sent in a Word document or in words in the text of an email, rather than a “flyer” or in PDF or JPG formats.
     Ads for special events (or political ads), beyond the free listings, cost $400 a month. They run on all seven pages and can be changed monthly. Ads can link to any website or webpage – even a social media page, like Facebook. People interested in buying ads may opt for yearly ads that cost $750; or $1,000; or $1,500; or $2,000 a year. At the $400-a-month fee, which would be $4,800 a month.
 

Williston city clerk honored

Williston City Clerk Latricia Wright pauses for a photo opportunity when asked to do so after the May 12 investiture ceremonies in Williston City Hall.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © May 14, 2026 at 9 p.m.
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     WILLISTON – Williston City Council President Darfeness Hinds on Tuesday evening (May 12), had scheduled a presentation to be made as “Item 2” on the agenda of the City of Williston Investiture Ceremony Agenda; however, at that point of the event, she chose to cancel it.

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     While few know what the presentaiton was going to be, there was a different matter noted by the City Council president. Under “Item 5 – Announcements,” of the agenda for the night, President Hinds let people know of an honor noted for Williston City Clerk Latricia Wright.
     City Clerk Wright was highlighted in the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (FBC-LEO) website as a person to be recognized.
     “Latricia Wright, City Clerk for the City of Williston, is a dedicated public servant committed to connecting residents with their local government,” the article on the website noted. 
     “Through her work supporting City Council, maintaining official records, and ensuring public access to information, she helps strengthen transparency, trust, and civic engagement.
     “A valued member of both FBC‑LEO and the Florida Association of City Clerks, Ms. Wright is recognized for her professionalism, commitment to service, and the communities she proudly serves,” the article concluded.
     Williston City Council President Hinds is not only an FBC-LEO member, like Wright, but she is the treasurer for the organization.
     The FBC-LEO was established in 1985. It is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing municipal government in Florida.
     As a public policy, research and educational institute, FBC-LEO advocates for programs that benefit local communities. The FBC-LEO provide elected officials with a platform to collaborate, share best practices, and to develop innovative solutions.
     Through regular meetings and open dialogue, FBC-LEO fosters harmony and cooperation among members and stakeholders, ultimately promoting efficient and responsible local government administration across the state.
 

Ag Comm notes UF forestry study results
New UF/IFAS study shows Florida’s forest industry
supported 100,000+ jobs & $29 billion in 2023
Information Provided By FDACS Communications
Published May 14, 2026 at 6:30 a.m.
     TALLAHASSEE – Yesterday (Wednesday, May 13), Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted new findings from a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study demonstrating that Florida’s forest industry supported more than 103,000 jobs and generated nearly $29 billion in total economic output in 2023, reinforcing the industry’s vital role in the state’s economy and rural communities.     “Florida’s forest industry is a major economic driver for our state,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “It supports jobs, strengthens rural communities, and provides sustainable products we all rely on. These findings show why it’s so important that we continue to support and invest in Florida forestry.”
     Florida is home to approximately 16.76 million acres of forest land -- nearly half of the state’s land area -- which supports the manufacture of a wide range of products, including lumber, paper, packaging, and renewable biomass energy. Forestry remains especially important in North Florida, where many communities rely on this industry for jobs and economic stability.
      “Florida’s forestry community works every day to keep our forests productive and sustainable,” Executive Director of the Florida Forestry Association Jim Karels said. “This report shows the real impact that work has on jobs, communities, and our state’s economy.”
     A leader in the Florida Forest Service (FFS) weighed in on the report as well.
     “The Florida Forest Service works closely with landowners and industry partners to ensure our forests remain healthy, productive, and resilient,” FFS Director Rick Dolan said. “These findings reflect the strength of that partnership and the important role active forest management plays in supporting both our economy and natural resources.”
     In addition to supporting jobs and economic activity across the state, Florida’s forest industry contributes to international trade, with more than $1.79 billion in forest products exported globally in 2023.
“This study looks at the full scale and scope of economic activity related to the forest industry, including its support of economic activity in non-forest-related sectors,” Christa Court, director of the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program, said. “It gives a clearer picture of how the forest industry is related to the broader state economy, and which counties are more reliant on this industry in terms of their local economies.”
     Beyond the economic value of the forest industry, Florida’s forests provide important environmental benefits, including wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and outdoor recreation opportunities that support local economies and enhance the quality of life for Floridians.
     The full report, Economic Contributions of the Florida Forest Industry in 2023, provides updated insights into the industry’s performance since 2016 and highlights the continued importance of forestry to Florida’s economy and natural resources. The report, along with an interactive map of forestry contributions by county, can be found at go.ufl.edu/florida-forest-products.

