www.AlachuaCountyToday.com 25¢Thursday, December 17, 2015Vol. 16 No. 02 Alachua, Florida, two sections

AlachuaCounty

odayTServing the Heartland Communities

8 2015 Alachua Today, Incorporated

Index insideon A2 Alachua Pediatrics & Primary Care

(Adults and Children)Dr. Nasir Ahmed, M.D.Dr. Bilal Khodr, M.D.

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Parades and more in Alachua, Archer and High Springs A6

Saving the 'high springs'

NEWBERRY – City commissioners found themselves grappling with how to tackle needed renovations to the historically-significant Little Red Schoolhouse building during the last city commission meeting of 2015.

A structural evaluation conducted by architect Paul Stresing of Paul Stresing Associates, Inc. noted two areas of concern for the structure, which was originally built in 1909 to accommodate the academic needs of the local residents and functions today as a museum and city administrative offices.

Other than an expansion to add handicapped restrooms and the addition of an elevator in 1999, the two-story building has not received any large scale improvements or repairs since the City has owned it.

ALACHUA – Medicinal marijuana may have been made legal by the State in 2014, but municipalities have had work

to do to make sure their laws are updated.

“The city regulates other businesses like retail and automotive, but there were no regulations for marijuana because it was illegal,” Alachua Assistant City Manager Adam

Boukari said.On Monday, the Alachua

City Commission extended for three months the moratorium on Ordinance 15-08, which controls the applications for marijuana dispensing organizations.

This is relevant because one of the five nurseries selected in November by Florida health officials to cultivate and legally distribute marijuana for patients

HIGH SPRINGS – The hidden spring on a hill has no official name, obscuring its influence on local history: there would likely be no City of High Springs without it.

The first settlement in the area was near it and at least two other smaller springs on the hill.

A rail line fortuitously passed a little less than half a mile south in 1884, and the unique geographical feature of a handful of “high springs” not only gave the city a name but also enticed the Plant System to establish its division headquarters there in 1895.

High Springs became an important rail center because the water from the spring on what is now known as High Springs Hill was conveniently accessible: the spring was dammed and the water diverted through underground pipes down to the tracks for use with the steam engines – gravity did the work directing the water downhill.

As steam engines gradually became obsolete, the rail industry slowly faded away until it was virtually gone by the 1950s.

The spring – the water level clearly visible in old aerial photographs – greatly diminished due to years of rail siphoning and other human use and was forgotten by all but the smallest number of residents.

Now, the spring that birthed the community has a chance at revitalization.

“We’d like to clean it up a little bit, make it sort of a scenic thing,” said High Springs City Manager Ed Booth. “Maybe put some picnic tables up, but we’re not looking to make it a huge tourist attraction.”

The City already owns approximately an acre of property on what was once

thought to be the location of the spring.

A decision was made at the city commission meeting on Dec. 10, however, to hire a survey team to plot the precise location.

“Apparently the property we own is just outside the spring,” Booth said. “The owner of the 16 acres [adjacent to the city property] has already agreed to trade us

property so we can actually own the spring.”

The surrounding 16 acres is currently undeveloped but is owned by JFL Holdings, LLC, the same group that developed the Bailey Estates housing subdivision nearby

off NW 190th Avenue.The entire 16 acre parcel

SPRING:Continued on page A3

HIDDEN SPRING ON A HILL

State selects local nursery for medical marijuana operation

BOB BROWN/Alachua County TodayThe dam pictured above blocks the former spring run creating a reservoir for the namesake spring of High Springs. It was constructed of large wooden beams by railroad workers, and additional concrete material was added later.

Little Red Schoolhouse needs repairs

NEWBERRY:Continued on page A2

Mebane robotics team gets win,advances to State

PHOTO/Special to Alachua County Today Winners of Mebane Middle School’s Team Work Challenge L-R: Miguel Acuna-Gonzalez, Hunter Thomas and Julian Scott, II.

ALACHUA – A Mebane Middle School robotics team earned a spot to compete in the state competition in Tampa in February.

A district competition was held at Lincoln Middle School on Thursday, Dec. 10, where the team won

the teamwork challenge over 21 other middle school teams.

