BONIFAY — Even after a long year of hard work from volunteers, Relay For Life of Holmes County Committee Chairwoman DeAnna Oldham says the work doesn’t end with the Wrap-Up Party, which was held on Thursday, May 16.

“We are so close to our goal of $33,000 that it would be ridiculous to stop now,” said Oldham. “We had a rough year that seemed to throw so many obstacles at us, but we’ve seen the 22 cancer survivors that braved the rain and the mud and the muck to come out and support our endeavor and we remember why we’re raising this money. It’s for our friends, our family and all our loved ones touched by cancer and this is how we fight back.”

Committee member and volunteer Julia Bullington added that it’s not just for those battling cancer, but it’s for those battling cancer in Holmes County.

“Don’t forget we’ve got The Closet here, which provides scarves, bras, prosthetic breasts and so much more for our local people battling cancer,” said Bullington. “I can not begin to describe the changes I’ve seen with these simple services. I can hardly even think about it without crying, it is just that important to those who are living and battling cancer right here in Holmes County.”

Oldham said there was still time to raise money for that year and make the goal of $33,000, which will help pay for not only cancer research, but also local programs provided to cancer patients in Holmes County.

“This is why we do it,” said Oldham. “Because we can make a difference and we can make a difference right here and because it is more then worth it. We’ve been fighting the good fight and we’re so close, we can’t give up now.”

Bullington said that donations can still be made to the American Cancer Society, and even in memory or honor of a loved one. Send donations to the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce at 106 East Byrd Street; Bonifay, FL 32425.

For more information contact Oldham at 768-2675.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and while the dangers of melanoma are well known, it is important not to neglect the warning signs of the two most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which can also become disfiguring and even deadly if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Because about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, The Skin Cancer Foundation encourages everyone to practice proper sun protection and learn how to spot nonmelanoma skin cancers.

“Melanoma is the most talked about skin cancer because it’s the most deadly; however, basal and squamous cell carcinomas should be taken seriously as well,” says Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Most nonmelanoma skin cancers are preventable, if a complete sun protection regimen is followed. This is why protecting sun-exposed areas, such as the ears, nose and lips, and learning the warning signs of these common skin cancers, is so important.”

Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will be diagnosed with either a BCC or an SCC at least once. The Skin Cancer Foundation urges everyone to learn the facts about nonmelanoma skin cancers:

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with an estimated 2.8 million diagnosed annually in the US.

    * What causes it: BCC is usually caused by a combination of cumulative UV exposure and intense, occasional UV exposure, the kind you might experience on sunny vacations.

    * Interesting fact: BCCs sometimes resemble noncancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

    * What to look for: Warning signs include an open sore, a reddish patch or irritated area, a shiny bump or nodule, a pink growth, and a scar-like area.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, with an estimated 700,000 cases diagnosed in the US each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.

    * What causes it: SCC is mainly caused by cumulative UV exposure over the course of a lifetime.

    * Interesting fact: SCCs are most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, bald scalp, neck, hands, arms and legs.

    * What to look for: Warning signs include a scaly red patch, an elevated growth, an open sore, or a wart-like growth, and these lesions may sometimes bleed.

To properly protect against the dangers of skin cancer, follow The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Prevention Guidelines:

    * Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    * Do not burn.

    * Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.

    * Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

    * Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

    * Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

    * Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.

    * Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.

    * See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.

VERNON — Vernon High School senior Hunter Dobbs signed with Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, Ala., on Thursday at the high school library. Friends and family were on hand for Dobbs’ scholarship signing.

“I want to thank everyone who came out today, and everyone who helped me get where I am today,” Dobbs said.

The senior, who plays catcher for Vernon, batted .384, stole 17 bases and had 26 runs batted in this year as a Yellow Jacket, baseball coach Travis Miller said.

“Hunter missed football season with a tore hamstring,” Miller said. “But he worked through it. Earlier this year he said he wanted to play college baseball.”

Dobbs went to a try-out at the college and was asked to sign with the school on the spot after the coaches saw him play.

“That isn’t something that happens everyday,” Miller said. “You don’t just go visit a college and have them ask you to sign up.

“When the coaches saw how hard Hunter works, they said, ‘this is the kind of guy we’re looking for,’” Miller said.

Web editions of Washington County News and Holmes County Times-Advertiser.

For the May 15 edition of the Washington County News click here.

For the May 15 edition of the Holmes County Times-Advertiser click here.

CHIPLEY — Three Caryville residents, two men and a woman, and a Ponce de Leon woman were arrested on May 15 by the Washington County Drug Task Force in connection with a narcotics investigation, according to a news release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. A three-year-old child was removed from the house.

