BY TRACY LEE TATETimes Editor

The city of Lake Butler presents its annual Christmas parade last Saturday and despite a little nip of winter in the air a good-sized crowd lined Main Street to enjoy the show.

The theme of the parade was “A Favorite Christmas Movie” but entries not only depicted movies, many drew from favorite Christmas television as well. Floats included entries by the First Christian Church, LBMS-

SWAT, First Baptist Church, Cub Scout Pack 140, Spires IGA, the Sugarberries 4-H Club, Lake Butler Hospital, Lake Butler Chapter #40 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Community State Bank, the city of Lake Butler and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The winners of the annual float competition were, in order from first to third, Lake Butler Hospital, Community State Bank and the First Baptist Church.

Also on hand to please the crowd were the Boy Scouts, who

carried the parade banner, the Union County High School Band, members of the Allstars Twirling

Academy, the Lularoe Brittany Ward Marching Group and decorated ATVs from both the Florida Grass Cutters, State Representative Bobby Payne and Logan Andrews.

Local lights waving from cars as they traveled the parade route included: Miss Baby Lake Butler Alayna Regar, Jr. Miss Lake Butler Reagan Robinson, Miss Lake Butler Carissa Griffis, Miss American Royalty – USA-Teen Miss Florida 2018, the UCHS Homecoming King and Queen and the Bradford County Strawberry Queen. The Union County Riding Club was on hand with their horses, many of whom were decorated for the holiday.

Santa rode the entire route in his sleigh, then proceeded down to the big pavilion at Lakeside Park of the traditional event where children may line-up then, when their turn comes, sit on Santa’s lap, receive a bag of candy from Santa and his elves and perhaps whisper in the icons ear their Christmas wishes. The city provided Santa with 250 bags to give out to the waiting children, all filled with fresh fruit and candy and some also including a prize ticket which could be exchanged for a toy or bicycle at city hall the following week. Among the treasure to be had were 13 bicycles and 66 other gifts.

Although all of the city employees worked to make the event a success, all were

quick to point out that the event would not have been possible without the participation of the sponsors who donated money or presents for the children. These sponsors included: Florida Power and Light, Automotive Power and Equipment, Re-Bike of Gainesville, Joe Stephenson Mini Storage, In Memory of Paul Foster, Lake Butler Community Page, Annette Redman, Rich Beilock, Roberts Land and Timber, Roberts Site Development, Bill and Fayanne Spitzer, Jackson Building Supply, Andy Easton & Associates, EZ Ice Company, Ann Schenck, Spires IGA Market, Robert Osborne Tax & Accounting, Community State Bank, Florida Grass Cutters and Union Power Equipment.

Deadline Monday 5 p.m. before publication • Phone 904-964-6305 • Fax 904-964-8628

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Union County TimesUnion County Times USPS 648-200 — Lake Butler, Florida Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 105th Year — 36th Issue — 75 CENTS

Rotary to Honor Stephenson The dedication of the Norm Stephenson bench, located at the Union County Veterans’ Memorial, located at 325 West Main Street in Lake Butler, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.

Lake Butler American Legion Seeking Members

Lake Butler American Legion Post 153 is asking U.S. military veterans to contact Thomas Fortner, Adjutant, at 386-496-2473 or Ted Barber, Post Commander, at 386-496-2744 for information and possible membership.

VFW Post Hosts Open Mic Night The VFW Post 10082, located off S.R. 231 in Lake Butler, is holding an Open Mic night on Saturday, Dec. 23 at the post from 7 p.m. until ? Jr. Crews and the Raiford Boys will be there to fill in the quiet spots. You do not have to be a member to attend, so come on out for a good time.

Santa Fe Baptist to offer Food to Those in Need Bags of groceries will be distributed to those in need from Alachua and Union counties on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Santa Fe Baptist Church from 6-8 p.m. There will also be a FarmShare food distribution at the church on Sat., January 13 from 9 a.m. until noon. Santa Fe Baptist Church is located at 7505 Northwest C.R. 236 in Alachua.

