Our legislators came home from the last session in Tallahassee proclaiming that the dreaded septic tank law had been repealed. However, it now appears that this costly measure remains as a ghost in the closet for County Commissions to deal with. This raises the question, "Has the legislature merely 'passed the buck' on this issue, with enough strings still attached to make the net result to rural property owners be the same?"

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. - Revelation 6:8.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Jackson County Public Library - Library Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, April 26 - 3:00 p.m. County Commission Conference Room

The staff of Chipola Surgical and Medical Specialties invites the public to attend a special and patriotic official retirement and installation of New Flag Ceremony at 4pm, at their practice location 4295 Third Avenue, Marianna. Scout Master, Mr. Bill Kleihans and the members of Local Boy Scout Troup 3 will provide the color bearer and color guards for the ceremony. American Legion Post Commander George Sweeney will accept the retired Colors for proper disposal. Light refreshments served. More information call 718-2696.

Sneads Pharmacy (Hwy. 90) will soon be under new ownership. Dr. Brian Lewis is reportedly taking over from founder, pharmacist and longtime owner Jimmy Alday. Also in Sneads, Lewis Electronics (7887 Seminole St., 593-5600) is closing in two weeks, former Sneads council member Greg Lewis informed Business News Monday afternoon.

The gracious Southern hospitality of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce volunteers is what creates the first impression visitors receive when they come to discover Jackson County.

A dozen volunteer or so ladies serve the Chamber in various ways, from serving as greeters and tour guides at the Russ House to working as hostesses at Chamber events. They also help with the upkeep of the Chamber's brochures and perform other duties when requested.

Herman Laramore will enjoy another four year term as the 14th Circuit Public Defender. Laramore had no opposition step forward during the qualification period which ended on April 20. This will be the sixth term of office for Laramore, who has never had opposition to his reelection. Laramore plans to retire at the end of this term.

With the expiration of the qualifying period on April 20, 14th Circuit Judge John Fishel was elected to a six year term beginning in January 2013, due to the fact that no candidates qualified in opposition to him. Fishel has been functioning as an appointed Circuit Court Judge in the 14th Circuit since he replaced the retiring Judge Richard Albritton in September of 2010.

The doors opened and the crowd came. Then the skies opened and the crowd left. Then the rains stopped and the crowd returned for an evening of food, fun, frolic, family enjoyment, and fireworks. That was the story on Saturday, the main day and evening of Jackson County's primary spring festival. The attendance estimates are over 4000, and that makes the event a great success.

Just at press time the TIMES received a copy of a letter of resignation submitted by Judy Brooten, the newly selected Director of the TDC. One of the last paragraphs of the letter reads as follows; "Unfortunately, after careful and considered reviews of five proposed contracts, I am unable to arrive at a mutually agreeable contractual agreement with Jackson County that will allow me to properly and effectively carry out the duties of Executive Director and to address the challenges that face Jackson County tourism and development. Therefore I cannot serve as Executive Director of the Jackson County Tourist Development Council and I have today withdrawn my application from further consideration."

On Monday Mary Carol Murdock, who has served in the Tax Collector's office for thirty four years, declared her candidacy for the position of Jackson County Tax Collector as a Democrat. Murdock has worked as the Assistant Tax Collector for the past eight years.