City Tanks Maintained

Members of a crew from the company that contractually maintains Chiefland’s elevated and ground-based water tanks are seen high on the elevated tank that is next to Chiefland Police Department, 14 E. Park Ave. (aka Martin Luther King Jr. Road) on Saturday morning (May 9).


Proper internal and external maintenance of the city’s water tanks that happens as the result of former and current elected leaders following recommendations from past city managers and current Chiefland City Manager Laura Cain, the city has saved taxpayers’ money over the many years of it providing water service. Residents and visitors of Chiefland, including every person who drinks from a water fountain at the schools or elsewhere in Chiefland, have been able to do so thanks to the city workers, which have been and are under the operational leadership of Shane Keene. Keene performs hands-on work, too, as well as leading; although in a tense working scene on a hot day with a broken pipe at a main intersection, he may not be too pleased about having his picture taken by a journalist.


Keene supervises the Chiefland Public Works Department, which is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the city’s water, streets and infrastructure. Keene has worked for the City of Chiefland for a number of decades now. He served as the water and facilities manager for more than 20 years, with a career in city government that included roles as a water department trainee and plant operator starting in March of 1997, as well as serving some years as one of the many volunteers in the Chiefland Fire Department.
Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 12, 2026 at 8 a.m.
All Rights Reserved

Second Levy County career center
opens in Bronson
By Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
Published May 11, 2026 at 8:15 p.m.
     OCALA – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has opened a new career center in Bronson, expanding access to workforce development services for businesses and job seekers across Levy County.
     The center is located at 375 Garner St., Suite E in the Levy County Government Complex. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     All services are offered at no charge. CareerSource CLM also operates a career center at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The campus location follows a Monday–Thursday schedule from mid-May through early August.
     Dale French, CSCLM’s executive vice president, said the two-site strategy strengthens access to workforce solutions.
     “The timing couldn’t be better with the college shifting to summer hours, the new Bronson office ensures consistent, expanded access to workforce services,” French said. “It gives businesses and job seekers a dependable weekday option right in the heart of the county.” 
     CSCLM is a not-for-profit dedicated to helping businesses find, train and retain employees while assisting job seekers at all skill levels secure meaningful employment or advance their careers through personalized services and training opportunities.
     For more information about CareerSource CLM’s fee-free workforce development programs and services in Levy County, call 352-493-6813 or 800-434-5627, or visit careersourceclm.com.

Four Estate Planning Myths
That Could Cost Your Family
Published May 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
     NEWBERRY -- Consider this scenario: A teacher of 30 years and mother of three passes away at age 58. She leaves behind a modest home, a retirement account and cherished family heirlooms – but no estate plan. Her children, still grieving, find themselves navigating a confusing probate process, disagreeing about when to sell the house and considering who gets their grandmother’s ring.
     This mom wasn’t wealthy by most measures, but her lack of planning created confusion, conflict and uncertainty at a time when her family needed clarity. Her story reminds us of an important truth: estate planning is about easing conflict and making sure what you have goes where you want it to go. 
     As you think about your own legacy, consider these myths that can lead to costly mistakes and unintended outcomes.
     Myth 1: Estate planning is only for wealthy people. The desire to make things easier for loved ones has nothing to do with net worth. Formally documenting your wishes reduces the burden on family members and gives you control. Without a plan, your state’s laws will decide how your estate is handled, and you may not like what those laws say.
     Myth 2: Having a will is all you need. While a will is important, it only takes effect after death. That means it offers no protection if you become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself. It does, however, allow you to name legal guardians for dependent children.
     The foundation of most estate plans includes a will (which directs asset distribution), a financial power of attorney (for financial decisions),a health care power of attorney (for medical decisions), and a medical directive (to share your end of life wishes). While not everyone needs a trust, there are several that allow you to make special provisions, such as for minor children, a special needs family member or even a cherished pet. Consulting with a financial advisor and an estate planning attorney can help determine the right combination based on your situation.
     Myth 3: Equal distribution is always fair. It’s likely that the individuals in your estate plan, especially if they are adult children, have different family and financial situations. You may have one child who’s extremely successful financially while another is struggling. Or you may have assets, such as a house or ownership of a family business, that are more suitable for one beneficiary than another. It’s important to consider any unique circumstances as you develop your estate plan.
     Myth 4: I can set it and forget it. You’ll want to review your estate plan every few years or when a major life event occurs. Life is full of changes, such as marriages, divorces, new children and relocations, and they will likely impact your goals. Reviewing your plan helps keep everything aligned with your wishes and serves as a reminder to keep your beneficiaries on all your assets up to date. 
     Ultimately, estate planning is about helping ensure your voice is heard and your loved ones cared for, no matter what the future holds.
     Publisher’s Note: This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sheila K. Smith and Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ashlyn W. Burtle. Their office is located at 1845 S.W. 249th Drive, in CountryWay Town Square, Newberry. Phone 352-472-2776.
     Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Action delayed
for Gilchrist County Senior Center