First Baptist of LB to Hold Holiday Events On Sunday, Dec. 24, there will be a candlelight communion service at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. There will be no evening service on this day. Members of the community are encouraged to come out and join the congregation on this most special of days.

Free clothes at Fellowship Baptist

Free clothing for all sizes and ages at Fellowship Baptist Church in Raiford. Winter coats are also available. Open in the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

On the Spires float, hiding out in Snoopy’s doghouse, was Timothy Spires who seems to be having a wonderful time.

Ava Roberts, Emma Handley and Kendan Handley are all bundled up and ready to watch the parade and keep warm at the same time.

Santa needed three of his elves to help him hand out treat bags to all the children who came to see him. Pictured are: Jaslyn Thomas, Gabby Imogre and McKinly Mecusker.

Santa had many children to see and at times he was seeing them two at a time. Here he seems to have his

hands full with baby Zy and Dezalee Touchet.

Lake Butler Christmas Events a Colorful Success

Lake Butler Social Club on Saturdays

Lonely? Looking for something to do on Saturday evenings? Non-smoking, non-drinking, good clean fun? The Lake Butler Social Club offers a live band, dancing, a potluck dinner and good fellowship.

Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is served at 7 p.m. and the dancing begins at 7:30 p.m., all at the Lake Butler Community Center. Admission is $10 for members and $12 for guests. Call Joe Miller at 352-284-9473 for more information.

UC Recreation Board meets monthly

Union County’s Recreation Board meets every second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Pop Warner building.

VFW Post 10082 plays bingo The VFW Post 10082, located off S.R. 231 in Lake Butler, has bingo on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come on out and play.

Collection Sites Closed for Holiday

The Union County Solid Waste Collection sites will be closed Dec. 25-26 to allow employees to spend time with their families. Other county offices will also be closed on these days.

BY DAN HILDEBRANMonitor Editor

Clay Electric Cooperative said it is raising its access charge by $3 a month beginning in January due to rising costs.

“The access charge is the component of your bill that recovers some of the flood costs that come directly from serving each member, regardless how much electricity is used,” the Co-op said in a social media post. “These include the cost of the meter, poles, substations and the more than 13,000 miles of distribution and transmission lines running through 14 counties to deliver electricity to your home or business. Every utility company charges a flat fee for the purpose of covering fixed costs. Even after the increase, our access charge will still be lower than the average of the other electric cooperatives in Florida.”

Clay Electric bills, as well as those of other utilities, are made of four charges: (1) an

access charge, which is a fixed, monthly amount to cover the costs of billing, metering, distribution, customer service and other costs; (2) an energy charge, based on kilowatt hours used by the customer; (3) a fuel charge, based on kilowatt hours, which reimburses the utility for the costs of fuel used to generate power and (4) taxes.

The last two changes to the co-op’s prices have been decreases. In March 2016, the utility lowered its energy charge by $3.20 per kilowatt hour. Six months later, the co-op dropped its fuel charge by one cent per kilowatt hour.

The January access charge increase will be the ninth price adjustment the co-op has made since July 2015, when its total price for 1,000 residential kilowatt hours was $122.90.

After the January access charge increase, the cost of 1,000 residential kilowatt hours from Clay Electric will be $112.90.

2A Union County Times • Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017

Union Lasteel Metal Buildings, Inc.

UNION POWER EQUIPMENT

Small Engine Sales, Service & Parts

State Road 121 (North of Hardee’s)Lake Butler, FL

Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5:00pm

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USPS 648-200Published 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 TIMES131 W. Call Street • Starke, FL 32091

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

John M. Miller, PublisherEditor: Tracy Lee TateAdvertising: Kevin Miller Beth TillmanTypesetting: Eileen GilmoreAdvertising &Newspaper Prod: C. HurstonBookkeeping & Classified Adverts: Heather WheelerBookkeeping Asst: Linda Lacombe

Lake Butler Lodge Presents Four New Master Masons

Four Lake Butler Lodge Brothers have earned training certificates for completing the Master Mason exams. Pictured are: Cody Griffis, Steve Godwin, Charles Lambert and Colan Coody.

