The Weekend Guide
All that’s hip & happening in the Apalachicola River Valley.
WALK IT OUT
The annual Walk to Liberty is set for Saturday, July 1, beginning at 8 a.m. CT across Trammell Bridge. Gather at Minnie Lee’s on the Blountstown side at 7:40 a.m. or meet in Bristol at Veterans Memorial Civic Center to ride to the west side for the trek across. If walking is not your thing, you can catch a ride across to Bristol, parade style. A patriotic program will follow at the Veterans Memorial Civic Center. The event is sponsored by the local VFW and American Legion chapters.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Get in the gift-giving spirit (or just hoard stuff for yourself) at the Christmas in July Craft Fair Saturday, July 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement.
FRESH PRODUCE, ANYONE?
The River Valley Marketplace, typically held just once a month, is now open every Saturday in downtown Blountstown. Check it out in the greenspace next to Centennial Bank. Open 8 a.m. to noon, this event is sponsored by Blountstown Main Street. Booth spaces are free and open to anyone with arts, crafts, produce or business products. No flea market items allowed. And if you can sing a tune or strum a guitar, come pick and grin! Entertainers are needed and invited to join the festivities. Call Kelli at 674-1004 for more.
LIGHT UP THE SKY
A fireworks show is set for Monday, July 4, in Blountstown. The show gets underway around 8:45 p.m., but the fun starts sooner than that.
The Blountstown Historic Preservation Committee will be selling hot dogs and drinks beginning at 6 p.m. in front of the old M & B Train on Hwy. 71 to raise funds for the Depot Museum. This is a great spot to watch the fireworks and grab a snack.
The BHS Tiger Booster Club will be selling barbecue sandwiches at Magnolia Square beginning at 6 p.m. Football players will also be on golf carts selling sandwiches up and down SR 20 and Main Street.
Entries from June 2011
Sheriff's Log for 06-30-11
CALHOUN COUNTY
June 20: Cavon T. Cox, DWLSR with knowledge; Tim Hatten, VOP
June 21: Vicki Lynn King, VOP; Cavon T. Cox, VOP; Cherie C. Mosley, VOP; Kristi L. Grumbling, battery (domestic), criminal mischief
June 22: Calvin Lee Pouncy, VOP; Billy Ivory, petit theft; Chip Ward, failure to appear
June 23: Karen D. Styron, failure to appear; Timothy A. Copeland, Jr., felony battery, petit theft, false imprisonment
June 24: Joseph Baker, theft under $300
[Full Story »]
June 20: Cavon T. Cox, DWLSR with knowledge; Tim Hatten, VOP
June 21: Vicki Lynn King, VOP; Cavon T. Cox, VOP; Cherie C. Mosley, VOP; Kristi L. Grumbling, battery (domestic), criminal mischief
June 22: Calvin Lee Pouncy, VOP; Billy Ivory, petit theft; Chip Ward, failure to appear
June 23: Karen D. Styron, failure to appear; Timothy A. Copeland, Jr., felony battery, petit theft, false imprisonment
June 24: Joseph Baker, theft under $300
[Full Story »]
Patriotic Masterpiece Underway at Courthouse
Blountstown artist Jeff Vickery is creating another fabulous mural.
[Full Story »]

FROM THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
A popular public recreation area along the Chipola River near Altha will soon be managed in accordance with new rules that protect Chipola River water resources.
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]

Blountstown Ozone 12U headed to state July 15
The 2011 Blountstown Ozone (12U) baseball team has earned their birth to the state tournament in Avon Park, Florida beginning Friday, July 15.
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
4-H Camp
“That was fun! I didn’t want to come home. I can’t wait for next year,” said first-time camper, Autumn McLemore, after returning home from 4-H Camp Timpoochee last week, and she wasn’t the only one. More than eighty campers from three Florida counties echoed her sentiment as they departed from the camp in Niceville, FL last Friday.
[Full Story »]
Doris E Fowler Obituary
Mrs. Doris E. Fowler, age 95, of Alford, FL passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2011 in Marianna, FL. Doris was born on March 6, 1916 in Essex, England and had lived in Alford since 1978 coming from Illinois. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of England.
