Tigers ‘Big D’ sparks unbeaten seasonUCHS defense continued  dominance against Hilliard last Friday in 41-6 victory. White jersey Tigers (l-r) are Andre Hampton, #33; Joseph Merriex, #56, Dawson Tyler, #17; Maurice Strong, #55. Coach Will Dettor is the team’s defensive coordinator. See complete game coverage in Regional News. Photo: Lola Lacy

Deadline Monday 5 p.m. before publication • Phone 386-496-2261 • Cell 352-283-6312 • Fax 386-496-2858

uctimes@windstream.net • www.StarkeJournal.com • www.facebook.com/unioncountytimes

Union County TimesUnion County Times USPS 648-200 — Lake Butler, Florida Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 103rd Year — 22nd Issue — 75 CENTS

Y M

C K

Y M

C K

‘Color Your World With... Red’ at the library, Sept. 24

The Fall 2015 Preschool Storytime Programs begin at the Union County Public Library on the theme, “Color Your World With…” The first color will be red, on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public.

Keep informed about this and other programs and events by following the library at Facebook.com/UnionCountyLibrary.

VFW Monthly Birthday Party, Sept. 25

VFW Post 10082 is having their Monthly Birthday Party on Friday, Sept. 25, featuring the band “Our Glass Soul” from 8 p.m. to midnight. All guests are welcome! Please come out and support your local VFW. For any questions, please call Barbara Fischer at 904-263-0647.

Camp Safe Haven for teens, Sept. 25 – 27

Haven Hospice is host-ing Camp Safe Haven – A Grief Support Experience for Teens that offers encour-agement, empowerment and enlightenment. It will be held Friday, Sept. 25, from 6 p.m. till Sunday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. at Camp Immokalee, located at 6757 Immokalee Road in Keystone Heights.

Campers are supported by professionals and volunteers while participating in fun and therapeutic activities to help them work through their feelings of grief. Camp Safe Haven is free and open to any family who has experi-enced the loss of a loved one through death. The camper’s loved one did not have to be cared for by Haven Hospice.

To start the registra-tion process, please call 1-844-LIGHTEN or com-plete the online form at HavenHospice.org/CampSafeHaven. A bereave-ment counselor will contact you to complete the registra-tion process.

UC final budget hearing, Sept. 28,

The final budget hearing of the Union County Board of County Commissioners is on Monday, Sept. 28, at 5:05 p.m.

LB final budget hearing, Sept. 29

The final budget hearing of the Lake Butler City Commission is on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:15 p.m.

Free cholesterol screening on World Heart Day, Sept. 29

On World Heart Day, the Union County Health Department is offering free cholesterol screening. Just stop by the clinic on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

LB passes tentative budgetEmployee raise, grant matching, equipment purchases biggest changes

BY VINCENT ALEX BROWNTimes Editor

LAKE BUTLER — On Monday, Sept. 14, the Lake Butler City Commission passed a tentative 2015-16 budget. The fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

City Manager Dave Mecusker submitted the following changes for approval, as previously directed by the board:

— A cost of living adjustment of 3 percent for full-time employees with the exception of the city manager (Mecusker), office manager (Sara Owen, who is also the accounting supervisor) and public works director (Mike Banks, who is also the volunteer fire chief). The total costs to budget entities are as follows: General Revenue $2,658, Water Utilities $3,510 and Sewage Utilities $2,866.

— Per Resolution Number 2015-06, $25,000 of Utilities (Sewage) Unrestricted Funds is transferred to Public Works Treatment Plant Sewage, as matching for the CDBG Grant of $650,000 “to repair, update or upgrade our water and sewage system,” Mecusker said in a previous meeting. “And that $650,000 literally will not cost the City of Lake Butler anything. It’s a federal grant.” A minor portion of the monies will also go toward improvements to recreation facilities at Lakeside and Westside parks. If the grant is not awarded to the City of Lake Butler, the Unrestricted Funds would be returned to the Utilities (Sewage) Unrestricted Funds Account.

— $5,000 has been budgeted for the election being held in June 2016 for two city commissioner seats.

— $1,500 budgeted to update the Drug Testing Policy for the City of Lake Butler.

— $1,500 budgeted for Parks and Recreation Movie Night.

— $12,000 to upgrade an outdated utility billing system.

— $24,000 is budgeted to purchase a (new/used) 3/4-ton pickup to replace an existing worn out vehicle; $11,000 from General Revenue and $13,000 from Water and Sewage Utilities.