The Gilchrist County Commission on Monday (May 4) listens to a person speaking from the lectern.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 5, 2026 at 9:30 p.m.
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     TRENTON – Many people who are, or who have been, involved with the Gilchrist County Senior Center know Norman “Norm” Conti.
     A request From Conti to the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners on Monday (May 4) could not be de-coded, and as a result possible action on the request is tabled until the May 18 meeting.
     A “Notice of Name Change,” noted that from April 21 moving forward the Suwannee River Economic Council (SREC) would be changing the “Senior Advisory Group” to be known as the “Gilchrist County Seniors.”
     In another part of the informal “letter,” Conti requested “the final half of the 2026 money ($775) for the Trenton Seniors.”
     He wanted Clerk of the Gilchrist County Court and Comptroller Todd Newton to make the check payable to “Gilchrist County Seniors, 7889 S.E. 30th Street, Newberry, FL 32699.”
     Gilchrist County Attorney David Miller “Duke” Lang Jr. said the “Notice of Name Change” from “SREC” is not providing information about the name change.
     The Suwannee River Economic Council’s Vision states, “Our customers embrace the challenge to rise above the perils of poverty, and discover within themselves the courage and strength to succeed.”
     The SREC’s mission statement shows, it “Is to embrace a community full of potential; and to educate and motivate present and future generations to discover and realize the dream of a comfortable and productive lifestyle.”


Gilchrist County Attorney Duke Lang helps the County Commission and County Clerk avoid a possible misstep as a foggy request for money and a name change is delayed for a couple of weeks.


Gilchrist County Clerk Todd Newton provides his perspective on the request from Norman Conti.

     Under the “Aging Programs” for Gilchrist County it lists the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative; Community Care For The Elderly; Elder Farmers’ Market Nutrition; Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program; Home Care For The Elderly; and one other program. Most of these programs are through the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging doing business as -- Elder Options, Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
     Attorney Lang said SREC is a limited liability company under the Florida Division of Corporations, as noted by the Florida Secretary of State.
     When the attorney mentioned that Clerk Newton or Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby might be able to shed light on the question, Commission Vice Chairman Bill Martin said he was under the impression this action was just to call the Gilchrist County Senior Center “the Norm Center type of thing” to recognize Conti for being the organizer of so many events for older Gilchrist County residents who have used the center over the years.
     Newton said the Gilchrist County Senior Center will remain in the SREC building. Conti is stepping away from working at the center, Newton continued, and there has always been a checking account for the center. The funds were deposited in that account.
     Conti closed that account, Newton said, and in the process, Conti had to provide money to SREC directly. 
     There have been issues, Newton continued, where Conti did not fund the lease on the building from the SREC in a timely manner. Then Conti got with a bank and set up an account for Gilchrist County Seniors, and this is a request related to that, Newton said.
     County Attorney Lang said, “Gilchrist County Seniors is not a legal entity.”
     Lang said he worked with a cemetery fund before, where it was in names that caused the group to have to go through probate actions, which cost money, and he would hope this is not what will be required here. As a result of the level of uncertainty about the request, the County Commission tabled it.

Other Action

Gilchrist County Emergency Management Director Ralph Smith hears the 5-0 vote of approval from the County Commission on May 4 for the local mitigation strategy. Now the municipal leaders of the City of Fanning Springs, Trenton and Bell will be asked to approve it as well.

     ● The County Commission changed the speed limit to 25 m.p.h. Northwest 100 Street, Northwest 101 Street, Northwest 102 Place, Northwest 103 Place, Northeast 48 Court, Southeast 77 Lane, Southeast 78 Place, Southeast 78 Street, and Southeast 79 Court.
     ● The County Commission adopted a proclamation by reading it by title only to note May of 2026 is National Foster Care Month.