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
Gov. Scott Signs Legislation Requiring Government Employees Contribute to Their Pensions
Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Begin Securing State and Local Government Pensions
Modernizes Florida Retirement System and protects Florida taxpayers
Keeping his promise to make sure Florida is no longer the only state in America that does not require government employees to contribute to their pensions, Governor Rick Scott has signed Senate Bill 2100, pension reform legislation that will save taxpayers and participating employers $2 billion next year. The reform ensures that retirees can continue to depend on the Florida Retirement System for decades to come.
Beginning July 1, 2011, state workers and other participants in the Florida Retirement System will contribute three percent of their salaries toward their pensions. The required contribution applies to all active members of the Florida Retirement System or one of the optional retirement programs sponsored by the state universities and colleges. The bill signed today achieves the following savings by employer groups:
School Boards $819.4 million
Counties $597.7 million
State $356.8 million
Others $108.8 million
Universities $ 66.2 million
Colleges $ 56.4 million
Total $2,005.3 million (over $2 billion)
Governor Scott was joined by representatives of the Florida League of Cities and Floridians for Sustainable Pensions, a diverse group of citizens, civic and business organizations concerned with Florida’s unsustainable government sector pension plans.
In addition to aligning pension contributions with those in other states, Governor Scott also signed Senate Bill 1128 that protects the retirement benefits for local governments by preventing surplus cash from being used for other purposes. Local governments must also disclose the present value of defined-benefit retirement plans and make the information available on the Florida Department of Management Services’ website.
“Without reform, Florida’s government pensions and retirement system put a heavy burden on our state’s taxpayers. As a result, dedicated public servants were forced to face the uncertainty of future retirement benefits,” said Governor Scott. “The steps we are taking this year move us closer to modernizing the system and ensuring it will be around decades down the road for future retirees. As we work to strengthen our retirement system even more, I look forward to working with the Legislature and all Floridians to make sure the retirement system is fair to both retirees and taxpayers.”
In March, Governor Scott launched the website FloridaHasARightToKnow.com that shed light on state pensions with annual benefits of $100,000 or more.
# # #
Modernizes Florida Retirement System and protects Florida taxpayers
Keeping his promise to make sure Florida is no longer the only state in America that does not require government employees to contribute to their pensions, Governor Rick Scott has signed Senate Bill 2100, pension reform legislation that will save taxpayers and participating employers $2 billion next year. The reform ensures that retirees can continue to depend on the Florida Retirement System for decades to come.
Beginning July 1, 2011, state workers and other participants in the Florida Retirement System will contribute three percent of their salaries toward their pensions. The required contribution applies to all active members of the Florida Retirement System or one of the optional retirement programs sponsored by the state universities and colleges. The bill signed today achieves the following savings by employer groups:
School Boards $819.4 million
Counties $597.7 million
State $356.8 million
Others $108.8 million
Universities $ 66.2 million
Colleges $ 56.4 million
Total $2,005.3 million (over $2 billion)
Governor Scott was joined by representatives of the Florida League of Cities and Floridians for Sustainable Pensions, a diverse group of citizens, civic and business organizations concerned with Florida’s unsustainable government sector pension plans.
In addition to aligning pension contributions with those in other states, Governor Scott also signed Senate Bill 1128 that protects the retirement benefits for local governments by preventing surplus cash from being used for other purposes. Local governments must also disclose the present value of defined-benefit retirement plans and make the information available on the Florida Department of Management Services’ website.
“Without reform, Florida’s government pensions and retirement system put a heavy burden on our state’s taxpayers. As a result, dedicated public servants were forced to face the uncertainty of future retirement benefits,” said Governor Scott. “The steps we are taking this year move us closer to modernizing the system and ensuring it will be around decades down the road for future retirees. As we work to strengthen our retirement system even more, I look forward to working with the Legislature and all Floridians to make sure the retirement system is fair to both retirees and taxpayers.”
In March, Governor Scott launched the website FloridaHasARightToKnow.com that shed light on state pensions with annual benefits of $100,000 or more.