Arrested were:

Thomas Ray Stricklen, 20, of Caryville, on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and child neglect;

Tracy Nichole Bruner, 20, of Caryville,  on charges of child neglect, violation of probation, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance without prescription;

Christopher John Price, 26, of Caryville, on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of firearm in the commission of a felony, child neglect, possession drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance without prescription; and

Zabbrina Gail Cook, 30, of Ponce de Leon, on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of firearm in the commission of a felony, child neglect, possession drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without prescription.

The Task Force consists of the Chipley Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the State of Florida Probation and Parole. 

On May 15, Task Force Investigators received information about suspected illegal drug activity at a residence.  After arriving on scene, investigators were given permission by the homeowner to search the residence at 4581 E. Berry Street in Caryville.

 During the search, several bottles in active production of methamphetamine were found throughout the home, according to the release. 

In addition, items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, as well as finished product were discovered, according to police.

 A three-year-old child was found in the home at the time of the search.  Department of Children and Families was contacted and took the child into protective custody.

 Washington County Drug Task Force asks that anyone with information on illegal drug activity contact us at 638-TIPS (8477) or by email at tips@wcso.us.

SAND HILLS — A 30-year-old Panama City man was arrested Saturday morning after an overnight multi-agency manhunt.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the capture and arrest of Christopher Griner Saturday shortly before 8 a.m. in the Pine Log and Wood Road near the Sunny Hills development in Washington County. 

According to reports from the Bay and Washington County sheriff’s offices, this is what happened:

Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen was driving north on State 77 when a vehicle passed him at a high speed. McKeithen recognized the vehicle as possibly belonging to a man wanted on two felony warrants. Griner had been involved in a domestic argument Friday morning in Callaway in which shots were fired.

McKeithan pursued the vehicle to the Sand Hills area where Griner’s vehicle struck another car while traveling nearly 100 mph. Griner left the scene and McKeithen stopped to help the woman in the struck car. The woman was not seriously injured, according to BCSO.

Griner abandoned his vehicle and ran into a nearby wooded area.

WCSO responded and set up a perimeter in the area. Additional BCSO deputies responded as well as the BCSO helicopter and several tracking K9s.

The search for Griner continued until Saturday morning, when the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was called about a suspicious person who had walked out of the woods in the Sunny Hills area. WCSO deputies located Griner and took him into custody. Griner was near where he originally entered the woods.

Griner was arrested for violation of probation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling.

In addition to the two sheriff’s departments, other agencies involved in the manhunt were the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Northwest Florida Reception Center K9 Team.

CHIPLEY — After much discussion, the Washington County Board of County Commissioners agreed on Wednesday to follow County Attorney Jeff Goodman’s advice and meet with a representative from an advertising firm about looking for a new county manager.

The board was meeting in their workshop in Chipley, prior to their regular monthly meeting, which will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Goodman informed the board that he would have a finished job description ready for the board’s approval on Thursday.

“This job description is a collaboration based on our needs using policies used by other counties,” said Goodman. “This agency is like a head-hunting firm that will not only expedite the process, but you’re going to find a broader base of candidates, using a non-biased third-party. I’ve got to add that if you’re not going to give this guy the authority to do his job then it’s best you don’t have one at all.”

The board agreed to review the job description at the next board meeting and meet with an agent from the firm at their June 30 meeting.

Interim Human Resources Director Albert Davis informed the board that with the updated job description for the public safety director, which excludes the emergency management requirements, the county would have to re-advertise for the position.

Commissioner Lynn Gothard inquired about the current applicants to which Davis responded that they are welcome to resubmit their application.

Goodman clarified with the board that there would first be a five-day, in-house advertisement of the position and that the board agreed that if there was someone qualifying for the position in-house, then they must be hired before advertising externally.

The board agreed to send Gothard to the city of Vernon as a representative of the board to discuss the city’s request to renew their Interlocal Agreement regarding the City of Vernon and Washington County’s library services.

“From what I’ve heard, they want to run it while we pay for it,” said Commissioner Todd Abbott.

Goodman advised them that it would be necessary for the protection of the board to find out what the city of Vernon’s intentions for the library is.

“The city needs to figure out if they want the library or not,” said Goodman.

Representing the Washington County Libraries was Linda Norton.

“We’ve got seven employees and four libraries,” said Norton. “We can’t keep it open any longer with this limited funding and staff.”

Norton accounted their present troubles — one was the agonizing process of removing WIC from the premises with the help of the city of Vernon agreeing to move the WIC office to the City Hall, giving that portion back to the library to use for adult and children reading programs.

Norton advised that in the next agreement the county should include the additional space that was once the gazebo area because that was how WIC was able to take over that portion of the library to begin with.

“They put WIC in the building under the guise of using it only once a month and then they moved in and took over,” said Norton.