Christopher A. Gmuer, the engineer of record for an 1,800 square-foot retail/office building, with a1,350 square-foot maintenance building, and four unenclosed canopies for storage of boats and recreational vehicles, with a total of 102 designated storage stalls project, sits in the audience Monday. He clearly explained the reason for placement of a retention pond as well as why the FDOT approved a driveway to the property owned by Paul Schmelz. This development will be southwest of the intersection of State Road 47 and Gilchrist County Road 138. The project is moving forward.

Safety stressed near powerlines

Jeffery Highsmith of ULCS puts a helium-filled party ballon next to a high-powered electric line to show how this can cause a problem.

Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 3, 2026 at 2 p.m.
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     FANNING SPRINGS -- Jeffery Highsmith of ULCS (Utility Line Construction Services - formerly Musgrove Construction LLC) provided information and a demonstration about danger from electric transmission lines.
     In one demonstration, he showed how a power line will destroy a balloon that flies into it.
     In the ULCS area, which was in the covered barn area of the pavilion this year, Highsmith advised everyone who connects a generator for backup services to their homes and businesses to contact CFEC to assure safety.
     He also reminds all people to consider every single downed electric power line to be dangerous and active. Not all downed electric power lines will show obvious signs that power is still surging through them. The area around the line can be energized and can severely injure or kill people. If a person improperly starts a generator and does not open the main breaker, he said, it will send power backwards through the meter and into the CFEC lines. This will then go to the transformer serving that location and amplify the voltage to become the system voltage.


In this video, people can see the danger of balloons going into an electric transmission line. The power arcs out from the line and jumps to the nearby object. People must take care when they are near powerlines – especially those wires that come off of poles as the result of crashes or weather events and are on the ground – because the ground can become energized and electrocute people or their livestock or pets. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     “The system we’ve got right here,” he said at the machinery on display, “is taking 240 volts and it is feeding into an underground transformer, through the secondary side. This is taking the 24o volts and after going through the transform is making it 7,400 volts.”
     A person who is hit with this level of voltage, he said, is cooked from the inside out. Power seeks to find ground, he said, and it will travel on the path of least resistance. Highsmith said people who dig with backhoes and even with shovels should call 8-1-1 before they dig to learn about underground utility services where they are digging.
     He also let listeners know about the situational awareness people in ULCS learn. There is a certain distance electricity will arc or jump from a high-powered transmission line. With the lower charge demonstration model in the area covered by a metal roof, Highsmith knew the portable demonstration trailer could be operated safely as he gave his safety presentations.
 

CCPD K9 team completes course

CCPD K9 Sgt. Michael Henry and his partner K9 Drake

Story and Photo Provided By Cross City Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka
Published May 1, 2026 at 9 p.m.
     CROSS CITY -- The Cross City Police Department (CCPD) congratulates CCPD K9 Sgt. Michael Henry and his partner K9 Drake on successfully completing the rigorous 480-hour Florida Department of Law Enforcement Patrol K9 Course and graduation today (Friday, May 1) at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
     This intensive training represents hundreds of hours of dedication, skill development, and teamwork between handler and canine.
     “We are incredibly proud of Sgt. Henry and Drake for their hard work and commitment to excellence,” Cross City Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka noted. “We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sheriff Chad Scott and the entire Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for allowing us to train alongside their team. Their trainers are among the best in the state, utilizing top-tier techniques and realistic scenarios that truly prepare our K9 team for real-world operations.”
     Having a patrol-certified K9 like Drake provides the CCPD with enhanced capabilities in several critical areas:
     • Locating hidden suspects and evidence;
     • Tracking fleeing subjects;
     • Building searches and area clearances;
     • Apprehension and suspect control; and
     • Officer safety and public safety support.
     A well-trained patrol K9 is an invaluable asset that significantly increases the CCPD’s effectiveness while helping keep both the officers and the Cross City community safer.
     “Having the opportunity for a small department like CCPD to send Sgt. Henry to this level of elite training is a tremendous privilege. It shows our commitment to providing the highest level of professional policing possible, even with limited resources. We’re grateful for the partnerships that make this kind of advanced training a reality for our team," CCPD Chief Jamey King said.