— $8,680 has been budgeted out of Streets and Roads to purchase a commercial grade zero turn lawnmower.

The final budget hearing will be Monday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m.

Mayor, vice mayor reappointedAt the Sept. 14 meeting of the

Lake Butler City Commission, the board reappointed Fred Sirmones as mayor and Debra Browning as vice mayor. Both continue their terms from last year.

BY SGT. MELISSA KARNATHSpecial to the Times

LAKE BUTLER — Charles “Charlie” Darrow Fink never imagined that his good friend would be shot dead right next to him during a firefight in Vietnam during Operation Starlite. When the Lake Butler native enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1964, the United States had increased its involvement in Vietnam. He realized that being deployed to a war was a very likely possibility.

However, nothing was going to deter Fink from becoming a Marine.

After recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Fink reported to the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. While at ITR, Fink missed some important training due to illness.

“I got an upper respiratory infection and spent time at the sick bay,” Fink said. “I missed Amphibious Tractor training. During training we learned quick.”

During the summer of 1965, Fink arrived at Chu Lai, Vietnam, where the Marines learned the Viet Cong were planning to attack their position. Operation Starlite, also known as the Battle of Van Tuong, was quickly devised to assault the

Viet Cong first. Fink was with 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

“The beach landing was the largest amphibious operation since Inchon in Korea,” Fink remembered. “Just before my unit was supposed to debark from the ship, our squad was told we’d be in reserves, so we didn’t get to make the initial landing. We went in at about 8 p.m., August 18.”

Fink realized how important it is to never miss training as soon as he arrived in Vietnam.

“Everyone from my unit got on the AMTRAC while it was loaded off the ship. As the AMTRAC made the way to the beach, I turned around and started facing the back, because I thought we were going to get off from the back end,” Fink said. “Everyone else was facing forward, and I’m thinking ‘something isn’t right here.’”

Fink noticed a crack of light coming over his shoulder as the front of the AMTRAC rose up as it landed on the beach.

“I thought ‘I’m not going to be the last one off this puppy. I’m going to be the first one off of it.’ In Vietnam, you either learn fast or die,” he said.

As Fink ran off the AMTRAC, he saw the beach was covered with dead Viet Cong.

“I ran as fast as I could to the tree line where I thought I was going to get cover,” he continued. “We were told going into Starlite, ‘If there are people not wearing Marine Corps green, shoot them.’ Landing on the beach, the first thing I saw was an old man dressed in all white with his bamboo straw hat and a cane. He was running away as fast as an old man could, which wasn’t real fast. I couldn’t shoot him; his cane was not a rifle.”

Fink and the Marines made their way

across the beach to the jungle. While in the jungle, Fink’s unit caught up to the rest of the Marines who had made the initial assault.

“The Marines who were ahead of us were so shot up it was really, really bad. John Jamison, our grenadier and my best friend in the unit, and I scouted out where a machine gun was located. It was about 50 yards away from where we were,” he said.

Fink saw the machine gun but Jemison didn’t see the weapon system since it was heavily camouflaged. Fink shot under the machine gun, which caused a big cloud of dust to rise up from the ground.

“Jemison fired a round that flew and landed right on the enemy’s head. Another enemy Vietnamese jumped on the gun. They saw us. The second gunner fired off rounds and caught John right here,” Fink said. “We were literally shoulder-to-shoulder when that happened. I got really angry.”

Fink shot the enemy Viet Cong who was firing the gun. The other fighters got up and ran and the Marine shot them dead too.

“As soon as I fired my last round at the VCs there was an explosion that flipped me over onto my back. I looked down at my arm and there’s blood squirting out of it. I had shrapnel in my face, shoulder and arm,” Fink recalled. “My fire team leader came over to put a bandage on, and he was shot in the shoulder. I had to crawl over John’s body.”

Fink was evacuated for recovery, and moved to a naval ship.

“The Navy sent me to the hospital for two weeks and fed me ice cream,” he said. “I came back to my unit. We were licking our wounds. We were shot up real

LB native remembers Vietnam, Operation Starlite 50 years afterCharlie Fink still proud of the Marines

See FINK, 3A

TOP: Charles “Charlie” Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2 at his home in Lake Butler. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam. Photo: Sgt. Melissa Karnath/Released

UCHS golf team is 2nd in tri-match; Lady Tigers sweep Fort WhiteSee complete coverage in Regional News.