Another issue was with inadequate lighting in the parking lot.

“The light is broken and now with the new construction we have additional parking,” said Norton. “Our employee doesn’t feel safe leaving at night with no lighting to get to her vehicle. We’ve put in numerous complaints but to no avail.”

Goodman had advised that with inadequate lighting and multiple reports that this was a considerable liability because the librarian is a county employee.

The board agreed to look into who is responsible for the lighting to see what can be done.

The board recognized Norton on her upcoming retirement after 21 years of service.

County Engineer Cliff Knauer informed the board that they were ready to send out bids for the mowing, which is a part of the additional Sunny Hills services.

After much discussion the board decided that the contract to bid out should be under the guidelines of pay per cycle with a minimum of 10 cycles guaranteed for the main roads and twice a year for the alternate side roads and would include descriptions for trash pickup and weed-eating services.

The current figures, Knauer explained, were based on the current mowing services and the description was based on current Florida Department of Transportation standards.

Goodman informed them that he had created a new draft ordinance for the MSBU, which was similar to the one in 2011 but excluded the MSBU Advisory Board.

“We’ve created budgeting guidelines to replace the necessity of the advisory board and to be completely transparent with the community and agrees to add addition services,” explained Goodman. “The annual assessment of money is to go to toward repaying their debt, mowing and additional lighting. After these expenses are taken out we’ve got a contingency of three to five percent that will be used for the next year’s services and after all those provisions are made then any addition money will go toward paying off their debt.”

Supervisor of Public Works Dallas Carter received permission to get rid of the old Sunny Hills Municipal Service Benefit Unit equipment by calling a scrap company to come pick it up and putting the money back into MSBU funds.

“Best thing to do is call a junk man to pick it up because it’s all scrap,” said Carter.

Gothard requested a workshop to be called to discuss updating the Policy Manual.

Goodman explained that there had been some delays in the updating due to the elections as well as revisions he was concerned with from a legal standpoint.

The board agreed to discuss updating the Policy Manual at the workshop they were holding on June 19, which was set to discuss the function and responsibility of Public Works.

Chairman Alan Bush request that the board consider putting a change in the policy to include budgeting for temporary pay increases for those who have to do additional work in a temporary position.

“I’m saying this because there had to be a temporary pay increase for (David) Corbin for the additional services he has taken on as our point of contact,” said Bush. “As of now there are no previsions in the policy for a temporary pay increase.”

Corbin was chosen by the board at the last BOCC meeting to serve as a “point of contact” between the board and the county employees while the county operates without a county administrator.

Carter informed the board that he needed $205,000 for fuel to continue running Public Works and $11,000 for material to patch the roads.

The board agreed to look into how they were going to fund these expenses.

Gothard suggested that with the Fourth of July coming up that they do as they did with Christmas and shut the yards down, but this time give the employees the option of working somewhere else if they don’t want to take the time off.

The board agreed Corbin’s request to look into a possible Budget Committee.

“We’re going to have to look into something considering the upcoming expenses from increases in Health Insurance and Medicaid,” said Abbott. “It’s going to be a tough, tough, tough budget year.”

Commissioner Charles Brock inquired about Amnesty Day.

Corbin informed him that it was taken out of the budget because the county couldn’t afford the $10,000 it took to run the yearly program.

After much discussion the board agreed to ask Waste Management if they would be willing to donate one day out of the year as charity.

The board agreed to place the District 14 Medical Examiner Reappointment on the agenda for the next meeting.

“This is just a formality to see if we will support their decision,” said Bush. “There’s a reappointment every three years. Last I heard they’ve had over 50 replies and it’s all been good.”

The board also agreed to place a variance request for a resident on Gainer Road on the agenda for the next meeting.

“I just feel it isn’t right that this man has to jump through so many hoops just to give his son some of his land,” said Bush. “In this time of economic problems we need to be promoting development.”

Planning Department Director Mike DeRuntz explained that it was an unusual request because the request was for an irregular shaped lot.

Director of UF IFAS Washington County Extension, Julie Dillard, was present to announce the new Agricultural Natural Resources Agent, Mark Mauldin, and informed the board that Mauldin would be available to the board for introductions at their next meeting.

Dillard also requested support from the board for a study to be conducted in regards to the new broadband expansion to take place for the county.

“The study will show how much we do in efforts to save money and will be no cost to the county,” said Dillard. “An example would be how much money we could save by having video conferences instead of traveling to all these meetings in Orlando and other distant places.”

Due to schedule conflicts because of the upcoming Florida Association of Counties meeting the board agreed to move their June meeting up to June 20, which will be the day after their scheduled workshop on June 19.

No purchase necessary. Contest entrants agree to abide by the terms of these Official Rules.