ULA sends Atlas V aloft
Launch is visible from Levy County

The rocket exhaust from a launch on Monday night (April 27) is seen in Levy County, 150 miles to the west of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Brevard County.

Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © April 28, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
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     JEMLANDS – While a planned launch of a Falcon 9 rocket on Monday (April 27) from Kennedy Space Center in Brevard County by SpaceX did not happen due to weather issues that day, a bigger rocket was launched that night by a different entity at another rocket launch facility and it went as planned.

     United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched an Atlas V rocket last night (April 27) at 8:53 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), as noted during live coverage on YouTube.com by Spaceflight Now.
     The mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Brevard County, carrying 29 satellites for Amazon’s Kuiper Internet constellation.
     Named Amazon LEO Six, the package of satellites went into space on the Atlas V 551 rocket. That rocket is an expendable launch vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing under the United Launch Alliance (ULA). 
     In this usage LEO is an acronym for Low Earth Orbit.
     That rocket is designed to launch payloads for the United States Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and for commercial customers such as Amazon via ULA. The Atlas V 551 is equipped with a Russian-made RD-180 engine for the first stage and an American-made Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine for the Centaur upper stage. During an Atlas V 551 launch, key components of the rocket drop off in a specific, timed sequence. These parts fall into the ocean and are not reused.
     The rocket has been operational since 2006 and is known for its high success rate and ability to carry large payloads. The Atlas V 551 is currently being used to launch the Amazon LEO satellites, which are part of a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband Internet access in the future from that Internet service provider.
     As of the April 27 launch, Spaceflightnow.com reported, it heralded the 108th launch of an Atlas V, with the vast majority of these originating from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which was named Cape Canaveral Air Force Station until 2020.
     An even stronger rocket is expected to take off from Brevard County in mid- to late 2026. The ULA Vulcan Centaur is a heavy-lift rocket designed to replace the Atlas V and Delta IV, offering high-performance, cost-effective, and precise orbital insertions for national security.
     Successfully debuting in January of 2024, the ULA Vulcan Centaur uses a methane-fueled Blue Origin BE-4 rocket engines and up to six solid rocket boosters to carry a payload weighing up to 27,200 kilograms (almost 60,000 pounds) to LEO. A ULA Vulcan rocket delivered a national security spacecraft directly to geosynchronous orbit for the United States Space Force (USSF) Systems Command on the USSF-87 mission. Liftoff was from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Feb. 12 in the very early morning before sunrise that day.
     Information from NASA, ULA and other sources shows the Vulcan rocket will carry The Dream Chaser. The Dream Chaser is a reusable, uncrewed spaceplane developed by Sierra Space to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). 
     Slated to launch from Florida on a Vulcan Centaur rocket, it features the “Tenacity” spacecraft and the “Shooting Star” cargo module, which together are scheduled to bring up to 12,000 pounds of supplies to the ISS, and return delicate cargo from the ISS to a runway landing in Brevard County.
     As noted, this cargo flight is slated to use the spacecraft named “Tenacity,” and it is set to use the detachable “Shooting Star” cargo module for both pressurized and unpressurized cargo.
     Unlike capsules that splash down in the ocean, Dream Chaser acts like a winged spaceplane, landing horizontally on a conventional runway at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
     Dream Chaser can return up to 3,500 pounds of sensitive, delicate cargo from space, making it ideal for bringing results microgravity research back to Earth, and it supports NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services-2 program.
     While initially planned for earlier, the debut demonstration flight (SSC Demo-1) has been scheduled for a date later than first planned.   


The three-minute view of an Atlas V rocket launch was filmed from 150 miles away in a pine tree farm in Levy County on Monday night (April 27). To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO. There is a sound of a passing airplane, then the wind, then some clicking from a relatively inexpensive tripod and some crickets are heard at the end as the camera is turned and does not pick up the easterly wind noise because to the rocket went to the north northeast from its launch pad.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     This launch provided a relatively good view from Jemlands, an unrecorded subdivision in Levy County – about 150 miles west of the launch pad. If the weather conditions are the same from Brevard County to Levy County as they were most recently, then filming of a Vulcan rocket launch may provide an even more dramatic video if the launch is at night.
     The bright red streak of a flame on Monday night was visible first through the pine trees to the east of one of the fields of pine trees immediately south of The Ink Pad. The rocket was able to be tracked for three minutes before its flames disappeared from view at this vantage point on Monday night (April 27) at about 9 p.m. EDT. As the pine trees south of The Ink Pad grow taller, there may be a new location used by HardisonInk. for filming rocket launches in the future.
      