“The kids promised me they would win,” said Mebane robotics and math teacher Timothy Hinchman. “They did a fantastic job.”

The team of Miguel Acuna-Gonzalez, Julian

MARIJUANA:Continued on page A5

By RAINA BARNETTToday Intern

High Springs delays hiring of staff attorney

HIGH SPRINGS – The city commission discussed the possibility of hiring a city attorney at the Dec. 10 meeting.

High Springs currently retains the services of the Gainesville law firm Folds & Walker, LLC for their legal needs. Commissioners agreed that

By KARA DAVISSpecial to

Alachua County Today

ATTORNEY:Continued on page A5

ROBOTICS:Continued on page A5

By DAVID S. WISENERToday Editor

By RAINA BARNETTToday Intern

By C.M. WALKERToday Reporter

Water rates up in High Springs

By C.M. WALKERToday Reporter

HIGH SPRINGS – A water rate increase of $1 and $3 for wastewater will be reflected in the December bills for all High Springs residents.

Although a much higher base rate of $13 was suggested by a recent Florida Rural Water Association survey, city commissioners decided to increase the cost for wastewater by the lower rate at this time as it reflects the actual cost of replacing failing grinder pumps – an ongoing issue of concern for the city.

City Manager Ed Booth said the city will be holding a workshop early next year to discuss where the city is going to go with the sewer system.

“We have been working using the objectives that were determined 15 years ago,” said Booth. “It’s time we look at what our situation is now, determine where we want to go and move forward to reach new goals.

RATES:Continued on page A5

A2 Alachua County Today LOCAL NEWS Thursday, December 17, 2015

Jesse says,“A conclusion is the place where you got tired of

thinking. ”

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is relaunching the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign after recent terror attacks.

“As the holidays approach, we remind our citizens to remain vigilant,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “It’s important that we are aware of our surroundings and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement.”

Florida initially launched the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign in 2011. Although the campaign never ended, FDLE is redistributing information to its law enforcement and media partners asking them to consider reposting the information on social media and writing news stories about the campaign.

Officials encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to local authorities or call 1-855-FLA-SAFE 1-855-352-

7233. It can also be reported online through FDLE’s website at www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Examples of suspicious activity include things like: people drawing or measuring buildings for no known reason, strangers asking questions about building security procedures or people in secure areas where they are not supposed to be, or leaving behind briefcases, suitcases, backpacks or packages.

The “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign,

originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to Department of Homeland Security for a nationwide campaign, is a simple and effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime to the proper law enforcement authorities.

A message from the desk of Sheriff Sadie DarnellIf You See Something, Say Something™

Q: What is an Orthodontist?

A: An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in techniques used for straightening teeth. This generally involves the use of braces, bands, wires and elastic bands to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites, a condition called malocclusion. The word orthodontist comes from the Greek “orthos” for straight, or correct, and “dontia,” for teeth.

Like any dental specialist, an orthodontist has completed the same education and internship that all dentists complete. The aspiring orthodontist then has to be accepted into an orthodontics program that generally will involve another two to three years of education and training. They learn

about tooth movement and about facial development, an area referred to as dentofacial orthopedics. They are trained to diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities. They also are trained in the use of appliances and techniques that move teeth into positions that not only make them look better, but make them healthier and more efficient.

So the goal of straightening teeth is not all cosmetic: misaligned teeth can be difficult to clean, leading to decay. A misaligned bite can damage teeth through clenching and grinding. Orthodontists, like most dental specialists, limit their practice only to their specialty. Talk with your dentist for more information on dental specialties.

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ObituaryTherese Gail Jerrell

Therese Gail Jerrell, age 50, of Alachua, Florida, passed away on Dec. 10, 2015. She was born in Gainesville, Florida, on May 13, 1965. Therese graduated from Sidney Lanier School and attended Santa Fe Community College. She was very active in Special Olympics, having won numerous gold and silver medals. Her favorite sports to participate in were bowling, golf and bocce. Therese was selected as a Global Messenger (spokesperson) for Special Olympics and was sent to Orlando, Florida, and San Francisco, California, to receive her training. She promoted Special Olympics by speaking at clubs and organizations throughout the county and state and represented Special Olympics in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and also the annual golf tournament fundraiser. Therese never met a stranger and enjoyed life and being around family and friends.

