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Manure issues open and close
County Commission meeting

Rose Fant speaks to the County Commission about composting, manure and agricultural operations.

Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © June 7, 2023 at 9 a.m.
     BRONSON – Manure issues opened and closed the County Commission meeting yesterday morning (Tuesday, June 6).

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     Morriston area resident Rose Fant was the first speaker during the “Public Comments” section of the June 6 twice-monthly regular meeting of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners.
     Morriston is a census-designated area of Levy County generally southeast of the City of Williston.
     Levy County Commission Chairman Matt Brooks was the last commissioner to speak during the “Commissioners’ Reports” part of that same agenda on that Tuesday morning and his key message regarded scheduling of procedures and hearings for the county to have a viable ordinance related to composting.
     The meeting opened and closed, actually, between the “Call To Order” and the “Adjourn” agenda items respectively.
     Meanwhile, between those two alpha and omega points of the June 6 meeting, not only did composting find a place for discussion, but there were several significant actions of the day completed by the full Levy County Board of County Commissioners, which is comprised of Chairman Brooks, Vice Chair Desiree Mills and county commissioners Tim Hodges, John Meeks and Rock Meeks.
     Fant has previously spoken with the County Commission about her feelings related to composting and horse manure issues in Levy County.
     She said inaction by the County Commission toward the creation of an ordinance to better regulate composting and manure disposal in Levy County is in effect an action.
     Fant believes time is of the essence in resolving the concerns of the people of Levy County regarding the conundrum of composting and the importation of horse manure from Marion County’s equestrian interests.
     She said Fant Farm Organics, 21491 S.E. 35th St., Morriston, is now shown properly for the land use classification where it exists, thanks to work by the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office. 
     “It is no longer listed as agricultural lands,” Fant said. “it was never a farming practice to begin with.”
     At the County Commission meeting two weeks ago Property Appraiser Jason Whistler and his staff members were thanked by Levy County Planning and Zoning (and development) Director Stacy Hectus for improving the maps of Levy County that are visible on the Internet now, to show zoning information.
     Fant specifically alleged that the composting practices at Fant Farm Organics are not in compliance with certain industry standards. While she wants to see the County Commission to act, she does not want those five elected leaders to rush, because rushing increases the odds for errors.
     Still, Fant expressed her opinion that completing the process for the revision of ordinances or creation of new county regulations about this matter cannot wait until September.


Levy County Commission Chairman matt Brooks speaks about the time required for revising local laws, as well as how the County Commission has prioritized the matters relevant to composting and manure.

     About 90 minutes after Fant gave her input on the matter, Chairman Brooks wrapped up the “Commissioners’ Reports” with “Composting Update,” which was listed near the bottom of the two-page agenda for the day.
     Brooks opened his update by assuring Fant that the County Commission and staff members are moving forward on the composting regulations in an expeditious manner, as they want to “be quick, but not hurry.”
     The Levy County government is performing its due diligence and getting everything dialed in, Brooks said, as it moves forward on helping resolve any issues relevant to composting.
     Staff members were tasked by the County Commission last year, he said, with bringing information to the elected leaders to work toward better local regulations of certain practices in the county. 
     County staff members met with people in the industry, conducted workshops and meetings with state agencies. Staff members from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have met recently with Levy County staff, and there is a meeting in the near future with staff members from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Brooks said.
     Looking at a realistic timeline, Brooks said as he responded to Fant’s assertion that September may not be soon enough, that September may be as soon as this ordinance adoption possibly can be completed.
     The Levy County Planning Commission does not meet in June, he said. Staff members have been asked to present something to the County Commission during its first meeting in July to consider.
     The County Commission normally meets the first Tuesday after the first Monday of the month. In July, that is going to be on The Fourth of July.
     At a point after that, there will be a draft ordinance for the Levy County Planning Commission to consider presented to it by the Levy County Commission.
     At a point in July or August, the final draft of an ordinance may be approved for the people to speak about during two public hearings, where the ordinance may be adopted.
     Brooks said he wanted to provide the update on timing because just as Commissioner Mills mentioned, he too is getting a lot of calls about this matter, and he is certain every commissioner is receiving input from constituents.
     Brooks acknowledged this has been an issue in Levy County since at least 2012, and probably even before that.
     The commission chairman said he wants the people of Levy County to know this has moved to the forefront for action.
     By the County Commission taking and separating it from the county’s more global work on all land uses in Levy County, it reflects how these five elected leaders have heard and are acting for the people they represent, Brooks intimated.
     “And I think at the end of the day,” he said, “we are going to make the best decisions that are going to affect the most people in this county. And that is what we are hired to do.”