LBMS gets own weather station

Read the full story inside.

2A Union County Times • Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015

uctimes@windstream.net386-496-2261 • Vincent’s Cell 352-283-6312

John M. Miller, PublisherEditor: Vincent Alex BrownSports Editor: Cliff SmelleyAdvertising: Kevin Miller

Darlene DouglassTypesetting: Eileen Gilmore Advertising andNewspaper Prod. Earl W. RayClassified Adv. Heather WheelerBookkeeping: Joan Stewart-Jones

Union County TimesUSPS 648-200

Published each Thursday and entered as Periodical Postage Paid at Lake Butler, Florida under Act of March 3, 1879.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:UNION COUNTY TIMES

25 E. Main Street • Lake Butler, FL 32054

Subscription Rate in Trade Area $39.00 per year: $20.00 six monthsOutside Trade Area: $39.00 per year:$20.00 six months

386-496-9656

275 West Main StreetLake Butler, FL 32054

(Suwannee Medical Building)

• Tax Filing • Consulting• Tax Planning • Payroll• Accounting • Business Startup

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT386-496-1878

10258 West CR18 • Lake Butler, FL 32054

䤀琀ᤠ猀 氀椀欀攀 最攀琀琀椀渀最 琀栀攀 唀䌀 吀椀洀攀猀 昀漀爀 漀渀氀礀 ␀　⸀㔀　 瀀攀爀 礀攀愀爀℀

UC Superhero Fun Run/Walk, Sept. 26

As part of the Florida Inaugural 5K Walk/Run, the Union County Health Department is hosting a UC Superhero Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 26. It will start at the beginning of the Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail, located behind City Hall. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the run/walk starts at 8 a.m. It is free and open to the public.

Dress as your favorite superhero or try out your Halloween costume early. There will be a free gift for the first 100 participants.

You can register on the day of the event, or register early — in person at the health department or online at SurveyMonkey.com/r/TT2JKMY.

Quit Smoking Now class, Sept. 26

Suwannee River AHEC will hold its free iQuit group counseling class on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. at the Union County Public Library.

Tools to Quit (TTQ) is a one-time two-hour class, covering all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco. Participants receive support, guidance and a free one-month supply of nicotine-replacement therapy, such as patches, lozenges and gum (medically appropriate and as supplies last).

To set yourself free from tobacco, visit their website at ahectobacco.com or call toll-free at 1-866-341-2730 to register for the class.

Bob Tebow to speak in Gainesville, Oct. 4

Bob Tebow, father of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, will be the featured speaker at North Central Baptist Church on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 10:45 am.

Bob Tebow was a student at the University of Florida when he met Pam, who eventually became his wife, and who has been by his side in ministry all during their married life. They were part of the group who began Campus Crusade for Christ, now called CRU, at UF. They spent many years living in the Philippines and it was there that their fifth child, Tim, was born after a complicated pregnancy. Tim was a miracle child and he later developed into a standout athlete in high school, college and NFL. Tim’s commitment to the Christian faith has been well documented.

Everyone is invited to attend. The church is located at 8001 Northwest 23rd Avenue in Gainesville.

UCT Legals 9/24/15

TAX DEED #63-2015-TD-001NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR

TAX DEEDNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Regal Realty Investments. LLC the holder(s) of the following certificate has filed said certificate for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it was assessed are as follows:CERTIFICATE #: _218 YEAR OF ISSUANCE; 2013DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: 29-06-19-00-000-0109-0LEGAL DESCRIPTION:Commence at SE corner of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 29, Township 6 South, Range 19 East; thence run North 00° 57 min-utes 59 seconds West, a distance of 295.09 feet to the centerline of a dirt road and the Point of Beginning; from the Point of Beginning as thus de-scribed, thence continue North 00°57 minutes 59 seconds West, a distance of 290.60 feet; thence run South 85° 37 minutes 28 seconds East, a distance of 161.05 feet; thence run South 00° 57 minutes 59 seconds East, a distance of 290.60 feet to the centerline of said dirt road; thence run North 85° 37 minutes 28 seconds West along said centerline a distance of 161.05 feet to the Point of Begin-ning. Subject to an easement lying over and across the Southerly 20 feet thereof which is hereby reserved as a right of way for public ingress to and egress from all parcels in the vicinity thereof.NAME IN WHICH ASSESSED: Wil-liam T. Brand, Jr., and Barbara BrandSaid property being in the County of Union, State of Florida, Unless such certificate shall be redeemed accord-ing to the law, the property described in such certificate will be sold to the highest bidder in the Courthouse lob-by at 11:00 A.M., the 12th day of Oc-tober, 2015.Dated this 1st day of September, 2015.