She was a member of Forest Grove Baptist Church and over the years participated in the choir, Sunday School, Acteens and helping in the nursery. She loved the Florida Gator football team, especially Tebow. She loved music, especially the Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and the Gaithers and loved attending their concerts.

Therese volunteered at North Florida Regional Hospital for a number of years and worked at Mulberry Landing Restaurant in Alachua until it closed.

She then started working at Sonny’s in Alachua and took pride in rolling silverware at both jobs. She worked at Sonny’s until her health prevented her from working.

Therese is preceded in death by her grandparents, Flora and J. P. Koon and Wilma and Henry Jerrell, aunts Avine Koon, Jenny Barlett, Sandra Nelson, Alta Jerrell and uncles Fred Yarbrough, Don Jerrell, Herbert Jerrell and her dear friend Jeff Wyatt. She is survived by her parents, Gail and Harold Jerrell of Alachua, Florida, aunts; Florence Yarbrough of Jackson, Georgia, Linda Conner (Donald) of White Springs, Florida; uncles Jack Koon of High Springs, Florida, Sonny Jerrell (Jean) of Jacksonville, Florida, and numerous cousins, including her cousin Melanie, whom she called “Sis.”

Therese was our hero and an angel sent by God. She will be forever remembered in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 22575 NW 94th Avenue, Alachua, Florida. Viewing will be 30 minutes prior to the funeral. Burial will follow at the High Springs Cemetery, High Springs, Florida. There will be a time for family visitation and lunch at Forest Grove Baptist Church immediately following the burial. The family would like everyone to attend.

Arrangements are under the care of Langford-Rogers Funeral Home, under the direction of Rick Gooding Funeral Home, Chiefland, Florida, 352-493-0050.

Obituaries: The obituaries in this section are considered news and are published free of charge by Alachua County Today. Obituaries may be edited for style, space and policy.

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Over the years, a number of areas of concern have been noticed that include compromises to the building’s chimney along the south side where areas of the brick wall appear to be disintegrating. “Soft brick and mortar deterioration” appear to be the main issues, however, Stresing said that the “good news is that the wood frame of the building appears to be structurally sound.”

Based on his observations, Stresing estimated the cost of repairs would be $45,000, but emphasized that the city should hire a

highly-qualified mason, preferably someone with a historic preservation background, to look at the building and provide a more in-depth cost estimate.

Matching the original brick will be nearly impossible according to Stresing, which brought about discussion on the option of removing the existing chimney and using those bricks as replacements where needed. The historic significance of maintaining the chimney was also discussed.

No decision regarding the chimney was made

during the meeting.Stresing’s report also

dealt with the attic space and ceiling water stains. He explained that the damage was not serious except on the insulation of the chimney, which is causing sagging and cracking issues. Stresing said that the ceiling is “hung” and therefore can come down and be replaced after the chimney is fixed. Repairs to this comes with an estimated $9,500 price tag .

City Manager Mike New will look into locating a qualified brick mason and will attempt to get a detailed list of the work to be done to put together a bid package. New suggested the City seek matching grants during the spring grant cycle to help defray some of the cost of the repairs.

Meanwhile, the building will be monitored for signs of serious structural problems, and Stresing suggested that a prioritized list of repairs could be put together to gradually fix all of the problems.

The item was tabled until New could return to the commission with additional information.

# # #EmailCwalker@alachuatoday.com

Monitored for structural problemsNEWBERRY:Continued from page A1

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With Deepest AppreciationThe love and kindness that was shown to me

and my family during the passing and illness of our brother, Jim Willie Robinson, was greatly

appreciated.

I just don’t have the words to express what it meant to us to have so many people supporting us

doing our time of sorrow.

Whatever you did to show us that you cared didn’t go unnoticed. We want each of you to know that how much we truly thank you for

remembering us do our trying time.

Eunice Johnson and familyHigh Springs, Florida

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A3Alachua County Today COMMUNITY CORNER Thursday, December 17, 2015

Meetings & Events in the Heartlands ■ Dec. 19: Newberry Christmas

Parade at 5 p.m. The parade starts at Walkers Produce and proceeds down SR 26 to the feed store.