Gilchrist Rotary welcomes
three new members

(from left) Membership Chair Dana Nicholson, Rotary Club President-Elect Donna Lee Brunson, and new Rotarians Kody Latham and Lisa McNeil.


(from left) Rotary Club President John Rutledge, County Administrator Bobby Crosby, new Rotarian Tonya Saucier and Rotarian John Greist.

Story and Photos Submitted 
By Holly Creel, Rotarian
Published June 5, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.
   TRENTON -- The Rotary Club of Gilchrist County inducted three new members in the past month.     This may be a record for the club, which has inducted four new members since January.
     Newly appointed Membership Chair Dana Nicholson pointed out that club membership is important for building a sense of community and for networking opportunities. As membership grows, it can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, which can lead to increased engagement and involvement in club activities.
     She emphasized it is important to focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members to ensure continued growth and success of the club. Membership Chair Nicholson sees Rotary as a forum to interact with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to service and making a positive impact on their community and on the world.
     Through Rotary, members can engage in meaningful projects, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. When asked about membership growth, Membership Chair Dana Nicholson suggested that she would like to see this club expand to reach new generations and communities, ensuring the organization remains relevant and impactful for years to come.
     With a vision like hers, it's easy to see how the Gilchrist County Rotary Club inducted three new members this past month.
     Here is some information about the new members.
     Tonya Saucier has worked for Lafayette State Bank for almost five years and has been the branch manager in Bell for a little over a year. Rotarian Saucier was raised in Dade City, but has been living in Branford since she was 18 years old. Saucier and her husband have an 18-month-old daughter whom they love. She is their main priority when they are not working.
     Saucier joined Rotary to become more involved in local events. She noted that Lafayette State Bank has the ability and resources to do a lot of good for the community and that Rotary is a great place to start.
     Lisa McNeil currently works with the Hanley Foundation as a prevention specialist. McNeil provides educational programming to students in middle and high school. She was formerly a middle school research teacher in Central Florida and recently graduated with a Master of Science degree in Public Health from Florida International University.
     McNeil moved to Bell in Gilchrist County to find a more tranquil way of life. She enjoys being out in nature and sitting beside any body of water (oceans, rivers, springs), taking her dogs for hikes and kayaking and paddleboarding. And, McNeil is the mother of two amazing young adults.
     Kody Latham also works with the Hanley Foundation. Latham serves as a prevention coordinator and has been with the organization for nearly two years. His job focuses on educating young people on risks and dangers of alcohol, vaping and other drug use.
     Prior to his role at Hanley, Latham he was a physical education teacher and coach in Levy County. That is where he developed his love for working with young people with an emphasis on living a healthy life. Latham was born and raised in Gilchrist County. He and his wife, Tyler, have two boys who keep them very busy.
     Latham summarized what all three of these new members believe - they wanted to get more involved in the community and join an organization that values service for others. Rotary fits that objective perfectly.
     The Rotary Club of Gilchrist County meets every Monday (excluding federal holidays) at the Women's Club in Trenton, from noon until 1 p.m. 
     To read the story and see more pictures from the May 22 meeting when two of the three new members were inducted, and when the sheriff of Gilchrist County spoke as the guest of the club, click HERE.

Book Box At Pantry

(above) Sue Colson, Cedar Key Food Pantry director, and Robert Belair, Book Box maker, discuss placement of the newly constructed Book Box. Cedar Key Woman’s Club is sponsoring a newly constructed Book Box at the Cedar Key Food Pantry. Robert Belair, husband of CKWC Member Betty Belair, built this box using mostly found materials to specifications suggested by the CKWC members. Food Pantry Director Colson gratefully accepted the box and books for its patrons, both adults and children, to use. The box will be stocked regularly by CKWC members with gently read books that are purchased or donated. The Cedar Key Woman’s Club hopes it will provide happy hours of reading throughout the summer and beyond.
Published June 1, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Photo and Information Provided By CKWC Member Donna Bushnell

CKVets provide memorable
Memorial Day service

(from left) John Caddigan introduces some of the people participating in the Memorial Day event, including Hannah Cromwell, Kenny Martin, Jennifer Alfonso, Tabitha Lauer, Ralph Alfonso III, Jonathon Brooks and Chaplain Phil Prescott.

Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 30, 2023 at 3:45 p.m.
     CEDAR KEY – With help from partners, the CKVets provided a memorable Memorial Day service on May 29 in the Cedar Key Cemetery.     From beginning to end at this ceremony on Memorial Day 2023, the seven CKVets members -- Jennifer Alfonso, United States Army; Ralph Alfonso III, United States Army; Jonathon Brooks, United States Army; John Caddigan, United States Navy and United States Coast Guard; Tabitha Lauer, United States Army; Kenny Martin, United States Navy and Stephanie May, United States Marine Corps went beyond the call of duty to help everyone pay the proper respect and give honor to the men and women who gave their lives during their military service to the United States of America.
     CKVet Caddigan welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending the Memorial Day event. He reminded everyone that the purpose was to remember and honor the people who are no longer walking on the Earth, who served in the military to defend American ideals.


Cedar Key Vice Mayor Sue Colson, Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins and Cedar Key Volunteer Fire Department Chaplain Phil Prescott provide a photo opportunity just before the start of the service on Monday.


CKVets member Jennifer Alfonso speaks to the audience during the program. She was among the local veterans who helped guide people through the service on Memorial Day.


Hannah Cromwell sings The Star-Spangled Banner.


Cedar Key Chaplain Phil Prescott prepares to give the benediction.


CKVets member Kenny Martin reads the poem Flanders Fields.


CKVets member Tabitha Lauer speaks about the Stars for Veterans Project. 


Bob Hudson, a Vietnam veteran from the 101st Airborne Division, speaks about men who served with him and died in Vietnam. 


Vietnam veteran Bill Boe talks about a man who died during the war who he misses. 


Mayor Sue Colson reminds people about veterans who are killing themselves as they suffer from some wounds which may not be seen after they return from combat.


United States Air Force Capt. Tom McKee (retired) speaks about his relatives who have passed away, including his older brother who was in Vietnam at the same time he was there, and who died two years ago.


Joe Mackenzie, a United States Army Corps of Engineers military contractor, plays Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. He also played Taps on the bugle, and he actually played it rather than using an automated bugle as some people use nowadays.


Some of the many people attending the event to herald Memorial Day in Cedar Key are seen as they listen to the service conducted near the entrance to the cemetery.


CKVets member Jonathon Brooks says The Soldier’s Prayer.


CKVets member Ralph Alfonso III speaks to the people at the Memorial Day service in Cedar Key.


CKVets member John Caddigan introduces Greg Pelletier.


Greg Pelletier, president of The Bridge 4 Vets in Inverness tells about how his group helps homeless veterans. The CKVets raised funds for The Bridge 4 Vets.