 

Levy County Democratic
Executive Committee bans press
and media from fundraiser

Graphic from a screen capture on the LCDEC Webpage.

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 27, 2026 at 2:45 p.m.
     WILLISTON – The Levy County Democratic Executive Committee invited everyone -- except the press and the media -- to an event held Sunday (April 26) at the GFWC Williston Woman’s Club, 1049 N.W. Sixth Blvd., in Williston, according to a graphic published on the Levy County Democrats Webpage.     The title and theme of the event was “American Democracy In Action,” the Levy County Democratic Executive Committee (LCDEC) noted.
     The LCDEC noted this was a “We The People Lunch.” 
     “This is a private gathering and is not open to the press or media,” the graphic ad noted.
     The keynote speaker at the event was reportedly David Jolly, according to information on the graphic. The picture appears to show David Jolly, one of the 14 or so active contenders seeking to win the Democratic Primary for governor, according to records in the Florida Secretary of State Office.
     The featured speaker was allegedly Angie Nixon, a Florida House of Representatives member, according to information on the graphic and elsewhere. Nixon is a candidate who wants to win the Florida Democratic Primary Election for United States Senate, according to information on the graphic.
     Nixon faces the current leading Democratic fundraiser in the primary race -- Alex Vindman. Nixon, Vindman or whatever Democrat wins that primary will face Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the seat. She is seeking to be elected in the General Election.
     The promotion for the LCDEC event noted it would be “A program that will inspire and entertain.”
     According to the advertisement on the LCDEC page, the luncheon was catered by Sister’s Place. There was music by Shade Tree, according to the LCDEC. There was an alleged silent auction as part of the fundraiser. The LCDEC noted “Event tickets SOLD OUT!”
     “Thank you to all those who have supported us,” the LCDEC noted on its webpage. 
     Some of the LCDEC statements on its webpage, as of early Monday morning, showed it believes:
     ● The role of government is to guarantee justice under the law, provide equal opportunities to succeed, protect fundamental freedoms, allow people to live safe from violence, enjoy the freedom to vote in free and fair elections and to drink clean water and breathe clean air.
     ● In addition, the Levy County Democratic Executive Committee strongly believes in the right of women to make decisions about their own bodies.
     ● The riches of America belong to the people, who should share the benefits and have a say in their utilization.