This contest is officially sponsored by Halifax Media Group Inc.

You must be 18 years of age or older at time of entry to be eligible for this Promotion.

The Washington County News (WCN) and Holmes County Times-Advertiser (HCTA)  reserve the right to monitor all nominations and voting.

Nominations will be accepted from May 18, 2013 through May 27, 2013.  Nominations must be submitted by May 27, 2013 before 11:59 a.m. Any nominations submitted after the deadline will not be posted or accepted.

Voting runs May 28, 2013 through June 6, 2013.  All voting is online and open to the public.  The public can only vote one time per day, per category. 

Each category will identify a first, second, and third place winner.  If there is only one name in any category, only a first place winner will be identified.  If there are only two names in any category, only a first and second place winner will be identified. 

The top three winners in each category will be chosen by the most votes received from the public. 

Winners will be published in the Best of Tri-County special section produced and published by the WCN and HCTA on June 26, 2013.  

The Best of Tri-County logo is an official logo of the WCN's and HCTA's Best of Tri-County Contest and should not be reproduced.

Only the first place winner may advertise or display the “2013 Best of Tri-County” logo on marquees, marketing or advertising materials, promotions  and commercials.  Second and Third Place recipients may use the “2013 Best Of Tri-County  Finalist” logo on marquees, marketing or advertising materials, promotions and commercials.

Employees of the WCN and HCTA and their immediate family members of each are not eligible.

Winners further grant to the WCN and HCTA the right to use and publish their proper name and state online and in print, or any other media, in connection with the Promotion.

The WCN and HCTA reserves the right to use any and all information related to the Promotion, including information on contestants obtained through the Promotion, for marketing purposes or any other purpose, unless prohibited by law.

Each winner, by acceptance of the recognition for  first, second or third places Best of Tri-County categories, agrees to release the WCN, HCTA and all Sponsors, from all liability, claims, or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages, or losses to persons and property which may be sustained in connection with the receipt, ownership, or use of the prize.

CHIPLEY — A bill championed by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce made it through both the Florida Legislature, but not without some political maneuvering, said Representative Marti Coley (R- District 5) on Thursday in Chipley.

 “This was a most productive Legislative session, maybe the most productive one since I have been in the Legislature,” Coley said.

Coley was in town visiting the Chamber’s Third Thursday breakfast meeting at Northwest Florida Community Hospital. Coley is the Speaker of the House pro tempore and has served in the House since 2005. Redistricting last year resulted in the Jackson County native becoming the representative for Washington County.

“Your Chamber director brought this idea to me of expanding the Enterprise Zones to make them work better for the rural counties,” Coley said, referring to Executive Director Ted Everett. “And he said, ‘You know, this isn’t just good for Washington County. It would be good for the whole state.’”

Coley said she was excited to be able to support legislation that was not only good for her district, but that could make a difference for the entire state. “There are rural areas down in south Florida, too,” she said. “And to me, this is where it becomes exciting to be a Representative — when you meet with people and they have ideas that make a difference for not just their region, but for everybody.”

The new legislation expands Enterprise Zones for up to three miles, and will extend existing zones for up to five miles.

Everett said this change in the Enterprise Zone laws could be huge for Washington County, especially in the Ebro area.  “This can be a huge game-changer for Ebro.”

He said the days of counties or cities working on their own to attract industry are over. “We have to work together, it has to be a regional effort these days to attract business,” Everett said. “For example, the mega-site project that has been in the works for Jackson County — when that happens, there could be 1,500 to 2,000 new jobs. Can you imagine what that would mean for all of us?”

Coley also said the 2013 Legislative Session was important for its concentration on education. “It was a great year for education,” she said. “Education is such an important key to having a strong economy.”

The Legislature found more money for the school districts, which Coley said should mean teachers will be receiving raises this year. The Legislature also passed legislation restructuring the educational paths for students.

She said the new legislation will provide three pathways for students to receive a standard high school diploma — a scholar track, leading to college studies, a career track that will offer professional certifications for high school graduates so they will have skills with which to gain employment after high school; and a standard track which will prepare students to have the math, science and reasoning skills needed to be employed.

“I spoke to a manager at a port in Panama City, and he told me that they had positions they were unable to fill, because the applicants could not pass a basic math and skills test required for employment,” Coley said.

Coley, a former teacher, said she gets excited when she talks about education.

“One of the great things about being in the Legislature, you deal with so many different topics, you can’t be an expert on them all. But when it comes to education, that’s my area of expertise.”

Another piece of legislation which had its genesis in the Panhandle was an agri-tourism bill, which grew out of Waterway South meetings that Coley and Everett attended a couple of years ago.