# # #
Dennis Earl Ring Obituary
Mr. Dennis Earl Ring, 53, of Youngstown, FL, passed away Friday, June 24, 2011, at his home in Youngstown.
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
OBITUARIES - Chapman & Quattlebaum
DIANNE M. CHAPMAN
Mrs. Dianne M. Chapman, age 58, of Blountstown, FL passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011 in Tallahassee, FL.
Dianne was born on August 5, 1952 in Lake City, FL and had lived in Blountstown for most of her life. She was caregiver and a member of the Holiness Faith.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Chapman, of Blountstown; one son, Zachary Chapman, of Blountstown; two brothers, Johnny Sellers and his wife, Johnnie, of Bristol, Jerry Sellers and his wife, Shirley, of Dothan; five sisters, Barbara Alford of Quincy, Margaret Sellers of Quincy, Frances Fant and her husband, Gene, of Clarksville, Debbie Rose and her husband, Gordan, of Louisiana, Connie Bivin and her husband, Larry, of Mobile; one grandson, Justin Chapman; several nieces and nephews; a special sister-in-law, Phyllis Chapman Clinton; and special friends, Brenda and Greg Varnes.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 27, at 11 am (CT) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Coy Collins and Reverend Larry Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Lake Mystic Cemetery in Bristol.
All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.
* * *
HAZEL M. QUATTLEBAUM
Mrs. Hazel M. Quattlebaum, age 79, of Altha, FL, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Marianna, FL.
Hazel was born on May 8, 1932, in Altha and had lived here most of her life. She was a homemaker and a member of the protestant faith.
Survivors include two sons, Wesley Quattlebaum and his wife, Heather, and Will Quattlebaum, all of Altha; two brothers, Vester McCormick and his wife, Elizabeth, of Altha, and J C McCormick of Panama City; two sisters, Sue Rogers and her husband, Frankie, and Brenda Alday and her husband, Curtis, all of Altha; and eight grandchildren.
Memorial services were held Saturday, June 25, at 12:00 o’clock noon at Hillcrest Baptist Church near Altha, with Reverend Forrest Parker officiating. Memorialization was by cremation.
All arrangements were under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown.
Mrs. Dianne M. Chapman, age 58, of Blountstown, FL passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011 in Tallahassee, FL.
Dianne was born on August 5, 1952 in Lake City, FL and had lived in Blountstown for most of her life. She was caregiver and a member of the Holiness Faith.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Chapman, of Blountstown; one son, Zachary Chapman, of Blountstown; two brothers, Johnny Sellers and his wife, Johnnie, of Bristol, Jerry Sellers and his wife, Shirley, of Dothan; five sisters, Barbara Alford of Quincy, Margaret Sellers of Quincy, Frances Fant and her husband, Gene, of Clarksville, Debbie Rose and her husband, Gordan, of Louisiana, Connie Bivin and her husband, Larry, of Mobile; one grandson, Justin Chapman; several nieces and nephews; a special sister-in-law, Phyllis Chapman Clinton; and special friends, Brenda and Greg Varnes.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 27, at 11 am (CT) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Coy Collins and Reverend Larry Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Lake Mystic Cemetery in Bristol.
All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.
* * *
HAZEL M. QUATTLEBAUM
Mrs. Hazel M. Quattlebaum, age 79, of Altha, FL, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Marianna, FL.
Hazel was born on May 8, 1932, in Altha and had lived here most of her life. She was a homemaker and a member of the protestant faith.
Survivors include two sons, Wesley Quattlebaum and his wife, Heather, and Will Quattlebaum, all of Altha; two brothers, Vester McCormick and his wife, Elizabeth, of Altha, and J C McCormick of Panama City; two sisters, Sue Rogers and her husband, Frankie, and Brenda Alday and her husband, Curtis, all of Altha; and eight grandchildren.
Memorial services were held Saturday, June 25, at 12:00 o’clock noon at Hillcrest Baptist Church near Altha, with Reverend Forrest Parker officiating. Memorialization was by cremation.
All arrangements were under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown.
The Weekend Guide, June 24-26
The Weekend Guide
All that’s hip & happening in the Apalachicola River Valley.