Kellie Hendricks ConnellClerk of Circuit Court

Union County, FloridaPersons with disabilities request-ing reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact (386) 496-3711.

9/3 4tchg 9/24-UCT

NOTICE OF SUSPENSIONTo: Tina M. ThorntonCase No. 201500208A Notice of Suspension to suspend your license and eligibility for licen-sure has been filed against you. You have the right to request a hearing pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, by mailing a request for same to the Florida De-partment of Agriculture and Consum-er Services, Division of Licensing, Post Office Box 5708, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5708. If a request for hearing is not received by 21 days from the date of the last publication, the right to hearing in this matter will be waived and the Department will dispose of this cause in accordance with law.

9/10 4tchg 10/1-UCT

CURFEW FOR MINORS ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 2015-5AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF RAIFORD, FLORIDA ADOPT-

ING A CURFEW FOR MINORSWHEREAS, the Mayor and the Town Council have carefully reviewed the proposed curfew for minors in the Town of Raiford.WHEREAS, in accordance with Flori-da Statute Number 166.241 the Town

Council conducted a public hearing in Town Hall.Definitions: The following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meaning given in this section. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the pres-ent tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singu-lar number, and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word ‘shall’’ is always mandatory and not merely directory.Custodian means any person other than a parent, who has legal guard-ianship or custody of a minor.Minor means any person under the age of 18.Parent means the natural or adoptive parent of a minor.Public Place means any street, alley, highway, sidewalk, park, playground or place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment, or other lawful purpose. A public place shall include but not be limited to any store, shop, restaurant, tavern; shopping center, church, post office, pool room or any other place devoted to amuse-ment or entertainment of the general public.WHEREAS, It shall be unlawful for any minor to remain idle, wander, stroll or play in any public place ei-ther on foot or to cruise about with-out a set destination in any vehicle in or upon any public place in the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, with the exception of legal holidays, and between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Friday through Sunday, and legal holidays, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian, or other adult person hav-ing custody or control of such minor or unless the minor is in on emergen-cy errand or specific business or ac-tivity directed or permitted by his/her parent, guardian or other adult having the care and custody of the minor or where the presence of such minor is connected with or required by some legitimate and lawful employment, trade, profession or occupation.WHEREAS, It shall be unlawful for the parent, guardian or other adult person having custody and control of any minor under the age of 18 to suffer or permit inefficient control to allow such person to be on streets or sidewalks or on or in any public property or public place within the city between the hours heretofore mentioned above. However, the pro-visions of this section do not apply to a minor accompanied by a parent, guardian or custodian or other adult person having the care, custody of the minor is on an emergency errand or specific business or activity direct-ed by his parent, guardian, custodian or other adult having the care and custody of the minor or if the parent, guardian or other adult person has made a missing person notification to a law enforcement agency.WHEREAS, any minor attending special functions or entertainment, of any church, school, club or other lawful organization that requires such minor to be out a later hour than that called for above this section shall be exempt from the provisions of this di-vision; provided, however, the sheriff or his designee may verify such spe-cial function or entertainment with the minor’s parent or by contact with such church, school, club or other organi-zation.WHEREAS, any Deputy Sheriff upon finding a minor in violation of this di-vision, shall ascertain the name and address of such minor and warn the minor that he/ she is in violation of curfew and shall direct the minor to proceed at once to his home or usual place of abode. The Deputy Sheriff

shall report such action to the sheriffs department, which, in rum shall notify parents, guardian or person having custody or control of such minor.WHEREAS, any minor violating the provisions of this division shall be dealt with accordance with the state juvenile law and procedure. Any par-ent, guardian, or other adult person having the care and custody of a mi-nor violating the division shall, after having been previously notified under this division, be fined $50,00 for the offense, by means of a civil infraction issued by the sheriffs department.WHEREAS, It is the declared intent of the Town of Raiford Council that, if any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this ordinance is for any reason held or declared to be unconstitutional, void, or inoper-ative by a court of agency of com-petent jurisdiction, such holding of invalidity or unconstitutionally shall not affect the remaining provisions of this division, and the remainder of this ordinance after the exclusion of such part or parts shall be deemed valid.