Coley said the House version of the agri-tourism bill was nearly sunk when an “interested party” convinced another representative to attach an amendment, which Coley said “gutted the bill.”  “It turned it into a ‘sounds pretty, looks pretty’ bill with no substance,” Coley said.

This was a problem because Coley had worked closely with Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam on creating the bill, and it had specific language that Putnam wanted in the bill.

However, the Senate version of the bill passed without any troublesome amendments, so the House was able to set their bill aside and adopt the unchanged Senate bill.

“The best legislation occurs when representatives listen to the people,” Coley said.

Jackson County Deputy Harold “Mike” Altman was on patrol the night of Jan. 30,

2007, near Sheriff John McDaniel’s house. He was the first to respond that night to a call for help from McDaniel’s wife, Mellie.

When Altman arrived at the McDaniel house, he was shot down by Lionel Sands and Daniel Brown, the two men who had followed Mellie McDaniel home and murdered her. Moments later, Sheriff McDaniel and several other officers arrived. A gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of Sands and Brown.

Altman’s sacrifice that night was recognized Thursday at the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Behind Closed Doors, 2013 Rural Training Institute at Chipola College in Marianna.

The institute gave a special presentation, the first of its kind, to Altman’s mother and father, Madeline and Harold Altman. Jackson County Sheriff Lou Roberts made the presentation, telling them that every law enforcement officer recognizes that at any moment they too may be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice.

“He was one of the most caring people I’ve ever known,” Roberts said. “He had a real compassion for people.”

Madeline Altman said her son died “doing what he loved best.”

She said after the ceremony that Deputy Altman would call her every night after work and tell her about her day.

“He wasn’t about locking people up,” she said. “He was about helping people.”

Deputy Altman will be honored again in a memorial on May 24 at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

“This will be a memorial to honor our law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and their families,” Roberts said.

Poplar Springs — Poplar Springs High School held its annual Athletic Banquet Tuesday in the high school cafeteria.

Student athletes from cheerleading, basketball, baseball, and softball were all honored.

This year, the Holmes County Times-Advertiser presented the Jack Davis Memorial Award to the Poplar Springs High School outstanding male athlete of 2013, Colby Sorrells, and to the High School outstanding female athlete of 2013, Hadley Battles.

Beth Hall and Cody Pellam were named Athlete of the Year, while Kallie Rodriguez and Tanner Smith were named Miss and Mister Atomic.

Kelli McIntoshwas honored with the Durwood Corbitt Award.

For more photos, see the May 22 edition of the Holmes CountyTimes-Advertiser.

See photo gallery here.

BETHLEHEM — Bethlehem High School honored their athletes at the 2013 Bethlehem Athletic Banquet held on May 14.

Athletes from all sports, including volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball and golf were recognized as players and for their outstanding achievements.

Awarded the Black and Gold Award, which is the school’s recognition for the most talented and achieved male and female athlete was BJ Stephens and Summer Potter.

For more on the 2013 Bethlehem Athletic Banquet check out our next edition of the Holmes County Times-Advertiser.

See photo gallery here.

Go beyond the usual this Father’s Day.  Save the Manatee Club suggests a real Florida manatee gift adoption for caring dads, everywhere.  Select from 35 living manatees with known histories in the Club’s adoption programs including Rocket, Brutus, Doc, Paddy Doyle and other great choices for dad.  See them all at www.savethemanatee.org/adoptees.  Funds from the adoption program support the Club’s manatee conservation efforts around the world.

“I chose Vector because he loves to travel and so does my dad,” says Madison Johnston, a student at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, who adopted a manatee last year for Father’s Day.  “My dad was so excited and surprised when he received the adoption.  He loves manatees!”

Each $25 gift adoption includes an adoption certificate with a color photo, biography, a membership handbook, the Club’s official quarterly newsletter, The Manatee Zone, the bi-monthly E-newsletter, Paddle Tales, and a year’s membership in Save the Manatee Club.  This Father’s Day, each new member who joins the Adopt-A-Manatee® program for a $35 tax-deductible donation, will also receive the new 2013 Club T-shirt featuring a tropical design by renowned wildlife artist Nancy Blauers.  Shipping is free in the United States.

Manatees are Florida’s official state marine mammal and they’re listed as endangered at the state, federal, and international levels.  Save the Manatee Club, a Florida-based international nonprofit conservation and manatee welfare manatee organization, was founded in 1981 by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett and former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham.  Funds from the adoption program help fund manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts; research; education and public awareness projects; conservation work to protect manatees and their habitat; and programs in the United States, Central and South America, the Wider Caribbean, and West Africa.