■ Dec 19: High Springs Museum “The Gift Goes On....” (A Christmas Musical ) performed by The Kids on Main Street from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. After the show the High Springs Museum will have a reenactment of The Polar Express. Fun for the whole Family. Free.

■ Dec. 19: Reenactment of the Polar Express Magic Journey, Songs from Kids on Main Street, Santa & Mrs. Clause and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This event is sponsored by the High Springs Historical Museum. Location: Historic High Springs Elementary School and Community Center, 120 N.W. Second Ave. Times: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., free event, free refreshments.

■ Dec. 20: The Diner Community Wide Holiday Party - Everyone is Invited on Jan. 20, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Social Hour with ML Djing your favorite Holiday Songs, 4 – 5, Bubba Can't Dance performing Blues/Jazz/Holiday Music, 5 – 7. Drink and Dinner specials all night long. Free.

■ Dec. 4-20: The High Springs Playhouse Presents: Dashing Through the Snow - a Christmas comedy.Location: High Springs

Playhouse, 130 N.E. First Ave., Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Cost: $12 Adult, $8 Youth (12 and under) and Students with valid I.D., $10 for Seniors (55 and over) on Sundays. If a show is sold out online (HighSpringsPlayhouse.com), tickets may still be available by phoning 386-454-3525.

■ Dec. 24: First Baptist of Alachua (14005 NW 146th Ave.) will be having their annual Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m. We hope you will join us for this candlelight celebration of Jesus' birth.

■ Dec. 31: Bethesda Outreach Ministries invites the public to their New Years Eve Service at 10 p.m. The location is 13205 NW 157th Avenue, Alachua.

■ Jan. 2: Ichetucknee Springs “Annual Iche Nippy Dip Day.” Participate in an old tradition of starting your New Year by taking a “nippy dip” in the beautiful, clear 72 degree water of the Ichetucknee Springs headspring. The first “dip shift” is at 10 a.m. with the last “dip shift” at 11 a.m. Free giveaways, hot chocolate and coffee are sponsored by Honda of Gainesville. The headspring is located at the North Entrance, off Elim Church Road (County Road 238), Fort White. For additional information, contact the

park at 386-497-4690 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

■ Jan. 9 – 10: Gainesville Camellia Society’s 40th Annual Camellia Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9 and 10 at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive. The show will feature award-winning blooms from growers throughout the Southeastern United States. Growers may enter blooms on Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Judging will be from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to view the flowers from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday. Unique camellia plants will be available for sale from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. until all plants are sold.

■ Jan. 15: Introduction to Volunteering at Haven Hospice, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville. There are many ways in which your skills and your smile can make a difference by volunteering. Explore all the possibilities, including patient support, administrative and volunteering in our resale stores! Call Jayna Mason at352- 692-5130 for more information. To apply online, go to www.HavenHospice.org/volunteer

SPRING:Continued from page A1

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#Alachua (City) – Meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. #Alachua County - Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Building, 12 SE 1st Street, Room 209, Gainesville. Citizen comments are taken at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.#Archer - Meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 16870 SW 134 Ave.#Gainesville - Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. at City Commission Chamber, 200 East University Avenue.#Hawthorne - Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.#High Springs – Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall.#LaCrosse – Meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.#Micanopy - Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.#Newberry – Meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall#Waldo - Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Yerkes Center.

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had previously been zoned for conservation until it was changed to residential during a city commission meeting on Aug. 27.

According to City Attorney Scott Walker, a previous city commission had planned to acquire the parcel and had been in talks with the owner about doing so but then changed the zoning of the land to conservation before the parcel was acquired.

When asked whether the city would again be looking at acquiring the 16 acres, which includes the old spring run in the direction of High Springs Community School, Booth said the city was only interested in the single acre on which the spring itself sits.

Booth said funding for the cleanup of the spring would come from the Suwannee River Water Management District and would be a joint effort between the City and the Florida Springs Institute, which will be opening the North Florida Springs Environmental Center near High Springs City Hall on NW 1st Avenue.

