Pavement testing will occur on State Road (S.R.) 71 between the Jackson/Calhoun County line and S.R. 69 in Blountstown on Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be no lane closures; however, the pavement test is a slow moving operation with frequent stops along the roadway.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to pay attention and use caution when driving behind the attenuator truck.
For more Florida Department of Transportation District Three information follow us on twitter @MyFDOT_NWFL.
Entries from November 2012
OBITUARY - Phillmon
Mr. Wallace Earl Phillmon, Sr., 71, of Altha, FL, passed away Thursday, November 1, 2012, at his home in Altha.
Wallace was born on September 16, 1941, in Panama City, FL, and had lived in Altha since 1990, coming from Pearland, TX. He was a retired sales manager. Wallace also served on the USDA committee.
Survivors include his son, Wallace Earl Phillmon, Jr., and his wife, Anna Ruth, of Orlando, FL; his daughter, Pamela Walker, of Altha; five grandchildren, Talina, Shaine, April, Danielle and Megan; and four great-grandchildren, Cory, Cyla, Jordan and Kathryn.
Funeral services will be held Monday November 5, at 4:00 pm (CST) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow on Tuesday, November 6, at 10:00 am (CST) in Piney Grove Cemetery in Jackson County. The family will receive friends Monday, November 5, from 3:00 pm (CST) until service time at 4:00 pm at Peavy Funeral Home.
All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown (ph. 674-2266).
Wallace was born on September 16, 1941, in Panama City, FL, and had lived in Altha since 1990, coming from Pearland, TX. He was a retired sales manager. Wallace also served on the USDA committee.
Survivors include his son, Wallace Earl Phillmon, Jr., and his wife, Anna Ruth, of Orlando, FL; his daughter, Pamela Walker, of Altha; five grandchildren, Talina, Shaine, April, Danielle and Megan; and four great-grandchildren, Cory, Cyla, Jordan and Kathryn.
Funeral services will be held Monday November 5, at 4:00 pm (CST) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow on Tuesday, November 6, at 10:00 am (CST) in Piney Grove Cemetery in Jackson County. The family will receive friends Monday, November 5, from 3:00 pm (CST) until service time at 4:00 pm at Peavy Funeral Home.
All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown (ph. 674-2266).
NEWS ALERT: Q & A With Superintendent Candidates
As early voting continues and election day approaches, The County Record continues the interview series with Calhoun County candidates. Here are the questions and answers with school superintendent candidates:
LOGAN BARBEE
1. The School Board pulled $1 million this year from the reserve fund to balance the budget. If this continues, the reserves will soon be depleted. What is your plan to deal with this budget concern?
First of all, I’m a fiscal conservative. I don’t plan on pulling any money out. I’m for saving money, not spending money. We’re going to face economic hard times in the future I know, it’s best to keep that money in reserves for the future when we’re sure going to need it. I understand it’s there if we need it, but only if we need it.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters about the Calhoun County school system?
Lack of leadership. Only 10 percent of our children go to college. The vocational programming needs to be addressed. I’m an advocate for building a strong vocational program with a certification program. I want students to leave high school with a resume, not just a diploma, and with certifications on that resume.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
Energy and experience. I have a passion for the education of our children. I’ve been a successful educator, administrator and business person. I’ve worked with large and small groups of people and worked with successful budgets. I have the ability to work through difficult situations without incurring resentment. I’m a problem solver. I like creative solutions, thinking out of the box with solutions and coming up with successful conclusions. Also, I won’t blame Tallahassee or put it off on other people when I’m addressing a problem - it’s my problem.
TOMMY McCLELLAN
1. The School Board pulled $1 million this year from the reserve fund to balance the budget. If this continues, the reserves will soon be depleted. What is your plan to deal with this budget concern?
State employees, including school employees, now have to pay 3 percent toward their own retirement. However, if the state changes this requirement and puts it back on the school system, we will have to refund that. Otherwise, that will be extra money we have in our budget. There are some question marks. We had four years to pay back $2 million at about a half million per year. That was for Blountstown High School - the 1.125 mills collected for that project over a four year period. We have also lost maintenance money to maintain our facilities, such as if the roof is bad or a pipe breaks.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters about the Calhoun County school system?
The biggest concern I’ve had is to assure the Altha community that they are not losing their school.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
I’ve got 23 years of experience - six years as principal, nine years as a teacher and eight years as superintendent. I’ve been through the superintendent certification program and the chief executive officer leadership program. I’ve built up a strong relationship with all the superintendents in the state and many legislators. We meet with them every year, go over issues and express concerns. I think the experience and connections I’ve made would set me apart. Others haven’t had that opportunity. For example, we would have lost our second year funding on Blountstown High School if Marti, Al and Bill had not helped us change that proviso language to get that passed.