“It has been a very difficult time for manatees in Florida these past months,” says Patrick Rose, aquatic biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “We have lost more than 10% of the entire population to a combination of life-threatening events, including catastrophic losses from red tide toxins.  Adoption program funds provide the critical support manatees need in these unprecedented times.”

Madison, who is currently studying Environmental Studies and Biology, cares about the manatees and their future.  “Manatees are such a vital part of the ocean’s ecosystems, and they contribute to the overall productivity of those ecosystems in many ways,” she explains.  “Their curiosity and vulnerability, however, puts them at great risk.  I think Save the Manatee Club is doing tremendous work in conserving and protecting the manatees.”

For more information about manatees, and to adopt one for Father’s Day, contact Save the Manatee Club at 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751, call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646), or visit their web site at www.savethemanatee.org, where you can also sign up for the Club’s free E-Newsletter.

Also visit The Manatee Store, the Club’s online shopping center, for more Father’s Day gift ideas.  Go to www.shopsavethemanatee.org.

You can follow the Club using Twitter http://twitter.com/savethemanatee and Facebook www.facebook.com/savethemanateeclub.  Watch manatees in their natural habitat on the Club’s Blue Spring webcams at manatv.org.

June is National Home Safety Month, and local senior care experts are encouraging adult children to add a simple, yet important duty to their list of summer chores:  Conduct a “look and see” inspection of their parent’s home

“Many seniors and their families don’t think about the fact that homes must adapt to the changing needs of seniors as they age until an accident happens,” said Angie Berry, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving the Wiregrass Area including Henry, Houston, Dale, Coffee, Barbour and Genevia counties.

“There are many potential hazards that could force seniors to lose their independence.  Important safety areas to highlight in a senior’s home run the gamut from accessibility to lighting to trip and fall hazards.  A lack of attention to those details can jeopardize an older adult’s ability to remain at home,” Berry said.

Many home safety improvements are simple and inexpensive, experts say.  Convincing seniors, on the other hand, is another story.  Danise Levine, assistant director of the IDEA Center at the SUNY (State University of New York) Buffalo School of Architecture, said that denial often comes into play with seniors.

“We see a lot of seniors who don’t want to admit they’re getting older so they don’t want to make changes in their homes,” Levine said.  “Secondly, consumer education is an issue.  If older adults do need help they often don’t know where to go or how much things cost.”

Berry said it’s important to identify various safety pitfalls from poor lighting to the need for adaptive devices in a home.  While many fixes are simple and inexpensive, others might involve a remodeling project to help a senior remain at home.

“That first, important step is to make an objective assessment of what needs to be done to keep them at home,” Berry said.  “It’s one of the most important services that Home Instead Senior Care provides.”

For more information or to obtain a free home safety checklist, contact the local Home Instead Senior Care Office at 334-699-6815.

A Home Safety Assessment and Checklist

Seniors and their families might want to look for the following opportunities when performing a home safety assessment.

Examine dark pathways, corners and other areas where seniors regularly walk or read.  Make sure all areas of the home have adequate lighting.  Timed and motion-sensor lights outdoors can illuminate potentially dangerous pathways.  Inside, consider Ott-Lites – which provide a high-intensity beam for doing detail work.  Make sure that hallways and stairs are properly lit.

Avoid monochromatic color schemes.  Contrast can help seniors with failing eyesight better navigate their homes.  Large red and blue buttons over hot and cold water faucet controls will help prevent dangerous mistakes.  A dark green or brown toilet seat and vinyl tape around the shower will make those fixtures more easily distinguished.  Kitchen countertops should contrast with floors as well.

Look for ways to reorganize.  Mom always put the black stew pot under the stove to keep the kids from breaking it.  Perhaps now it belongs on a shelf beside the stove.  And who says the eggs must go in the egg tray of the refrigerator?  Perhaps it’s easier for dad to handle them if they’re stored in the meat tray.  If that hallway table, which has always been a permanent fixture, is becoming a dangerous obstacle, relocate it.

Look behind closed doors.  Many seniors will close off parts of a house they no longer use.  Be sure to check those areas regularly for mold or water damage.  Don’t close vents to crawl spaces.

Look for ways to simplify your senior’s life.  Talk to your parents about why and how they do things then look for ways to simplify their lives.  If your Mom’s immaculate floors are now regularly dirty, think about how she’s been doing that job all these years and offer options.

Rather than a heavy mop and bucket, investigate light-weight, all-in-one mops. If your senior is replacing appliances, look for smooth-top stoves and refrigerators with water and ice on the outside.  Change door knobs to levers, or purchase grips that can go on conventional knobs.  Convert single-bulb light fixtures to multiple bulbs so seniors still have light when one bulb burns out.