IT’S A GUY THING
Boys and their dads, uncles and granddads are invited to head out to Cooper’s Park in Blountstown for an overnight camping experience. Known as the 2011 Tent Summit, the event kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday, June 24, and winds up at noon on Saturday. It’s completely free and features football games, outdoor movies, a nature walk and other fun activities, along with complimentary meals, snacks and mentoring sessions. Just bring your tent. This event is sponsored by the Mayhaw Community Association.
PUPPETS FOR CHRIST
Six foot frogs, huge dancing flamingos, and stick figures are part of the lineup at the Puppets for Christ show to be held tonight, Friday, June 24, at 7 p.m. at the W.T. Neal Civic Center. This award winning puppet troupe brings the joy of God's message to kids of all ages. The event is sponsored by the Blountstown United Methodist Church. Admission is free.
BASKET WEAVING CLASS
Learn the early American art of basket weaving during a class inside the Clubhouse at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited, so please call for reservations. RSVP to 674-2777. Cost is $20 per person.
WRITE ON
If you love to put pen to paper, come join the Calhoun/Liberty Writers Guild. The next guild meeting is Saturday, June 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Blountstown Public Library.
POTTERY TO PAW PRINTS
The arts series continues Saturday, June 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Blountstown Public Library with a voyage through the wild and natural places of Florida via arts and music!
Sandy and Sammy Tedder will give a joint presentation and share their love of nature. Sandy will tell how she makes refrigerator magnets made from bobcat paw prints as well as bear paw soap dishes. Sammy makes River Cane and Bamboo flutes and will perform some of his enchanting compositions. They will have their collection of works for purchase.
This free event will be held in the library’s Heritage Room and includes dessert.
FRESH PRODUCE, ANYONE?
The River Valley Marketplace, typically held just once a month, is now open every Saturday in downtown Blountstown. Check it out in the greenspace next to Centennial Bank. Open 8 a.m. to noon, this event is sponsored by Blountstown Main Street. Booth spaces are free and open to anyone with arts, crafts, produce or business products. No flea market items allowed. And if you can sing a tune or strum a guitar, come pick and grin! Entertainers are needed and invited to join the festivities. Call Kelli at 674-1004 for more.
All that’s hip & happening in the Apalachicola River Valley.
IT’S A GUY THING
Boys and their dads, uncles and granddads are invited to head out to Cooper’s Park in Blountstown for an overnight camping experience. Known as the 2011 Tent Summit, the event kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday, June 24, and winds up at noon on Saturday. It’s completely free and features football games, outdoor movies, a nature walk and other fun activities, along with complimentary meals, snacks and mentoring sessions. Just bring your tent. This event is sponsored by the Mayhaw Community Association.
PUPPETS FOR CHRIST
Six foot frogs, huge dancing flamingos, and stick figures are part of the lineup at the Puppets for Christ show to be held tonight, Friday, June 24, at 7 p.m. at the W.T. Neal Civic Center. This award winning puppet troupe brings the joy of God's message to kids of all ages. The event is sponsored by the Blountstown United Methodist Church. Admission is free.
BASKET WEAVING CLASS
Learn the early American art of basket weaving during a class inside the Clubhouse at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited, so please call for reservations. RSVP to 674-2777. Cost is $20 per person.
WRITE ON
If you love to put pen to paper, come join the Calhoun/Liberty Writers Guild. The next guild meeting is Saturday, June 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Blountstown Public Library.
POTTERY TO PAW PRINTS
The arts series continues Saturday, June 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Blountstown Public Library with a voyage through the wild and natural places of Florida via arts and music!
Sandy and Sammy Tedder will give a joint presentation and share their love of nature. Sandy will tell how she makes refrigerator magnets made from bobcat paw prints as well as bear paw soap dishes. Sammy makes River Cane and Bamboo flutes and will perform some of his enchanting compositions. They will have their collection of works for purchase.
This free event will be held in the library’s Heritage Room and includes dessert.
FRESH PRODUCE, ANYONE?