9/3 2tchg 9/24-UCT

Legal Notice Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Planning Committee to Meet on Wednesday, October 14, 2015The Union County LMS Planning Committee/Work Group will meet at 10 AM on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Union County Court-house, Commission Chambers lo-cated at 55 West Main Street. The County encourages any interested citizens and business owners to at-tend and provide input. The Com-mittee guides the preparation of the Union County LMS, which serves as a plan to reduce the community’s long-term risk for protecting people and property from the affects of natu-ral disasters and to build a safer and stronger community. Please contact the Union County Emergency Man-agement at 386-496-4300 for more information.

9/24 2tchg 10/1-UCT

LEGAL NOTICEUnion County Transportation Disad-

vantaged Coordinating Board MeetingThe North Central Florida Regional Planning Council announces a pub-lic meeting to which all persons are invited.DATE AND TIME: October 13, 2015 at 1:15 p.m.PLACE: Union County Transpor-tation Facility, 255 SW 9th Avenue, Lake Butler, Florida32054GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: To conduct the regular business of the Union County Transportation Disadvantaged Coor-dinating Board.A copy of the agenda may be ob-tained by contacting: North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 2009 NW 67th Place, Gainesville, Florida 32653-1603.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommo-dations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 2 business days before the meeting by contacting 352.955.2200. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1.800. 955.8771 (TDD) or 1.800. 955.8770 (Voice).If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meeting, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence from which the appeal is to be is-sued.

9/24 1tchg-UCT

Legals

Archer restaurant zoned commercialOn Monday, Sept. 14, the Lake Butler City Commission approved the rezoning of the restaurant property down by the lake that is owned by Doyle Archer, from Residential, Single Family-1 (RSF-1) to Commercial, General (CG). The property was originally zoned residential and subsequent renters and owners were grandfathered in to using the restaurant as if it was zoned commercial as long as the building did not stand dormant for more than six months. However, after Archer had to foreclose on the last owners, who ran Butler Seafood House & Grill there, the building has not been in use since November 2013. The property has been up for sale since last year.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 • Union County Times 3A

JOB WELL DONE!

LAKE REGION MONITORTHE UNION COUNTY TIMES

Want to reach people?Now’s the perfect time to see just how well our classifieds can work for you. Whether you’re looking for a great buy or a great place to sell, call our classified department today.

904-964-6305Ask for

Classified Ads

Promote Service Business with a

TOOT YOUR OWN HORN!

Email your med-to-hi-resolution digital photo (150dpi+) & ad text to: by 5pm Monday OR bring it to:

Bradford County Telegraph • Union County Times • Lake Region Monitor

(904) 964-6305We’ll help you design your ad • cash/check/credit cards accepted

all for only

/wkcovering Bradford, Union & Clay Counties a

in our weekly community giveaway paper:

Stand out from the crowd

Promote YOUR

Servicewith a

Classified Photo Ad

Actual Size Ad Sample

bad. We couldn’t do anything.”After his deployment, Fink was

stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as the noncommissioned officer in charge of all the pools and aquatics training.

“I really loved being a Marine. I had applied for Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and was going to attend college to get my degree. Then I got orders to go back to Vietnam. I had a wife and a daughter at this time. My daughter was about six months old,” Fink said. “I started thinking about what happened in Vietnam. I thought a lot about Starlite. I thought about all the Marines who were injured and died in Vietnam. I just couldn’t do it. I felt my responsibility was to my wife and my daughter.”

When the Marine officer ended his active duty service, he didn’t have much direction and wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his future.

“I had post-traumatic stress disorder after I was discharged, but I didn’t know it,” Fink recalled. “I thought it was totally normal to punch holes in walls. I finally went to the Veteran’s Administration; I was told I didn’t have any problems. I went home and kept punching holes in the wall.”

One day Fink broke his finger after he punched a wall with a stud behind it.

“My parents told me, ‘You obviously have problems from Vietnam. We’re going to pay for a private doctor,’” Fink shared.

After Fink visited with his new private doctor for about 10-15 minutes, the doctor told Fink to go back to the VA.

“I was waiting for the examiner, and my civilian doctor walked in.

She took care of everything, and I started to get treatment. The VA did a good job for me,” the Marine said. “PTSD doesn’t go away; they teach you ways to deal with it.”