BY TRACY LEE TATETimes Editor

It used to be, back in the day, that absolutely everything was closed for the Christmas holiday. Then the convenience stores came on the scene and we could then say that everything but the convenience stores were closed. Now, it is even possible to get fast food on the big day, although during limited hours.

Banks, retail stores and government entities are still bastions of tradition. Most are closed on Christmas Day

and many close a little early in Christmas Eve. In our area, several are even taking the day after the Monday holiday off to allow their workers to have time to spend with their families.

Lake Butler City Hall will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26. Workers will be on-call to handle emergencies. To get assistance if needed, city residents should call the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 386-496-2501 (not the emergency 911 number, unless of course it is an actual emergency).

Needless to say, the deputies

will be out working and the dispatchers handling calls, but the office itself will not be open for walk-in traffic. Any resident of the city or county can get access to help by dialing 911. All Public Safety, Fire and Emergency Medical Services will be fully staffed and ready to help if needed. Likewise, the Lake Butler Hospital Emergency Room will also be open should the need arise.

Union County Offices will be closed Dec. 25-26, as will the Union County Waste Collection sites. All of the county offices

will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 27 and resume their normal schedules. Other upcoming county holidays include Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) and Jan. 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and county offices will be closed on for those two holidays.

Everyone needs a chance to celebrate the holidays and spend time with their families during this most special time of year, so be patient and work to express the mood this season should grant us all.

What’s Closed and When for the Holidays

Clay Electric Raising Access Charge

Coby wins recruitment challenge

A new recruit herself, the trainee assisted in getting 4 others hired.Union Correctional Institution, like other correctional institutions throughout the state, was

suffering a period of high staff turnover when Warden Kevin Jordan issued his “recruitment challenge” on June 21.

“We are asking all staff to help with recruitment efforts. With the raises and new hire incentives, this is the perfect time to tell the community about the benefits of working for the Department of Corrections,” he said in issuing the challenge a few months ago.

The person who referred the most applicants by Dec. 1 would receive several prizes, said Jordan.Correctional Officer Trainee (COT) Shelsy Coby put on a uniform for the first time a few days

later on June 30. She heard about the recruitment challenge, but said she did not really think much about it. She was concentrating on learning all the skills necessary to become a full-fledged correctional officer. She was not really trying to win the prizes, but she loved her new job and she did not hesitate to tell people so.

“I told all my friends about it (becoming a correctional officer),” she said. “I knew several of them were looking for better opportunities and I told them that this (Department of Corrections) was it.”

Four of the people she told completed applications and were hired. “I was talking to one of my friends and we had the laptop open. I pulled up the application and she filled it out right then,” said Coby. “I knew it would be a good opportunity for her. I had forgotten about the warden’s challenge.”

Coby continued to share her new job experiences with friends and acquaintances and, by the time Dec. 1 rolled around, she had encouraged four people to apply. She was stunned when she was notified that she had won the warden’s recruitment challenge.

“I wasn’t really thinking about trying to win. I was so surprised,” she said.Originally, the administration had decided to contribute personal funds to buy a number of prizes

for the winner, but since the Christmas season was fast approaching, they decided to provide the winner with a gift card instead. Coby was thrilled to receive the $350 gift card.

She is a single mom with three children. She was going to Basic Recruit Training as the first step to becoming certified and she said she is facing a number of challenges in her personal life right now.

The day prior to the announcement of the winner of the recruitment challenge, she had been talking with her mother about how she would provide Christmas gifts for her children. The budget was tight, so Christmas didn’t look that merry. The next day Warden Jordan handed her a $350 gift card and she cried.