# # #Email Dwisener@alachuatoday.com

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GAINESVILLE – Alachua County Public Schools has won an Implementation Farm to School Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This year, 74 award recipients from 39 states were awarded Farm to School grants. Of those 74 award recipients, 11 award recipients are from the Southeast Region and only one from Florida.

This grant follows the previously-awarded USDA Planning Grant that the district won two years ago. This grant will increase the amount of locally produced foods served in school and summer meals, expand nutrition and wellness curriculum, and provide hands-on learning

experiences for students. The project will

collaborate with the district’s Exceptional Student Education Department to expand the Alachua Farm to School to Work Hub, which grows, aggregates, and processes locally grown foods for distribution to district schools.

With the help of the $80,179 implementation grant from the USDA, the district will focus its efforts on schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families.

“Many of these families don’t have regular access to locally-grown fruits and vegetables” said Maria Eunice, director of the district’s Food and Nutrition Services department. “We want students to experience the benefits of these foods

while they’re in school.”“It’s our goal to

promote our students health and well-being in a variety of ways, from the foods we serve to physical activity to classroom activities,” said Eunice. “We believe the lessons they’re learning in school will last them a lifetime.”

# # #Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Boost for local foods in schoolsSpecial to

Alachua County Today

Joint funding effort

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A4 Alachua County Today VOICE OF THE HEARTLANDS Thursday, December 17, 2015

Cruz vs. Rubio -- A Better GOP Race

Platitudes Won’t Cut It

A funny thing is happening on the way to the GOP meltdown.

According to the latest Quinnipiac poll, the two most popular and broadly acceptable candidates in the field are perhaps the most talented and most reliably conservative. Oh, and by the way, they are Hispanics in their 40s.

Donald Trump is still leading the polls and has demonstrated a staying power that has confounded his critics, but

Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are now beginning to stand out in the rest of the field, clustering with Ben Carson in effectively a three-way tie for second place nationally.

According to the latest Quinnipiac poll, Rubio and Cruz

have the highest net favorable ratings in the race at 58 percent and 56 percent, respectively. Only 5 percent of Republicans say they wouldn’t consider voting for Rubio, and 6 percent say that of Cruz, the lowest numbers in the field (Trump and Jeb Bush are unacceptable to the most Republicans, at 26 percent and 21 percent, respectively).

Unlike with Trump or Carson, explaining the emergence of Rubio and Cruz doesn’t require

figuring out why the laws of political gravity have been suspended or psychoanalyzing GOP voters. They are advancing in a completely typical track.

They both have thought about running for president for a very long time. They both paid their dues -- Cruz in the George W. Bush campaign and administration; Rubio in the Florida House. They both serve in a body, the U.S. Senate, that practically exists as a steppingstone to the White House. They both look, talk and act like politicians -- because they are politicians, and good ones.

If the race eventually winnows down to a Rubio-Cruz fight, it will feature supremely skilled campaigners who are eloquent and sure-footed and represent the best next-generation politicians the party

has to offer. A Cruz-Rubio race would play as grass roots vs. the establishment, although Rubio in the establishment slot would be an enormous victory for the tea party, which over the years has backed some flagrantly unsuitable candidates.

There is no doubt that the two are now positioned differently. From the beginning of his Senate career, Cruz has focused on bonding with the grass roots of the party, while Rubio sponsored a misbegotten immigration bill that hasn’t been forgotten or forgiven by conservatives. Cruz is working from the right of the party out (he’s strongest among self-identified very conservative voters), and Rubio is working from the center of the party out (he’s strongest among self-identified somewhat conservatives).

There are doubts about both

of them. Is Cruz electable? Can Rubio be trusted on immigration? Does Cruz lack a winning personal touch? Is Rubio too youthful-looking? And Donald Trump can’t be wished away.

If Trump wins Iowa, it will indeed be like the First Bull Run of the Republican civil war. Regardless, the race is still highly unpredictable, and the last couple of weeks before Iowa and New Hampshire always bring surprises.

But Republicans hyperventilating over Trump should pause long enough to appreciate the steady rise of two conservative 40-somethings who represent the party’s future.

Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.

(c) 2015 by King Features Synd., Inc.

Alachua County TodayEstablished in 2000

Ellen B. Boukari Bryan Boukari Executive Editor Publisher

Alachua Today, Inc.