RALPH YODER
1. The School Board pulled $1 million this year from the reserve fund to balance the budget. If this continues, the reserves will soon be depleted. What is your plan to deal with this budget concern?
My plan is to take the budget apart piece by piece, working with staff to see where we can re-prioritze our efforts to save money, find ways to increase efficiency, and start looking at big ticket items to see whre we need to make some cuts in terms of living within our means. It’s no different than what we do with our family budgets.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters about the Calhoun County school system?
The biggest concern is the lack of vocational training and the lack of job opportunities for our young people when they graduate from our schools. As superintendent, I will work closely with our other elected officials and community leaders to find ways to attract job opportunities here in Calhoun County. Education and economic development go hand in hand.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
As a dad with kids in the school system, I am keenly interested in future opportunities for my daughters and their peers. What sets me apart is that I bring a fresh approach to the educational system and will use my experience in the private and public sector to effectively lead our school system. I will filter my decisions through this grid - what is best for our students, what is best for our teachers, schools and communities, and, ultimately, the impact to the taxpayer.
LOGAN BARBEE
1. The School Board pulled $1 million this year from the reserve fund to balance the budget. If this continues, the reserves will soon be depleted. What is your plan to deal with this budget concern?
First of all, I’m a fiscal conservative. I don’t plan on pulling any money out. I’m for saving money, not spending money. We’re going to face economic hard times in the future I know, it’s best to keep that money in reserves for the future when we’re sure going to need it. I understand it’s there if we need it, but only if we need it.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters about the Calhoun County school system?
Lack of leadership. Only 10 percent of our children go to college. The vocational programming needs to be addressed. I’m an advocate for building a strong vocational program with a certification program. I want students to leave high school with a resume, not just a diploma, and with certifications on that resume.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
Energy and experience. I have a passion for the education of our children. I’ve been a successful educator, administrator and business person. I’ve worked with large and small groups of people and worked with successful budgets. I have the ability to work through difficult situations without incurring resentment. I’m a problem solver. I like creative solutions, thinking out of the box with solutions and coming up with successful conclusions. Also, I won’t blame Tallahassee or put it off on other people when I’m addressing a problem - it’s my problem.
TOMMY McCLELLAN
1. The School Board pulled $1 million this year from the reserve fund to balance the budget. If this continues, the reserves will soon be depleted. What is your plan to deal with this budget concern?
State employees, including school employees, now have to pay 3 percent toward their own retirement. However, if the state changes this requirement and puts it back on the school system, we will have to refund that. Otherwise, that will be extra money we have in our budget. There are some question marks. We had four years to pay back $2 million at about a half million per year. That was for Blountstown High School - the 1.125 mills collected for that project over a four year period. We have also lost maintenance money to maintain our facilities, such as if the roof is bad or a pipe breaks.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters about the Calhoun County school system?
The biggest concern I’ve had is to assure the Altha community that they are not losing their school.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
I’ve got 23 years of experience - six years as principal, nine years as a teacher and eight years as superintendent. I’ve been through the superintendent certification program and the chief executive officer leadership program. I’ve built up a strong relationship with all the superintendents in the state and many legislators. We meet with them every year, go over issues and express concerns. I think the experience and connections I’ve made would set me apart. Others haven’t had that opportunity. For example, we would have lost our second year funding on Blountstown High School if Marti, Al and Bill had not helped us change that proviso language to get that passed.
RALPH YODER
1. The School Board pulled $1 million this year from the reserve fund to balance the budget. If this continues, the reserves will soon be depleted. What is your plan to deal with this budget concern?
My plan is to take the budget apart piece by piece, working with staff to see where we can re-prioritze our efforts to save money, find ways to increase efficiency, and start looking at big ticket items to see whre we need to make some cuts in terms of living within our means. It’s no different than what we do with our family budgets.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters about the Calhoun County school system?
The biggest concern is the lack of vocational training and the lack of job opportunities for our young people when they graduate from our schools. As superintendent, I will work closely with our other elected officials and community leaders to find ways to attract job opportunities here in Calhoun County. Education and economic development go hand in hand.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
As a dad with kids in the school system, I am keenly interested in future opportunities for my daughters and their peers. What sets me apart is that I bring a fresh approach to the educational system and will use my experience in the private and public sector to effectively lead our school system. I will filter my decisions through this grid - what is best for our students, what is best for our teachers, schools and communities, and, ultimately, the impact to the taxpayer.