“This was such a real blessing,” she said. “This will help do Christmas for my kids.”Warden Jordan presented the gift card and told Coby that people like her will make the biggest

difference in solving staffing issues for the Department of Corrections. “The Secretary (of the Department of Corrections) can’t do it and I can’t do it. All of you correctional officers on the ground telling people about the advantages of working for DOC – that’s what will do it,” he said.

Jordan listed several of those advantages in the challenge he issued to his staff. They are:· Earn while you learn – being paid a salary while being trained for the job. · Earning annual leave, sick leave and compensatory leave on a regular and generous

basis.· Affordable health insurance with a generous contribution by DOC to partially

offset the cost. Available supplemental insurance like dental, vision, life and disability.· Special heightened retirement contributions for correctional officers, so they can

earn more retirement in a shorter period of time.· A one-time $1,000 sign-on bonus for institutions that have a vacancy rate higher

than 10 percent.· Ample promotional opportunities.· Being able to access tuition-free college courses at Florida colleges and universities

(state educational facilities, not private facilities).Anyone interested in applying as a correctional officer at Union Correctional Institution

should contact Officer Candice Rossman or Sgt. Justin Thompson at 386-431-2208. Anyone wishing to apply as a correctional officer at any facility in the state can apply online at http://www.fldocjobs.com.

Correctional Officer Trainee Shelsy Coby received a gift bag and a $350 gift card from the UCI adminis-tration as a “thank you” for her recruitment efforts. UCI Warden Kevin Jordan presented the award.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 • Union County Times 3A

BY DAN HILDEBRANMonitor Editor

The manager of Roberts Insurance in Keystone Heights discovered the body of an unidentified man after returning from her lunch break on Thursday, Dec. 14.

DarbyAnn Roberts said she had just returned from lunch when she looked through the building’s glass front door and saw a man lying outside of the business, located on South Lawrence Boulevard.

Roberts said that after calling 911, she and a co-worker were about to begin chest compressions on the man when emergency medical workers arrived. Roberts said firefighters tried to resuscitate the man for about 30 minutes.

Sgt. Keith Smith of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said the man appeared to have died of natural causes. He referred the Monitor to the agency’s records department for further details, including the identity of the man. However, a records clerk said the death investigation is ongoing and an incident report has not yet been completed.

Man Found Dead at Roberts Insurance Agencyin Keystone

First Place Winner

Second Place Winner

More Lake Butler Christmas Pics . . .

Grandmother Linda Alvarez brought her two granddaughters, Alyssa Nelson and Andrea Smith, to the parade. Lake Butler Hospital’s float featured Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

and even a fluffy abominable snowman.

Community State Bank’s float featured Snoopy and number

of Woodstock characters as it celebrated “A Charlie Brown

Christmas.”

Noah Jenkins arrived early at the Santa Pavilion at the lake and he seemed determined not to miss a thing. His idea? Sit in Santa’s chair and wait for him to show up.

The City of Lake Butler decorated its float with “A Christmas Story” theme, including a “leg lamp” and a Red Ryder BB Gun. Luckily, no one got their

eye shot out. City Commissioners Scott Cason and Deborah Browning seem to be enjoying their ride, along with a large pink bunny.

BY THERESA MARTINSpecial to the Times

Union County High School’s “High-Q” academic team just wrapped up another successful season of play under the tutelage of Coach Terri Martin.

The varsity team, consisting of 11th and 12th grade students and the JV team with 9 and 10th grade students, each played a series of weekly matches where they answer questions that range from history and current events to mathematics, science, literature and more.

Both UCHS teams enjoyed a winning record in regular season. Varsity finished with a record of 5-1, and JV’s finishing record was 4-1. Additionally, both teams placed second in their district tournament.

High scoring players for the season include A.P. Griffis from varsity and Delaney Sweat from JV. After taking home trophies from the district competition, both teams now qualify to move on to the regional tournament in January 2018. In addition, four varsity players— A.P. Griffis, Griffin Whiteley, Connor Beighley, and Jared Benton will compete at the state level in April 2018.