Alachua County Today Policy Statement

Alachua County Today is dedicated to reporting news and events relevant to all citizens of the Heartland Commu nities. Above all, the staff is dedicated to policies of fairness and objectivity, and to avoiding what is sometimes characterized as "agenda journalism."

Alachua County Today is not a Republican newspaper, not a Democratic paper. Nor is it a liberal or conservative paper.

Alachua County Today is

a newspaper dedicated to: (1) balanced reporting of news and events relevant to the community, and (2) reporting on all significant social, economic and political issues and problems that the staff believes should be of concern to our readers.

The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the management, ownership, reporters, or staff of Alachua County Today.

I’ve been known to rail against meaningless and/or deceptive platitudes: “We wish him well,” for instance, when referring to a departing employee. The real meaning is “May he burn in hell.” There’s also “Thank you for asking,” which translates to “It’s really none of your business.”

But let’s add a truly insidious one to the lot; we’ve been seeing it over and over again as Americans are killed or maimed by crazy people firing guns: “Our thoughts

and prayers are with the family” yada, yada yada. The New York Daily News got it right with its startling headline: “God Isn’t Fixing This.”

That was after the slaughter in San Bernardino, California, and after the lineup of craven political leaders cybermumbled or tweeted their robotic “thoughts and prayers” messages. But that just isn’t going to cut it. Beseeching a higher power won’t solve the big problem here, the lack of action by our lower powers; it won’t stop the crazy people from getting their hands on readily available, hand-held weapons of mass destruction.

By now most of us have seen the statistic: In 2015 alone, there have been more than 350 “mass shootings,” defined as a shooting that results in four or more people being killed or wounded. And considering how easy it is to get lethal firepower, it’s probably not a bit surprising.

Reflexively we blame the National Rifle Association, that incredibly powerful

lobbying organization backed by the arms merchants, which effectively blocks through intimidation even minimally rational controls on the ability to buy and possess these death machines. Perhaps the real blame should be heaped on the politicians who do not dare entertain any restrictions or qualifications under threat of NRA jackboots.

For instance, as nutty as it sounds, a person on the terrorist watch list, who is not allowed to fly, can purchase a gun. Just one day after the San Bernardino butchery, Senate Republicans killed and amendment that would have corrected this lethal absurdity. One could contend that the NRA as well as the politicians they control are accomplices in the massacres.

But one also could argue that we all are. There are 300 million guns privately held in the United States. Not only that, but millions of us would go bonkers if anyone infringed on our right to keep them, as so carelessly enshrined in our Constitution.

The result is that we have become a very scary nation. President Barack Obama, plaintively said after the Planned Parenthood bloodshed (remember that one, just a few days before San Bernardino -- it’s hard to keep track), plaintively said, “We can’t let it become normal.”

As a country, we have a perverted relationship with guns. There have been many theories advanced about what they represent to Americans, but my preference is that we are frightened, feeling powerless in the face of sinister forces, and that lethal weaponry offers courage to the timid. How pathetic. How dangerous.

Imagine the families who deal with the loss of loved ones who were snuffed out by a psychopath while just going about their lives. It’s impossible to imagine how crushing their agony is. “Thoughts and prayers” won’t make that go away. Sanity over guns might help. And a little courage.

(c) 2015 Bob FrankenDistributed by King Features Synd.

Local NewsKeep kids and pets safe from holiday plants

GAINESVILLE – Those plants you bought to beautify your home during the holidays may look lovely, but they can pose dangers to your pets and children, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences expert says.

Wendy Wilber, statewide master gardener coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension, warns of four types of holiday plants that could bring peril to

your dog, cat or small child, if they eat parts of them

• Poinsettia: These are not toxic, but they can be an irritant, if consumed. Symptoms include a mouth rash and upset stomach in children or pets who eat too many leaves or bracts. The milky sap in the plant can irritate the skin. Pets and kids would be attracted by the colorful foliage.

• Holly berries: These cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and drowsiness if a child eats as few as two berries. Most of the time, the berries fall off a decoration

and onto the floor, and that is where a child or pet might find the red berries and eat them.