     As Caddigan began the program he thanked many of the people who helped bring the event to fruition this year. He said the CKVets were joined in their effort by Cedar Key Fire Chief Robert Robinson, Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins, Cedar Key Public Works Director Jamie McCain and his team, the Florida Aquaculture Association team, and others.
     Jennifer Alfonso then welcomed everyone to the Cedar Key Memorial Day Ceremony as she introduced Hannah Cromwell, who sang the Star-Spangled Banner acapella and captured the hearts of everyone listening.
     Chaplain Phil Prescott, the father of a United States Air Force officer, serves as the chaplain for the Cedar Key Volunteer Fire Department as well as serving as the chaplain for the whole island when he is called to do so, provided the benediction for everyone at the service on Monday.
     The people were asked to take two minutes of silence to honor the sacrifices given by American military veterans, and to reflect on the men and women who gave their lives for the freedom that everyone in America enjoys today.
     United States Navy Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) Kenny Martin read the poem Flanders Fields, written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae -- a Canadian poet, physician, author, artist and soldier during World War I, and a surgeon during the Second Battle of Ypres, in Belgium.
     Flanders Field, located in Waregem, West Flanders, Belgium, is the only American Battle Monuments Commission World War I cemetery in Belgium.
     The narrator states that in Flanders, the poppies are blowing in rows between the rows of crosses marking the graves of fallen soldiers. 
     The poem describes the tragedy of the soldiers' deaths, as well as the ongoing natural beauty that surrounds their graves. It also addresses the question of the next generation's responsibility to carry on the soldiers' battle.
     After Navy veteran Martin read the poem Flanders Fields, Joe Mackenzie, a United States Army Corps of Engineers military contractor, played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
     Then, people were given cloth stars that came from America flags flown at homes in the United States. Those stars came from flags that became too tattered and torn for use.
     Tabitha Lauer spoke about the Stars for Veterans Project. 
     Stars that once fluttered from flagpoles now went into the pockets of military men and women.
     “Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten,” she said as Caddigan and others distributed the stars.
     Lauer asked everyone who has a family member or a friend who is a veteran who they want to remember to carry the star in their pocket. She said CKVets uses cloth stars that are woven so that people can reach in their pocket and feel the texture of the cloth star and remember their friend or loved one.
     This will remind the person of what that person sacrificed for everyone in the United States of America.
     Lauer invited anyone to come to the podium and to speak to the people about a family member or a friend as part of the Memorial Day service.
     Bob Hudson was the first to accept the invitation to speak.
     He asked everyone to honor the men with whom he served in Vietnam, and who were killed in action and did not come home.
     The men with whom Hudson served and who died while serving in Vietnam, and whom he listed for listeners at the service, included Sgt. Maj. Thomas E. Thayer Jr. (Sept. 3, 1929-Nov. 8, 1965); First Lt. James A. “Jim” Gardner (Feb. 7, 1943-Feb. 7, 1966), who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor; Capt. Robert E. Rawls (Aug. 4, 1935-Sept. 18, 1965); Maj. Herbert Dexter (March 1, 1932-Sept. 18, 1965) (Maj. Dexter was a member of the Screaming Eagles 101st Airborne and received the Distinguished Service Medal posthumously.); Sgt. First Class Eugene Robinson (April 21, 1933-July 30, 1969) (Sgt. Robinson received the Distinguished Service Medal posthumously); Capt. Joseph “Joe” Mack (Jan. 12, 1935-Sept. 17, 1966); First Lt. George B. Pearson III (May 11, 1941-Sept. 17, 1966); Maj. Raymond Celeste (Sept. 26, 1931-Nov. 22, 1965); Capt. Joseph M. “Joe” Berkson (April 11, 1947-May 2, 1972); Brigadier General Richard Tallman (March 28, 1925 – July 9, 1972) (He was the eighth American general to die in the Vietnam War); USMC Maj. Peter “Pete” Bentson (Dec. 22, 1940-July 9, 1972); Maj. John Alexander “Alex” Hottell III (Dec. 24, 1942-July 7, 1970); Spec. 5 Bruce Johnson (Nov. 30, 1944-June 21, 1966); PFC Martin P. Eastham (April 26, 1943-June 20, 1966) and others.
     Bill Boe, a Vietnam veteran, then spoke about William Wayne Boetje (July 23, 1948-June 10, 1968).
     Boetje was from Rock Island, Illinois. At 18 years old, Boetje was the youngest member of the platoon Boe was in during his tour of duty in Vietnam, he noted. This young man would make everyone laugh with his jokes, Boe said.
     The laughter stopped June 10, 1968, a month before Boetje’s 20th birthday, Boe said. Boetje’s family makes Boetje’s mustard at their home as a craft mustard, Boe said, and he met the family after the death of their loved one.
     Boetje’s family used to send jars of their mustard to the platoon during their tour of duty throughout Vietnam, Boe said.
     “We’d trade them,” Boe continued. “We’d put them on C-rations to make it more palatable so we could actually eat them.”
     Boe said Boetje would become a famous comedian.
     After Boetje died, Boe said the family continued to send the platoon its homemade mustard. 
     “When I left Vietnam,” Boe said, “the mustard was still arriving. And I left a jar on Mr. Buesing’s grave today.”
     United States Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing of Cedar Key died March 23, 2003, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is among the veterans buried in the Cedar Key Cemetery.
     Cedar Key Vice Mayor Sue Colson spoke next.
     She said this day is to honor the people who died for the freedom of all people in the United States.
     Every day, 20 veterans commit suicide, Colson said.
     Fourteen of those 20, she said, had not received services they needed before they took their own lives.
     So, this day, the CKVets and colleagues are collecting money from the sale of artificial poppies, Colson said. Besides honoring and talking about the veterans who died in battle, everyone should be doing something to help the veterans who need assistance today and tomorrow – because of the suffering they endure from wounds that are service-related.
     United States Air Force Capt. Tom McKee (retired) spoke next.
     He had seven uncles who served during World War II in the United States Navy. Capt. McKee’s father, he said, was in the Navy in WWII, also, and his brother served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. His sister brother served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, too, he said, adding that he did not know how he ended up in the Air Force.
     McKee said he and his older brother were in Vietnam at the same time.
     Capt. McKee distributed the poppies to help raise funds. The poppies were sent by VFW Post 3034 of Sumter, South Carolina.
     Members of the CKVets read the names of all the veterans buried in the Cedar Key Cemetery.
     Joe Mackenzie played Taps on the bugle.
     Before leaving, the people heard about The Bridge 4 Veterans of Inverness. Greg Pelletier, retired from the United States Air Force, spoke about the group.
     This homeless shelter for veterans in Inverness, Pelletier said. He is the president of the non-profit corporation.
     The homeless veterans are taken from the streets, put into the shelter, and then find them housing and feed and clothe those veterans in need, Pelletier said.
     They help the veterans as quickly and as much as possible through working with case managers, Saint Vincent de Paul, the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition as well as through the Human Hug Project of the United States Veterans Affairs, Pelletier said.
     Attendees also heard that Cedar Key Fraternal Order of Eagles 4194, as well as Steamer’s Clam Bar and Grill and other places in Cedar Key were offering a free drink for active and veteran Americans who served in the military, given that they had military ID.
 