The UCHS High-Q Team, getting ready for competition at the state level. Pictured are: Terri Martin (coach), Jared Benton, Alex Perez, J.D. Johnson, A.P. Griffis,

Griffin Whiteley, Delaney Sweat, Jonathan Schmidt, Hannah Perron, Mark Seager, Summer Atteberry, Ryan Hardin, Conner Beighley and T.C. Griffis.

The Lake Butler FFA Chapter does it again! 2017 State Champion Forestry Team. Pictured are: Hayden Johnson, A.P. Griffis, Garrett Allen, Dalton Hutchison and Kendal Stalnaker. Way to go, guys!

LB FFA Always Achieving

4A Union County Times • Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017

255 SE 6th St, Lake Butler, FL 32054 | (386) 496-3333www. communitystatebank-fl.com

Merry Christmas!

Season’s Greetings

A child is born, the heavens sing praises

to His NameMerry Christmas &

Happy New Year

Lake Butler Farm Center(386) 496-3921SR-121 • Lake ButlerUCT Legals 12/21/17

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 8th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND

FOR UNION COUNTY, FLORIDACase No.: 63-2017-DR-0168

Division:Charlotta Clemons,Petitioner,andAshley Clemons/ Tajh WilliamsRespondent,

NOTICE OF ACTION FORPETITION FOR TEMPORARY

CUSTODYTO: Tajh Williams5388 N.W. 176th Way, Starke, FL 32091YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Temporary Custody by Extend-ed Family Member has been filed against you and that you are re-quired to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Charlotta Clemons whose address is 138 N. E. 95th St., Cross City, FL 32628 on or before January 12, 2018, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at 55 W. Main St., Lake Butler, FL 32054, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these docu-ments upon request.You must keep the Clerk of the Cir-cuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Desig-nation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses on record at the clerk’s office.

12/21 4tchg 1/11-UCT

LEGAL NOTICEUNION COUNTY

TRANSPORTATION DISADVAN-TAGED COORDINATING BOARD

BUSINESS MEETINGThe North Central Florida Region-al Planning Council announces a business meeting to which all per-sons are invited.DATE AND TIME: January 9, 2018 at 1:15 p.m. PLACE: Union County Transpor-tation Facility located at 255 SW 9th Avenue, Lake Butler, FloridaGENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: To conduct the regular business of the Union County Transportation Disadvan-taged Coordinating 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 ac-commodations 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 issued.

12/21 1tchg-UCT

Legals

Christmas Tree Decorating Contest at UCHS

386-496-9656

620 East Main StreetLake Butler, FL 32054

(Across from Subway Plaza)

BY Krystal GaineySpecial to the Times

Each class was challenged with the task of decorating a Christmas tree using the theme “Favorite Christmas Movie.” The trees would be donated to four local families to enjoy for Christmas. The guidelines for the contest included following the theme, displaying their graduation year on the tree, and having one gift for each child under the tree for their assigned family.

As you can tell from the pictures, each class went above and beyond these expectations. Freshman used the movie “Elf on the Shelf,” Sophomores used “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Juniors used “Polar Express,” and Seniors used “Rudolph.” The trees were beautifully decorated and

there were many gifts under the tree for the children as well as the parents. Some classes even provided the family with food and gift cards.

UCHS students took the meaning of giving to a whole new level. This is such a rewarding experience to see the smile and

tears of joy on moms’ and dads’ faces as they see the miracle they are receiving that many of them have prayed and worried about.

Thank you to all the parents, students, and class sponsors who took part in this activity and blessed others with Christmas love this year!

The Freshman Class Tree used the “Elf on the Shelf” as its theme.

The Sophomores chose the theme of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it looks like there was

not a Grinch among them.

The Seniors went with the classic Christmas theme of “Rudolf,” and their tree certainly looked the part of that famous reindeer.

The Junior Class worked with the theme “Polar Express,” and it looks as if a train may be required to transport all of the display to

the family it was designed for.