NEWS ALERT: Before You Vote - Amendment Lowdown
Confused about amendments?
Check out this summarized version of
proposals before you go to the polls
Confused about the proposed amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot? Here’s a simplified version of what each amendment is about to help you decide before you get to the polls. Each one will require at least 60% of Florida voters to pass. All were placed on the ballot by the Florida Legislature during the 2011-2012 sessions.
Amendment 1 – Health Care Services
If passed, would attempt to exempt Floridians from the requirements of the individual mandate section of the Federal Affordable Care Act. Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the federal government’s right to impose the individual mandate, the legal status of this amendment is questionable.
Amendment 2 – Veterans Disabled Due to Combat Injury: Homestead Property Tax Discount
If passed, would provide a property tax discount to all Florida veterans that are over 65 and disabled as a result of a combat injury. Currently this exemption only applies to veterans who were Florida residents when they enlisted. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $15 million over 3 years.
Amendment 3 – State Government Revenue Limitation
If passed, would place a stricter limit on state revenues that would be based on inflation and population growth, instead of personal income growth as the Florida Constitution currently states.
Amendment 4 – Property Tax Limitations
If passed, would extend tax breaks to certain business property owners and first-time homebuyers. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $1 billion over 3 years.
Amendment 5 – State Courts
If passed, would add a requirement that a Florida Supreme Court Justice must be confirmed by the Senate after appointment by the Governor. Also would authorize the repeal of a court rule by a simple majority of each house of the Legislature rather than a two-thirds vote as currently required and allow the Florida House expanded access to review files involving judges accused of misconduct.
Amendment 6 – Prohibition on Public Funding of Abortions: Construction of Abortion Rights
If passed, would restate in the Florida Constitution current federal and state law that prohibits public funds from being used for an abortion or health insurance coverage of abortion. It would also limit the constitutional right to privacy to specifically exclude it from being applied to cases involving abortion-related issues.
Amendment 8 – Religious Freedom
If passed, would repeal the 126-year-old provision in the Florida Constitution that prohibits taxpayer funding of religious institutions including schools through voucher programs.
Amendment 9 – Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder
If passed, would eliminate property taxes for the surviving spouses of military veterans, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who die while on active duty or in the line of duty. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $1.8 million over three years.
Amendment 10 – Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption
If passed, would raise the tax exemption for machinery, equipment or other business property from $25,000 to $50,000 and allow cities or counties to approve additional tax exemptions. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $60.3 million.
Amendment 11 – Additional Homestead Exemption; Low-Income Seniors who Maintain Long-Term Residency on Property; Equal Assessed Value
If passed, would eliminate property taxes for those 65 and older who lived in their home for at least 25 years and have an annual “household” income of less than $27,030 and own a home with a value of less than $250,000. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $27.9 million.
Amendment 12 – Appointment of Student Body President to Board of Governors of the State University System
If passed, would change the method of appointing the student member of the University System Board of Governors from the President of the Florida Student Association to the Chair of a Council of state university student body presidents.
You can read more about these amendments at http://www.floridatrend.com/tagged/87 or www.thefloridavoter.org/resources/issues/2012-constitutional-amendments or election.dos. state.fl.us/initiatives.
Check out this summarized version of
proposals before you go to the polls
Confused about the proposed amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot? Here’s a simplified version of what each amendment is about to help you decide before you get to the polls. Each one will require at least 60% of Florida voters to pass. All were placed on the ballot by the Florida Legislature during the 2011-2012 sessions.
Amendment 1 – Health Care Services
If passed, would attempt to exempt Floridians from the requirements of the individual mandate section of the Federal Affordable Care Act. Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the federal government’s right to impose the individual mandate, the legal status of this amendment is questionable.
Amendment 2 – Veterans Disabled Due to Combat Injury: Homestead Property Tax Discount
If passed, would provide a property tax discount to all Florida veterans that are over 65 and disabled as a result of a combat injury. Currently this exemption only applies to veterans who were Florida residents when they enlisted. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $15 million over 3 years.
Amendment 3 – State Government Revenue Limitation
If passed, would place a stricter limit on state revenues that would be based on inflation and population growth, instead of personal income growth as the Florida Constitution currently states.
Amendment 4 – Property Tax Limitations
If passed, would extend tax breaks to certain business property owners and first-time homebuyers. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $1 billion over 3 years.
Amendment 5 – State Courts
If passed, would add a requirement that a Florida Supreme Court Justice must be confirmed by the Senate after appointment by the Governor. Also would authorize the repeal of a court rule by a simple majority of each house of the Legislature rather than a two-thirds vote as currently required and allow the Florida House expanded access to review files involving judges accused of misconduct.