Consider security.  Think about the potential dangers that lurk within your loved one’s home.  Lock-in switches on thermostats and stoves will keep seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease from harming themselves.  Help them manage in their environment by installing a cordless intercom. 

Keep an eye out for damage.  Watch for signs that a senior is adapting his or her behavior to the environment.  Look for towel bars or window sills that are pulling away or shower curtains that have torn from seniors using them to grab onto.

Look for ways to make entries safe.  Make sure that railings into a home are in good repair and that steps and sidewalks are not damaged. Or eliminate steps altogether.  Make sure that doors into a home can be set to stay open for carrying groceries and other items in and out.  Install remote control locks.

Is clutter taking over?  Messy conditions and broken items are important warning signs.  Remove area rugs and stacks of newspapers and magazines, or other potential obstacles.

Contact a professional senior-care service, such as Home Instead Senior Care, which can conduct a home safety assessment and serve as a second set of eyes for older adults.

This list was adapted from the home safety checklist developed by Home Instead Senior Care and enhanced in cooperation with the SUNY Buffalo School of Architecture IDEA Center, the National Association of Home Builders—Remodelers CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialists), the National Aging in Place Council, and aging-in-place consultant Louis Tenenbaum.

CHIPLEY — The Chipley High School annual Sports Banquet honored athletes from all of the Tigers' programs Monday night at the high school auditorium.

Numerous awards were handed out, but taking top honors as Athletes of the Year were Junior Kobe McCrary and senior Sara Kaye Compton.

For more photos, see the May 22 edition of the Washington County News.

To see the May 11 edition of Washington County News Weekend click here.

BONIFAY — Training Manager Jeff Brewer with Family Dollar Distributions Inc. was able to confirm that the mysterious outlet that the City of Bonifay approved zoning for will be a Family Dollar store during the Kiwanis Club of Bonifay’s May 8 meeting.

The new store coming to Bonifay is going to be located next to the Tom Thumb on State Road 79 near Memorial Park and has a tentative date to start construction in February of 2014.

“Once they get started they usually only take two to three months to finish and that’s from when they first start clearing to when the first register is opened for business,” said Brewer. “We got most of our customers in 2008 and we’re pushing to keep them. It’s been a challenge and it’s becoming more and more challenging but we’re determined to stay competitive.”

“We market for more urban areas generally,” said Brewer. “What we market is convenience. When you’re on your way home and don’t want to go all the way to Wal-Mart for milk we offer convenience.”

Brewer explained that both Family Dollar and the Dollar General experienced a “boom in business” due to the fall of the economy in 2008.

“It was revolutionary for dollar stores at that time because when the economy went down those who would usually go to Target and higher end stores couldn’t afford those expenses any more and the increase in business at the dollar stores skyrocketed,” said Brewer. “We still have a really big push at the moment for dollar stores. We just opened our eleventh distribution center in Utah, we’ve got over 7,788 stores in 48 states in the United States and a distribution center in Marianna.”

He explained that the Marianna distribution center is 9,700 square feet in size and operates with 90 forklifts, three shifts, and 400 people working 24 hours a day from Sunday evening to Friday evening every week.

“Wages start from $10 to $12,” said Brewer. “The work is hard but there’s room for advancement. I’ve enjoyed working there.”

He said the location was fundamental for developing a distribution center in that area.

“We try to reach the furthest we can in the shortest amount of time and Marianna was ideal for reaching the tip of Florida, to Dothan, to Bainbridge and to reaching our largest store in demand, which is in New Orleans in Louisiana. Amazingly that store has six registers and receives a whole trailer of merchandise each week where most only need a third.”

The biggest demand that they’re trying to satisfy at the moment, Brewer said, was for groceries.

“Food is a very competitive market and we’re trying to get you into those stores,” he said. “We actually eat the cost of food in the hopes of getting you into the store to purchase something else. We’re not making any money on our food distribution, but we think this is what it takes to get you in and keep you coming in.”

BONIFAY — The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrests of three people following two high-speed chases over the course of two nights.

Wesley Adam Thompson, 30, of DeFuniak Springs and Peggy Jo Turner, 38, of DeFuniak Springs, were arrested after a 20-minute high-speed chase on the evening of May 8.

A Holmes County deputy attempted to stop a red Chevrolet pickup for registration and seatbelt violations when the vehicle sped up and led the deputy on a 20-minute high-speed chase, according to the report.

The chase went almost to the Alabama State line when the truck seemed to experience some mechanical problems and then the driver, Thompson, “bailed out” of the vehicle and was caught by the deputy after a short run, according to the report.

After a search of the truck, deputies say they found meth and paraphernalia and arrested Turner, who was the passenger.

Thompson is being charged with fleeing and attempting to elude, willful and wanton reckless driving, attached tag not assigned, possession of meth and possession of paraphernalia. Turner is being charged with possession of meth and paraphernalia.