13 Levy County code enforcement cases
heard and ruled on in two hours
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 26, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
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     BRONSON – Levy County demonstrates an efficient and effective method for enforcing county laws related to alleged building and zoning violations, while maintaining consideration for individual property rights, which reduces the proliferation of blight, slum and other unwelcome conditions.
     Florida, driven by rapid population growth, imposes strict codes (as noted in part in, Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, as well as in county building and zoning code, to protect public health, safety, welfare and property values. These regulations manage trash, rampant signage, noise, blight and slum conditions to protect public health, maintain neighborhood integrity, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure quality of life amid high-density living as well as in rural environments.
     Levy County Special Magistrate Norm D. Fugate heard facts and evidence on April 15 regarding 13 cases of alleged code enforcement violations in Levy County.
     During that two-hour period -- starting at 9:30 a.m., on that Wednesday morning, Levy County moved forward in its goal to have property owners bring their holdings closer to compliance with county codes.
     Nonetheless, six of the 13 cases failed to have complied with previous orders from the special magistrate, which included daily fines for non-compliance, according to Fugate’s findings of facts.
     Two of the 13 cases did reach compliance and were completed with payment of final court costs and fines ending the legal issues regarding rights, freedom and responsibility in a Florida county where the rule of law applies equally to all people.
     Five of the 13 cases from April 15 were at the first hearing stage. Fugate ruled the code enforcement officers proved with facts and evidence as applied to the law that violations existed in all five of those cases, and he gave a ruling on when they must be brought into compliance with the law -- or else property owners must pay fines that are calculated at a daily rate. Court fees are part of the costs, too.
Non-compliance
     After the special magistrate gives property owners time to cure code violations by complying with the laws they broke, there comes a point where the case is heard again if they fail to abide by the rulings of the special magistrate.
     Sometimes, this ongoing violation of law reaches the point where there are such high fines that the Levy County government eventually owns the property. Then, the Levy County Commission disposes of land and other property, via auction or the Levy County Commission keeps it for governmental use.
    The six of the 13 cases heard April 15, and ruled on within the ongoing non-compliance category, are noted below:
     ● Darla Zambelli owns a wastewater management business. Levy County Code Enforcement Manager Dave Banton, who is also a certified code enforcement officer, investigated allegations against Zambelli for violations related to the business on a 40-acre parcel in Section 17, Township 12, and Range 12 of Levy County. Fugate previously ruled Zambelli was violating the law, after Banton had proved Zambelli was operating a commercial sanitary business in a zoning district that doesn't allow it.
     During this hearing in April, facts provided by the code enforcement officer showed this case has been going on for more than a year and a half now. Zambelli said she still plans to relocate the business, according to records.
     The Feb. 2 order, where a $50 daily base fine started to appear on the property, as of April 15, equals approximately $3,600, according to records. Banton recommended Levy County file in court for a lien on the property. Then, if necessary, Banton said he would work with the county to file an injunction on the operation on the property.
     On this case, Special Magistrate Fugate found a violation continues. There’s nothing as of April 15 that changed after the Feb. 2 order, he said. He ruled the current daily fine will continue. He ruled to return this case in 60 days for another compliance hearing to show a statistical update, according to records. Costs from continued administration of this case are added for each hearing, according to records.
     ● During the April 15 compliance hearing, in regard to the David Thompson Estate in care of Eugene Thompson, Code Enforcement Officer Banton said pictures from April 14 of the property showed they did get the frame of the mobile home cut up and removed. The dump trailer is still on the property. There are still garbage bags at the location, according to records.
     In this case, related to property at Section 32, Township 11, and Range 15 of Levy County, Special Magistrate Fugate found that the remnants of the demolished mobile home had been mostly removed. The defendant testified that it is going to be finalized on that day -- April 15. Fugate further found that the multiple semi-trailers still exist on the property, but that the testimony is that they are properly registered. As soon as the defendant provides proof of that, then this violation will be cured. Fugate gave the defendant another 30 days for all of that to happen. 
     Fugate ordered the defendant to return for another possible compliance hearing if he continues to fail to comply with the law. That future hearing is to be one month from April 15.
     ● During the compliance April 15 set of hearings, Fugate ruled there was non-compliance by Trice Joy Roberts in regard to Williston Highlands Unit 7, Block 26, Lot 4. His last order was entered on March 25, in which he gave the defendant 14 days to come into compliance with the code, or this fine would begin to accrue on April 7 at $50 a day. Officer Banton said he had no communication with the defendant.
     Fugate ruled that this violation has not been cured by her, and that it had not been cured as of April 7. He quantified the $50 fine, effective starting from April 7, and that daily fine will continue.
     ● In the case against Jeanette A. Hodges of Williston Highlands Golf and Country Club Estates, Block 32, Lot 3, Fugate found that the respondent had a recreational vehicle that was being lived in on her vacant property, according to records.
     He ordered that code violation to be cured in 15 days. He ordered a $50 a daily fine beginning on Dec. 6, 2025 until the violation was cured. Looking at a photograph from April 14, it appears that the RV is still located on the property, he said.
     Fugate found on April 15 that the violation has not been cure and he quantified the $50 fine will continue.
     ● In the compliance hearing for the case against Adam Lipscomb and Mary Lipscomb of 7696 S.W. 123rd Terrace in Cedar Key, He ruled the non-compliance is continuing.
     He entered an order on this case on Nov. 21, 2025. That order stated that the evidence proves that the owner cures the violation within 30 days and a $50 a day fine starting on Dec. 21 will continue until the violation is cured. On April 15, he found that the violation, which was subject of the order back in November, had not been cured as of April 14. The ongoing fine set forth in that order of $50 a day will be totaled, quantified and will continue.
     ● In regard to a non-compliance matter for property owned by Linda Potter at Rainbow Lakes Estate, Block 44, Lot 15, Levy County, Special Magistrate Fugate found the violation had not been cured by Dec. 21, 2025 as ordered, and as of April 15 it had not been cured, resulting in a $100 a day fine daily from Dec. 21, 2025, though April 15. That property has an appraised taxable value of $15,730, according to records. At the rate of $100 a day times 115 days between Dec. 21, 2025 and April 15, 2026, equals $11,500 in fines. This case was brought by Levy County Code Enforcement Officer Bradley Frazer. Fugate also recommended to the Levy County Board of County Commissioners that the county perform the clean-up work and apply a lien on the property for that work. There is currently a relatively strong probability that Levy County will own that property in the not-too-distant future. Potter’s mailing address, according to records, is 103 Viking Drive, Vinton, Indiana.
Other Cases
     Among the other cases ruled on that day were one that involved a recreational vehicle being used as a residence in the neighborhood of Williston Highlands Golf Course Country Club; roosters in a residential neighborhood in Bronson that are causing a nuisance; and three separate violations on one piece of property in the Whitted Estates Subdivision of Chiefland -- unserviceable vehicles, as well as a couple of RVs and accumulated junk being kept there. 