• Mistletoe: All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed. The white berries seem to be the most attractive to kids or pets. Consumption of mistletoe can cause blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, changes in blood pressure and death. Wilber urges you to seek medical attention immediately if someone consumes parts of mistletoe.

• Amaryllis: The bulb has the toxin Lycorine in it. One

would have to eat a lot of bulbs to become sick from it. “But having been the owner of a Labrador retriever, I know these things are possible,” Wilber said. “So amaryllis is more of a concern for pet owners.” For the dogs or cats who eat a lot of bulbs, one would see diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. She urges you to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Wilber’s advice is simple.“Keep holiday decorations

out of reach, and make sure no pieces fall on the floor,” she said. “Or skip mistletoe and holly until the kids are a

little older.”For information about

keeping your children and pets safe from the potential perils of holiday plants, go to: http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/lawn_and_garden/poinse t t ias .shtml.

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Special to Alachua County Today

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A5Alachua County Today LOCAL NEWS Thursday, December 17, 2015

HELP END HOMELESSNESS! The Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry,

Inc., a 501(c)(3), is starting a Motor Donor program to support the GRACE Marketplace Homeless Center

PLEASE DONATE

352 575-8307Cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles,

scooters and bicycles (running or not!)

All donations to us are tax deductible

Low-THC cannabis permittedMARIJUANA: Continued from page A1

with cancer and seizure disorders was Chestnut Hill Tree Farm, LLC in Alachua.

Chestnut Hill will be the dispensing organization for the Northeast Region of Florida.

The commission extension of the ordinance is due to the uniqueness of the situation calling for the development of new regulations, Boukari said.

“It was extended to make sure that the proper regulations were followed and would protect citizens,” he said. “We

had questions from the dispensing organization, so we needed more time to review.”

Boukari said the City staff is hopeful that their work is nearing completion.

“We’ve gone through a lot of research to meet the moratorium by the end of April,” he said.

In June 2014, Florida Senate Bill 1030, the “Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014” relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis, was adopted as State law. The Act allows patients and

their legal representatives to possess and purchase low-THC cannabis.

The Act became effective as law on June 17, 2015.

The City Commission originally placed a six month moratorium on development approvals for dispensing organizations in January 2015. On July 13, it was extended for an additional six months, until January 13, 2016.

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Competition sponsored by Infinite Energy pledge for next five yearsScott II, and Hunter Thomas won by creating a robot that performed a specific task.

“The intent was to develop a robot to shoot sphere plastic balls and score the most points,” Hinchman said. “Without making it too complicated of a robot, basically they had to score the most points in the least amount of time.”

If the team does well enough at the state competition, it will move on to the World

Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.

According to a press release from Alachua County Public Schools, the district’s robotics program was established this year as one of the initial elements of Superintendent Dr. Owen Roberts’ STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)

initiative.STEAM Teacher

Specialist Jessica Mead said the program helps prepare kids for

nationwide, and even worldwide, success.

“ S c i e n c e and engineering is becoming more and more crucial,” she said. “As educators, we try to expose [students] early and often to the opportunity to

prepare for a career.”

The district competition was sponsored by Infinite

Energy, which has pledged $10,000 per year over the next five years to fund robotics competitions for Alachua County students, specifically elementary and middle school students.

“I think more students need exposure to stimulated activities,” Hinchman said. “They need to learn to develop critical thinking and creativity skills.”

Hinchman says it is great to be a part of the ground floor of

the growing STEAM initiative.

“There is an increasing amount of American students not pursuing engineering and science,” he said. “By 2018, as part of the STEAM initiative, all Alachua County Public Schools should have a robotics program.”

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ROBOTICSContinued from page A1

this as-needed relationship has been beneficial, but they also seemed to feel that High Springs is reaching a point where more dedicated legal advice will be required in the future.

Despite this agreement, commissioners decided not to move forward with the hiring of a city attorney at this time.

Initially, the agenda directed commissioners to rank a list of best candidates for the position, but they discussed the practicality of hiring an on-staff attorney instead. Estimated salary, benefits and other associated costs were compared with the current out-of-house legal expenses the City incurs.