Fifty years after Operation Starlite, Fink still remembers his four and a half years as a Marine with a smile on his face.

“If you want to be the best you join the Marines. The Marine Corps is a brotherhood like no other,” Fink said. “I am so proud of each and every one of the Marines. It makes me so proud to see the young Marines.”

Sgt. Melissa Karnath wrote this article for Defense Media Activity, the Department of Defense’s direct line of communication for news and information to U.S. forces worldwide. This story is part of an ongoing series of Marines who participated in Operation Starlite in Vietnam, 1965.

FINKContinued from 1A

Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam. Photo: Sgt. Melissa Karnath/Released

“Tomorrow’s forecast? Sunny” at LBMS

On Sept. 14. Lake Butler Middle School announced that its very own weather station is now up and running as part of the WeatherSTEM program. It is now a station you can select on Weather Underground on your computer, smartphone or tablet. Residents can now get current, localized weather data and sky images for Lake Butler, and the system includes many valuable resources for all community members. Learn more about the program and get the latest, local weather at union.weatherstem.com/lbms. Each time you visit the website, the background is a current photo taken by the weather unit which is installed above the main sign in front of the school. These Tigers are looking out for you!

STARKE — With fall around the corner, training for football and soccer are well underway. Sports and outdoor activities are good ways to stay healthy and active, but there are risks of injury, too, especially with contact sports.

Concussions are common sports-related injuries that frequently go unnoticed or overlooked. Take time to learn the warning signs of concussion to keep your child from experiencing a more serious brain injury.

“A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions,” said pediatric physician Arjun Bamzai. “They can be caused by a blow to the head or when the upper body and head are shaken. Brains of children and teens have not fully developed, putting them at risk for more serious brain damage from a concussion.”

Symptoms of a serious head injury include repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds, a headache that gets worse over time, changes in behavior, changes in coordination such as stumbling or clumsiness, disorientation and slurred speech. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately.

When someone suffers a more mild concussion they could lose consciousness temporarily and be confused. Other common symptoms include headache, amnesia, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech and fatigue.

Sometimes symptoms will not appear until a few hours or days after the injury, such as difficulty

concentrating, memory loss, personality changes, and sensitivity to light and noise, sleep disturbances, feeling depressed and issues tasting and smelling. Anyone with these symptoms should rest and not return to sports or other vigorous activities until they have been checked and approved by a medical professional.

The effects of a concussion are usually temporary however, if a person with a concussion does not take time to heal, they can experience serious complications.

“Resting and slowly returning to regular activities is the best way to recover from a concussion,” said Dr. Bamzai, “If a concussion is left untreated, you risk getting another concussion or permanent brain damage.”

Take precautions when your child participates in contact sports and make sure equipment such as helmets and pads are in good condition. If an athlete experiences a blow to the head and feels disoriented, have them sit out the rest of the game. They are more susceptible to getting another or more serious concussion if they keep playing.

Shands Starke Regional Medical Center treats many patients with many sports related injuries including concussions. To learn more about concussions or to find a doctor, visit ShandsStarke.com.

(Shands Starke Regional Medical Center has been nationally recognized as Top Performer for two consecutive years. List Published by The Joint Commission Honors Exemplary Care.)

Shands provides warning signs of concussion

4A Union County Times • Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at 5:15 p.m., at Lake Butler City Hall

200 SW 1st StreetLake Butler, Florida.

CITY OF LAKE BUTLER, FLORIDA • BUDGET SUMMARYFISCAL YEAR 2015-2016

Convenient Online OrderingAsk about our Price Match Options

WE DELIVER!Ph(904) 964-5764 • Fax(904) 964-6905

Library kicks off adult programs, Oct. 6

The Union County Public Library is kicking off its fall adult programs on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The first one is “Common-Sense Computers.”

“Join us at the library for great programs just for adults! They’re free, fun and informative.”

Keep informed about this and other programs and events by following the library at Facebook.com/UnionCountyLibrary.

Veteran Service Office closed, Oct. 7

The Union County Veteran Service Office will be closed on Oct. 7 due to training and will reopen on Oct. 14. Office hours are on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

‘Church-wide’ Yard Sale in Providence, Oct. 10

Old Providence Baptist Church is having a “Church-wide” Yard Sale on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. till about 2 p.m. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of playground equipment for the children. Offered for sale will be furnishings, books, various household items, knick-knacks, small appliances, etc.