Amendment 6 – Prohibition on Public Funding of Abortions: Construction of Abortion Rights
If passed, would restate in the Florida Constitution current federal and state law that prohibits public funds from being used for an abortion or health insurance coverage of abortion. It would also limit the constitutional right to privacy to specifically exclude it from being applied to cases involving abortion-related issues.
Amendment 8 – Religious Freedom
If passed, would repeal the 126-year-old provision in the Florida Constitution that prohibits taxpayer funding of religious institutions including schools through voucher programs.
Amendment 9 – Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder
If passed, would eliminate property taxes for the surviving spouses of military veterans, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who die while on active duty or in the line of duty. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $1.8 million over three years.
Amendment 10 – Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption
If passed, would raise the tax exemption for machinery, equipment or other business property from $25,000 to $50,000 and allow cities or counties to approve additional tax exemptions. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $60.3 million.
Amendment 11 – Additional Homestead Exemption; Low-Income Seniors who Maintain Long-Term Residency on Property; Equal Assessed Value
If passed, would eliminate property taxes for those 65 and older who lived in their home for at least 25 years and have an annual “household” income of less than $27,030 and own a home with a value of less than $250,000. Revenue loss to local government as a result of passage of the amendment: $27.9 million.
Amendment 12 – Appointment of Student Body President to Board of Governors of the State University System
If passed, would change the method of appointing the student member of the University System Board of Governors from the President of the Florida Student Association to the Chair of a Council of state university student body presidents.
You can read more about these amendments at http://www.floridatrend.com/tagged/87 or www.thefloridavoter.org/resources/issues/2012-constitutional-amendments or election.dos. state.fl.us/initiatives.
NEWS ALERT: Early Voting Count Soars
Early voting numbers have exploded in Calhoun County! As of Friday morning at 9 a.m., 1547 have already cast ballots. In addition, an estimated 1300 absentee ballots were sent out with a steady flow coming in daily (over half were back on Wednesday). Early voting continues today until 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the Calhoun County Courthouse and will wind up Saturday with voting hours set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you miss early voting, get to your local precinct Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Let's rock the vote, Calhoun County!!!!!!!
Sheriff's Log for 11-01-12
CALHOUN COUNTY
Oct. 25: Louis Saeger, VOP; Tammy Martin, disorderly intoxication; Tracey Stacy, retail theft
Oct. 26: John Yon, violation of conditional release
Oct. 27: Terra Reddick, domestic battery; Ronald Brown, domestic battery
[Full Story »]
Oct. 25: Louis Saeger, VOP; Tammy Martin, disorderly intoxication; Tracey Stacy, retail theft
Oct. 26: John Yon, violation of conditional release
Oct. 27: Terra Reddick, domestic battery; Ronald Brown, domestic battery
[Full Story »]
J.P. Leonard Places 5th at FFA Nationals
Last spring, Blountstown High School reinstated an annual science fair for all students enrolled in a science class. Everyone who attended the BHS science fair was quite impressed by the displays the students had designed and excited to see BHS’s science department increasing the rigor of its courses. For J.P. Leonard, son of Mike and Sue Leonard, the assignment issued to him in Mr. Bart Nichols’ Earth Space Science class turned into a national award winning project!
[Full Story »]
Legal Notices for week of November 1
Legal Notice
[Full Story »]
Fun at the festivals
Fall fun abounded in Calhoun County over the weekend with festivals and events at every corner.
[Full Story »]
Early voting through Saturday
If early voting totals are any indication, Calhoun Countians are going to show a strong turnout in the 2012 election.
[Full Story »]
Meth lab busted in woods
A camper turned meth lab in the woods was busted last Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of a Blountstown woman.
[Full Story »]
Rubber stamping or advising? Questions surround county grant process and how Citizens Advisory Council actually functions
Last week, The County Record brought you the first in a series on the Community Development Block Grant program, commonly referred to as CDBG. This grant program brings with it numerous opportunities to aid counties and cities, through economic development, fire protection, infrastructure and housing needs. However, one common issue tossed around the community is about road projects taking precedence over other needs.
[Full Story »]
Tigers crush Franklin, 51-0
After losing to the Liberty County Bulldogs last week, the Blountstown Tigers had to put that game behind them as they hosted Franklin County at Ted Cooper Field in another district game Friday night.
[Full Story »]
Lady Tigers lose against Lady Bulldogs
The Blountstown Lady Tigers lost a hard-fought match to the Liberty County Lady Bulldogs Thursday in the district championship.
[Full Story »]
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