First Published Feb. 1, 2011 at 8 a.m.
     On Feb. 1, 2011, HardisonInk.com came into existence on the Internet. On All Saints Day - Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section on The Life Page of HardisonInk.com started, which was about nine months after the start of the daily news website. The name "The Christian Press" was derived from an encounter a decade earlier in 2001 in St. Petersburg, when and where a man mentioned to a journalist that this particular journalist must work for "The Christian Press." Although the presumption by the man about that journalist was incorrect and misplaced, the name sounded good. And the journalist said that if he could work for The Christian Press, then that certainly would be the publication to serve.
     Since Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section of this page has run daily devotionals from several individuals who contributed over the past years. There were two days in 2018 when the daily devotional did not run due to a journalist requiring emergency orthopedic surgery on broken bones in his left arm and wrist. That surgically added metal, though, makes that part of that arm even more able to withstand forces. Many daily devotionals are pulled from Strength for Service to God and Country (Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers). The journalist who is the sole proprietor and owner of HardisonInk.com (Jeff M. Hardison) notes his appreciation for the use of those devotionals from that now-defunct publishing company, and for the many other contributors who have helped people over the past decade-plus now. Strength for Service to God and Country's daily devotionals include many from a time when the United States of America was a partner in a World War, both WWI and WWII. This journalist welcomes contributions of daily devotionals. Daily devotional authors are asked to please send only their original works to hardisonink@gmail.com. Americans are reminded that all religions, having no religion and or being a person who endorses anti-religion are all protected as part of the freedoms from government intervention, as are other benefits from being an American.
 

Friday, June 9, 2023 at 8 a.m.

SLAVERY OF THE SOUL

Read Matthew 5:1-12

     And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
     But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
     -- Luke 12:4-5 (KJV)

     Increasingly, in the world in which we live, the amount of physical security available to us is lessened. Human life today is cheap. For those who are basely selfish this is a tragedy – for those who live the life of love and service, it is relatively unimportant. Even prison and persecution will not daunt the Christian, because Christians live for One who is supreme over all earthly rulers and powers.
     More important than personal happiness and safety, more important than freedom from the slavery to an enemy, is the soul freedom which no one can take from us. Of what value is political, religious and economic freedom if we must subscribe to slavery to win, which holds us in the bondage of evil habits and ideals?
     Our nation and the world must learn that material things are valueless, even dangerous, if we have not achieved a spiritual and moral freedom that transcends in value all earthly powers and riches. Yes, better to be a Christian, a slave to a conqueror, than to be politically free, yet bound by the bonds of sin and selfishness to a way of living which is morally and spiritually degrading.
     The Christian life issues in a victory that no amount of force or power can shatter. Cherish, then, those values which are more important than earthly life itself.
     ALMIGHTY GOD, Thou who didst create and dost sustain us now, we earnestly pray that we may never become slaves to sin. We seek to serve Thee and Thee only as long as we shall live. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dr. Cecil E. Hinshaw (April 12, 1911 - Feb. 3, 1982)
Friends University
Wichita, Kansas
Strength for Service to God and Country
(Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers)
 

Outdoor Truths Ministry
By Gary Miller © June 5, 2023 at 7 a.m.