Palms Medical Group coordinates
donation to fire rescue agencies

Levy County Emergency Management Assistant Director Caleb Hardee and Levy County Emergency Management Director Leatha Keene (at left) accept the donation for Levy County.
Story and Photo Provided
Published April 24, 2026 at 9 p.m.
     HIGH SPRINGS – Palms Medical Group partnered with the Dollar General Distribution Center in Alachua on Friday (April 24) to donate various supplies to fire rescue agencies in North Central Florida.
     This large-scale, multi-agency donation included breakfast bars, beef jerky, water bottles, lip balm, and sunscreen – all items reported by the Florida Fire Service as needed by fire rescue staff.
     “Dollar General’s Alachua distribution center is proud to live our mission of Serving Others and support the Florida Forestry Service and local fire departments as they work tirelessly to protect our communities,” Peter Torres, Dollar General’s senior director of the Alachua distribution center, said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Palms Medical Group to help meet the immediate needs of first responders through a $5,000 in-kind donation of essential items. We thank every firefighter across Clay, Alachua, Columbia, and Levy counties for their dedication and service during these challenging conditions.”
     Donated items will be distributed to Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Levy County fire rescue agencies.
     “Our communities in North Central Florida have seen increased wildfire activity, and the men and women who are on the front lines fighting these fires are truly protecting our neighborhoods,” said Kyler Burk, Director of Marketing for Palms Medical Group. “It is an honor to connect with other organizations like Dollar General’s Alachua distribution center, aligning our missions to help those who are keeping our community safe.”

Williston Golf Course
property sells for $1 million-plus
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 23, 2026 at 10 a.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – While the former Regional Hospital of Williston property did not see any bidders on it recently, when it went up for auction at a minimum bid of $1 million-plus, the Williston Golf Course property was sold on Monday (April 20) for $1,016,700, according to records.
     That golf course’s sales history shows, in part, that Williston By Grace Properties LLC sold it to “789 NE SR 121 Williston Property LLC,” according to records in the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office, for $1,016,700.
     The principal address for Williston By Grace Properties LLC is 789 N.E. State Road 121, according to records in the Florida Department of State.
     Williston By Grace Properties LLC had owned it since Feb. 9, 2024, after it was purchased from Megawatts Holdings LLC, according to records. Before Megawatts, it was owned by Jones Golf Management Inc.
     Williston Highlands Golf & Country Club Association owned the property as of Sept. 21, 2010, according to records.
     The concrete block clubhouse has a total area of 8,977 square-feet and was actually built in 1962, with an “effective year build” of 1967, according to records. That includes the base of 6,176 square feet; six canopies measuring 575, 504, 398, 29, 33 and 616 square feet; canopy and an unfinished screen porch, measuring 104 square feet, according to records.
     The property has a pool, sheds, storage units and 166 units of vacant land.
     There have been more than 500 million rounds of golf played at United States courses in each of the past six years, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF).
     The year 2025 marked the fourth time in the past five years that there have been a record number of rounds, the NGF reported. From 2020-2025, rounds are trending 21 percent higher than the five-year, pre-pandemic average from 2015-2019. These increased levels of play come despite having about 2,000 fewer golf courses than there were during the industry’s previous peak period (The “Tiger boom”) of the early 2000s, according to the NGF.
     The most active golf course currently in Levy County is in the Chiefland area.
     Chiefland Golf and Country Club, located at 9650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland, is a beautiful and scenic course located just a few minutes from the city, according to information on the club’s website.
     The club’s members have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating and improving the course, from fairway to green, to challenge any golfer’s ability. The course has a driving range, a pro shop, and a lounge. Golfers may walk this course on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as well as any other day after 2 p.m. This course is truly one of the best in the Tri-County Area of Levy County, Gilchrist County and Dixie County, the club notes.
     Tee times are not required, but golfers are advised to call to check for possible closures as well as league play, the club notes.