Scott Walker, the attending representative of Folds & Walker who has been advising the city, stated that hiring an attorney could actually save money if the City’s future legal costs follow the course they have been on for the last few months.

Potential fees for outside legal

counsel, especially in the case of litigation, might be more expensive than hiring a new staff member.

Walker also explained that an attorney who is able to be present for all staff meetings could adequately predict and respond to legal issues before they became problems in a way that an outside advisor could not. The money saved by avoiding costly court proceedings could then be put to uses more beneficial to the City.

Commissioners seemed to agree that a dedicated, on-staff attorney should be a goal for the near future, but they disagreed about the timeline for hiring one.

Commissioner Sue Weller maintained that the City has reached a point where it is more cost-effective to have an attorney on staff than to retain outside services. She also echoed Walker in expressing that it would be valuable “on a day to day basis when things happen – when things can be addressed before they get to the point of where

we say maybe we’d better talk to an attorney.”

Other members of the commission held a different viewpoint. Commissioner Scott Jamison argued that, while he agrees with the reasons to have an attorney on staff, he believes the commission does not currently have the resources to prudently budget for one.

Other commissioners supported his arguments, stating that the cost required to hire an attorney could not be justified.

Mayor Byran Williams commented that “it’s not the right time right now,” although he believes the City will need an on-staff attorney soon.

Based upon these concerns, the commission came to the consensus that it would not be in High Spring’s best interests to hire an attorney at the present time.

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ATTORNEY: Continued from page A1

Pick up a Publix gift card for anyone on your list while you’re here shopping!

Budgetary concerns cited as main issue

“They need to learn to develop critical thinking and creativity skills.”

n Tim Hinchman

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Rates too low to meet costsRATES:Continued from page A1

We want input from our citizens at that workshop. We want opinions, advice and any direction our residents want to share as part of this process.”

The city will have to request grants, determine adequate rates to maintain the system and determine how to handle all aspects of running a self-sustaining water and wastewater system.

“This is an issue that affects all of our citizens. Our city’s ability to

handle future growth is tied in with providing an adequate wastewater removal and treatment system,” said Booth. “We need to determine how we are going to handle those issues as part of our economic development plan.”

According to the study, “Wastewater rates are currently inadequate to meet the expected expenditure requirements for the city’s utility system in order to maintain a

financially sound utility and fund its anticipated needs.”

“We need to address these study results and a whole lot more in this upcoming workshop,” said Booth. “I am hoping our citizens will show up and express their opinions freely so our city can move ahead united in the goals we establish for our city’s future,” he said.

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A6 Alachua County Today LOCAL NEWS Thursday, December 17, 2015

www.SunStateFCU.org*With approved credit, new cards only. After the initial 6 months your rates will go to the regular rate of 9.49%, 10.90% or 13.90% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for SunState Platinum Visa: 10.99%, 12.40%, 15.40% APR for SunState Platinum Visa with Rewards, based on your credit worthiness. May not be used to pay any SunState FCU loan or Visa. Excludes pledged Visa. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International.

Your Hometown Doctors: Celebrating 10 years

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Photos by RAINA BARNETTToday Intern

Parades and more in Alachua, Archer and High Springs

Like us on www.facebook.com/lanzagallery

n n Art Supplies Art Workshops Art BasketsLocal Artist Gallery with beautiful handmade gifts.

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n 45 NW 1st Ave, High Springs, FL 352-474-9922

Holiday HoursMon. - Thurs. & Sat. 11am - 5pm

Friday 12 noon - 6pm

HOLIDAY SALESthru Dec. 24!

BOB BROWN/Special to Alachua County TodayThe Dream Girlz showing off their moves in Alachua's parade.

BOB BROWN/Special to Alachua County TodayThe City of Alachua and the Chamber of Commere kick off the parade accompanied by the Color Guard.

RAINA BARNETT/Alachua County TodayCrowds lined the streets of downtown High Springs in anticipation of the annual Twilight Christmas Parade.

RAINA BARNETT/Alachua County TodayExcited children of all ages joined Santa in Archer.

RAINA BARNETT/Alachua County TodayFamilies and friends gathered at Archer's Community Center to celebrate the season.

RAINA BARNETT/Alachua County TodaySweet treats at High Springs parade.