In case of inclement weather, the yard sale will relocate to Fellowship Hall.

The church is located at 9316 NW County Road 245 (Price Creek Road, about quarter-mile north of State Road 238) between Ellisville and Providence.

Back to Raiford Day, Oct. 17

The Annual Back to Raiford Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17. Activities will begin at 1 p.m. till 4 p.m., when the program will promptly begin and go till 5 p.m., followed by a dinner.

All activities are free to all ages and will include plenty of fun. There will also be free giveaways all day and free concessions.

Everything happens at the Raiford Community Center, so plan to come and enjoy!

UCHS Class Reunion Classes ’87 – ‘93, Oct. 24

A Union County High School for the Classes of 1987 through 1993 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Little Rainbow Learning Center in Lake Butler each weekday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or more ticket options please contact call Tim Roberts at 352-672-3503 or timandamy95@hotmail.com.

ABOVE: THEY SERVE WHO ONLY STAND AND WAIT – Ready when needed is the crew from the Union County EMS: (l-r) Ken Owen, Austin Boyd, Melissa Allen and Brent Allen.

TOP LEFT: PREPARING FOR RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY BY READING UNION COUNTY TIMES SPORTS – WUCR 107.9 FM broadcasts Union County High School football. Charlotte Emerson, left, is the voice of the Tigers and is helped by Geordyn Green, center, and her son, Case Emerson, right. TOP RIGHT: TV HIGHLIGHTS OF HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ON FRIDAY NIGHTS – A pair of interns from the University of Florida shoot some of the action in The Jungle for WCJB-TV/Channel 20 out of Gainesville. Jonathan Perez, left, and William Benner record in Lake Butler from the sidelines in front of the home crowd.

ABOVE LEFT: NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN THE GAME WITH THE PA ANNOUNCER – Rick Hanson provides the talk and hypes the crowd from the press box at every home game for the Tigers. ABOVE RIGHT: CLANGING COW BELLS PART OF THE TIGERS MAGIC – Lake Butler Hospital hands out the free noise makers. Dawn Fox, left, is a fan with Jennifer Thomas, LBH chief administrator, and Jill Fulgham, director of radiology.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 • Union County Times 5A

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARINGThe has tentatively Adopted a Budget for 2015-2016.A Public hearing to make a on the And will be held on:

A on the budget will be made at this hearing.

‘Outside the Lines’ at THE JUNGLELEFT: WHAT’S A TRIP TO THE JUNGLE WITHOUT GOOD FOOD? – Concessions manager Kelly Culpepper, left, with Kristie Lambert and Melinda O’Fallon along with Robert O’Steen help prepare the delicious food and raise funds for the Spirit of Union County Tiger Marching Band.

BELOW: CHEERLEADERS NEED TO PREP FOR THE BIG GAME TOO – Getting ready to rev up the crowd are Emilee Southwell, standing, fixing the hair of Shelby McDowell, seated center, while Lexi Whitehead gets a few finishing touches as Kinedy Johnson sits in the rear. Photos: Steve Jackson

TOP LEFT: VETERAN CHAIN GANG MANS THE SIDELINES IN THE JUNGLE – Russell Williams, second from left, is the head of the down and marker crew which includes Paul Griffis, Wayne Box, Jacob Box and Greg Box. TOP RIGHT: PEP TALK – Coach Ronny Pruitt always gives his squad a positive, uplifting message after each game at midfield.

6A Union County Times • Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015

BUDGET SUMMARYUNION COUNTY

Moonlit hike promises scares, Oct. 24

The annual Haunted Moonlight Hike will be held at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park at 6239 State Road 21 in Keystone Heights, on Oct. 24, along with a costume dance featuring a live band, The Pepper Shakers.

Tickets are $5 per person. Ticket sales start at 6 p.m. and the gates close at 10 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

This will be a scary hike, so please use discretion in bringing children. Strollers and pets are prohibited for safety reasons. For more information, please contact the ranger station at 352-473-4701.

North Florida Forest Plant ID Workshop, Oct. 29

Learn to identify tree, shrub and herbaceous species of North Florida’s forests from UF/IFAS, Florida Forest Service and City of Gainesville Nature Operation on Thursday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Morningside Nature Center located at 3540 East University Avenue in Gainesville. Cost is $10 per person, lunch and materials included.