Both Thompson and Turner are being held at the Holmes County Jail until their first court appearance.

David Earl Blackmon, 42, of Dothan, was arrested after a high-speed chase in the early morning hours of May 9.

According to the report, deputies were responding to a call reporting a robbery and that the suspect took off in a Ford Mustang.

The deputies were on their way to the scene when they met the suspect’s car speeding west on State Road 90, according to the report.

The suspect then sped up to 120 miles per hour, turned off his headlights in an attempt to lose the deputies and lost control of his car when he tried to turn onto Tobe Rutherford Road, finally coming to a stop in the woods.

Blackmon then tried to get away on foot through the woods but was quickly caught.

While being escorted back to the vehicle, Blackmon shook off the deputies for another short run through the woods before being caught again, according to the report.

After deputies searched Blackmon, they found a large amount of cash, believed to belong to the victim, hidden in Blackmon’s crotch.

Blackmon is being charged with fleeing and attempting to elude, willful and wanton reckless driving and robbery by sudden snatching and is being held at the Holmes County Jail until his first court hearing.

Sheriff Tim Brown asks the public for assistance on reporting illegal activity by calling 547-4421 or emailing reportacrime@holmescosheriff.org.

CHIPLEY — The Washington-Holmes Technical Center Battle of the Bands is taking place this afternoon at the Old Chipley High School, home of the Spanish Trail Playhouse. Come out and cheer on the bands.

ESTO — The Esto Town Council approved the final reading and held a public hearing of an ordinance to increase the town’s water rates on Tuesday, May 7.

The rates will increase to $19 inside town limits and $21 outside the town limits for the first 3,000 gallons and $4 per thousand gallons over 3,000 gallons as well as $1 per month per meter for fire protection, $125 for security deposits, $200 for connection fees and $500 for tap-in fees.

The rates will take effect immediately and will be reflected on the statements mailed out in June.

Landowner Brady Well Brady Well made an offer to sell his property to the town for $36,000. The property has been used by visitors as extra parking during the Two-Toe Tom Festival.

Town Clerk Jody Sellers informed the council that the property was appraised at $7,500.

“I suggest we send him a letter letting him know we appreciate him for letting us use it for the festival and at the present time it is not in our budget,” said Chairman Danny Powell. “However, we are interested and if we have enough in our budget by the next festival we’ll make him a substantial offer.”

The council also discussed their current maintenance man, due to the fact that his one-year raise was up for review.

“He does good work,” said Powell. “He’s a jack of all trades and can do just about anything. We just have to work on his time management.”

The council approved of giving him a five percent pay increase.

The council also approved a resolution and supplemental agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation.

Sellers explained that there was an agreement with the FDOT to pay the town for maintaining the sides of State Road 79 within the town limits for $2,533.86 a quarter and they were requesting an extension of their agreement from June 30 to Sept. 30.

“I don’t see where we have a choice,” said Powell. “We need the money.”

The council agreed to look into getting a getting a grant for additional playground improvements at the park.

“We’ve noticed an increase of the use of the tennis courts and would like to expand for more recreational options for older children and teens,” said Powell.

Council members also agreed with Council member Darlene Madden’s suggestion to look into improving the recreational center by possibly repairing the kitchen’s cabinets, new tile floors for the bathrooms, reinforcing the window seats and putting a new seal on the concrete floor.

“Women have the tendency to notice things in the kitchen,” said Madden. “It’s nice that we’ve got a new roof, but we need to do something about the inside because we’ve got these women coming in for family reunions and cooking and it’s just an awful sight. How are we going to get more people to rent out the recreational center when it’s looking like that?”

Powell informed the council that there had been acts of vandalism on the dock at the park.

“We’ve patched it up the best we can until we can get the parts we need and in the color we want because when I went up there to get what we need they didn’t have it in the color we needed,” said Powell. “I’ll keep looking for our color and I’ll also get quotes to see if we can get the whole thing replaced in red or cedar.”

The council approved of moving the Two-Toe Tom Festival to the first weekend in April instead of the second.

“We just can’t compete with Toad Lick,” said Madden.

Council members agreed that it should be mandatory that maintenance workers work a full day before and on the day of the Two-Toe Tom Festival.

Madden also informed them that the Esto Fire Department would be covering the Two-Toe Tom Beauty Pageant concession stand and that additional outlets would be required for B&B Inflatables to return to the next festival.

Further discussion of the festival took place, including the possibility of a new soundman and increasing the entertainment to cover both sides of the park.

Powell informed them that they made a profit of $1,206 at last year’s event.

The Esto Town Council will meet again at 7 p.m. on June 3.