The River Valley Marketplace, typically held just once a month, is now open every Saturday in downtown Blountstown. Check it out in the greenspace next to Centennial Bank. Open 8 a.m. to noon, this event is sponsored by Blountstown Main Street. Booth spaces are free and open to anyone with arts, crafts, produce or business products. No flea market items allowed. And if you can sing a tune or strum a guitar, come pick and grin! Entertainers are needed and invited to join the festivities. Call Kelli at 674-1004 for more.
NEWS ALERT - Man Charged with False Imprisonment, Felony Battery
Authorities tracked down a Blountstown man Thursday who allegedly held a woman against her will and beat her earlier this month.
Timothy "T.C." Copeland, Jr.,
22, has been charged with felony domestic battery, false imprisonment, and petit theft.
According to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Jared Nichols responded to the complaint June 14. A woman advised she shares a child with Copeland and he asked to meet with her. He picked her up at her home and, as they drove away, she said he began punching her in the back of her head. She told authorities Copeland was angry about a guy she had accepted as a friend on the social media site known as Facebook.
The woman alleged Copeland hit her throughout the drive, then proceeded into Bristol where the battery continued as she pleaded for him to stop. At one point, she tried to escape the vehicle and he allegedly drug her back inside. She threatened to call 911 and he reportedly took her phone. He eventually drove back to Blountstown and stopped in the parking lot of the Sheriff's Office where she jumped out and fled.
Sgt. Nichols noted in his report that the back and top of the woman's head had numerous swollen areas. She reported being in severe pain and said she almost fainted during the altercation.
A warrant was issued for Copeland's arrest.
Timothy "T.C." Copeland, Jr.,

According to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Jared Nichols responded to the complaint June 14. A woman advised she shares a child with Copeland and he asked to meet with her. He picked her up at her home and, as they drove away, she said he began punching her in the back of her head. She told authorities Copeland was angry about a guy she had accepted as a friend on the social media site known as Facebook.
The woman alleged Copeland hit her throughout the drive, then proceeded into Bristol where the battery continued as she pleaded for him to stop. At one point, she tried to escape the vehicle and he allegedly drug her back inside. She threatened to call 911 and he reportedly took her phone. He eventually drove back to Blountstown and stopped in the parking lot of the Sheriff's Office where she jumped out and fled.
Sgt. Nichols noted in his report that the back and top of the woman's head had numerous swollen areas. She reported being in severe pain and said she almost fainted during the altercation.
A warrant was issued for Copeland's arrest.
OBITUARY - Ayers
ELBERT AYERS, JR., 87
Elbert Ayers, Jr. of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at his son's residence.
He was born January 25, 1924 in Altha, FL to the late Elbert Ayers, Sr. and Nettie (Dixon) Ayers; and came to Lake Wales in 1946. He was retired from F.M.C. delivering citrus plant machinery and chemicals, attended the Lake Buffum Baptist Church, and is a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed gardening.
Elbert was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Jean Ayers in 1996; and son, Hugh Wright. Survivors include his daughters, Alice Carpenter of Lake Wales and Wanda Kuhns of Frostproof; sons, Jimmy Ayers of Bradenton, Charles Ayers of Winter Haven, Dale Ayers of Lake Wales, Kenneth Ayers of Lake Wales, and Mitchell Carpenter of Lake Wales; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, June 24, 2011 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM. Interment will follow at the Lake Buffum Baptist Church Cemetery. The webcast of his service can be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family at marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.
Elbert Ayers, Jr. of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at his son's residence.
He was born January 25, 1924 in Altha, FL to the late Elbert Ayers, Sr. and Nettie (Dixon) Ayers; and came to Lake Wales in 1946. He was retired from F.M.C. delivering citrus plant machinery and chemicals, attended the Lake Buffum Baptist Church, and is a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed gardening.
Elbert was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Jean Ayers in 1996; and son, Hugh Wright. Survivors include his daughters, Alice Carpenter of Lake Wales and Wanda Kuhns of Frostproof; sons, Jimmy Ayers of Bradenton, Charles Ayers of Winter Haven, Dale Ayers of Lake Wales, Kenneth Ayers of Lake Wales, and Mitchell Carpenter of Lake Wales; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, June 24, 2011 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM. Interment will follow at the Lake Buffum Baptist Church Cemetery. The webcast of his service can be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family at marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.
Comments