Register online at f s p w o r k s h o p 1 0 2 9 1 5 .eventbrite.com or contact Chris Demers, 352-846-2375.

UCHS Class of 1974 annual gathering, Oct. 30

Before the Union County High School football game vs. Baldwin on Friday, Oct. 30, the UCHS Class of 1974 will the meet in front of announcer’s box.

They will then meet for dinner the next day on Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Cedar River Sea-food in Starke — Dutch treat.

Notices will not be mailed, so spread the word to classmates.

Please RSVP by Friday, Oct. 2, to Cathy Crawford-Naracon at uchsclassof74@yahoo.com regarding dinner on Oct. 31 for a headcount.

Halloween at Waldo for little ones, Oct. 31

Waldo Farmer’s & Flea Market is hosting trick or treat and a costume contest on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all children up through the age of 10.

The first 50 children in costume to register will receive a “Flea Market Buck” to spend.

UC Tobacco-Free Partnership needs you

The Union County Tobacco-Free Partnership and the Union County Health Department needs you.

They are a group of dedicated community members who work together towards building a tobacco free Union County.

They invite anyone who has an interest in helping us fulfill our mission. To get involved please call Cindy Kent at 386-496-3211 ext. 2606.

Available regardless of insurance status

BY DAVID STEGALLSpecial to the Times

Exciting news for Union and Bradford County students: Through a state program, all school children in those counties can receive preventative dental care with or without insurance. This includes an exam with a dentist, followed up with cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants if needed provide by a dental hygienist Jennifer Whitehead.

If further care is needed a note indicating the needs will be sent home with the child with a contact number for the parents to call to discuss treatment.

The dental program begins on Sept. 25 at Lake Butler Elementary School. Parents, if you would like your children to

receive the dental care, please pickup a consent form from the front office of your child’s school. If you have children that are homeschooled and you want to participate, please visit the health department in your county to pickup a form there to fill out.

The team has a newly wrapped SUV to transport the dental equipment that they need to each school where they will set up the dental office in a designated place at the school being visited that day.

In January they should receive the mobile van they have on order and then begin also seeing patients in there as a true mobile clinic.

For any questions regarding this, please contact the Union County Health Department at 386-496-3211.

David Stegall manages the Lake Butler Community Facebook Page and related website. Follow community news and events at Facebook.com/LakeButler.

Dental hygienist Jennifer Whitehead stands in front of the wrapped SUV that will bring dental care to students regarldess of insurance status at Lake Butler Elementary School starting on Sept. 25 as part of a program of the Florida Department of Health in Union and Bradford counties.

Preventative dental care available for UC students

BY VINCENT ALEX BROWNTimes Editor

PROVIDENCE — The morning it happened, a resident in the Providence area told the Union County Times that an armed robbery occurred at the Village Grill in Providence at around 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 14. The Union County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident, but have made no arrests since it’s still determining the legitimacy of what Capt. Doug York calls an “alleged offense.”

As of press time, York said sheriff’s investigators were still reviewing witness statements from the area. He added that investigators have also re-interviewed the reporting person several times who also worked at the Village Grill.

Supposedly a black male entered the diner from a side entrance that Friday morning, produced a handgun, demanded the small amount of cash contained in the restaurant’s two bank money bags and exited out the same door. The employee claimed the suspect was driving a dark green, late model Ford F-150 pickup truck.

“Investigators also reviewed video tapes from nearby Ellisville to try and determine if the vehicle described by the

reporting person was in the area at the time the incident occurred. None of the stores revealed any new leads on video,” York said. “The reporting person has since left the diner and investigators have no new leads at this time. There were no similar incidents in the immediate area or in the surrounding counties.”

Contact UCSO with any leads at 386-496-2501.

UCSO questioning ‘alleged’ armed robbery in ProvidenceReporting person has since left Village Grill

Rear-end collision in Raiford, no injuriesA rear-end collision occurred in the south end of Raiford on State Road 121 and Northeast 222nd Court on Monday, Sept. 14. At about 11:15 a.m., a 2005 Scion xB, registered to Amanda and Kevin Norcross, crashed into the rear-end of a 2011 Nissan Altima, registered to Ramona and Morris Dobbs, which was being driven by a family member. “I was out in the yard and heard the crash and thought, Oh my God,” said Morris Dobbs, a retired Union County commissioner. Even though airbags deployed in the Scion and a person complained of soreness to the mouth, no one transported to the hospital.