Dear Editor: Ringling Brothers/Barnum and Bailey retired the circus but did not include Starke City Hall and city commissioners in the closure. Unfortunate for the citizens of Starke. Let me first say to our Police Chief Jeff Johnson that I wish him the best retirement in the world. Despite the 104-page character assassination presented at … Read more
Dear Editor: I am Kellie Hendricks Rhoades, Union County clerk of court and comptroller. This letter addresses the State Attorney’s investigation of our county coordinator. Specifically, I explain both the need for the referral to the State Attorney’s office and allegations that I did not provide all relevant documents for the investigation. By law, the … Read more
Dear Editor: Hello, this is Pastor Terry Clark with the River of Life Church here in Starke. I am writing this letter to ask for your partnership in changing the world! Yes, you read that right! Maybe you’re like us and have pondered the questions: How can I solve world hunger? How can I help … Read more
Dear Editor: The best week of 2023 for me was Nov. 13-20: National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. Another amazing year of shoebox collection transpired at the drop-off located at Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone Heights. Unending generosity aptly describes our Lake Area Region. I clearly saw this through Operation Christmas Child, an … Read more
Dear Editor: My name is Albert Mize, | attempted to talk with Starke city commissioners, concerning the retention of the Veterans Memorial Park as it currently stands on Nov. 7, 2023, at the city commissioners meeting. After three minutes I was told “politely” that my three minutes, were up and to wrap it up. I … Read more
Dear Editor: Thanksgiving season is a time when many Americans gather with their families and reflect upon many blessings. One of those blessings is a nutritious and diverse food supply produced by our farmers and ranchers. We also benefit from other agricultural products that provide clothing, housing, medicines, fuel and other products we use on … Read more
To the Broader Starke Community: Many of you may already know, but as of Nov. 13, 2023, the former Community State Bank has been renamed DLP Bank. What does DLP stand for? “Dream, Live, Prosper,” and that’s the focus of our bank’s vision—a commitment to delivering a banking experience that helps you, our local community … Read more
Dear Editor: Chesed House began its first year in operation in February 2023. At this time we have all six rooms filled with seven women and five children. We anticipate that two of these moms who have jobs will be ready to rent a place of their own in just a few more months. It … Read more
Dear Editor: The third Annual Walk Against Hate will take place on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. at Melrose Heritage Park. This year especially, with controversy surrounding the teaching of Black history and progress toward diversity, equity and inclusion questioned, this walk and program are timely. Please arrive early and bring a lawn chair … Read more
Dear Editor, I am reaching out to share the benefits of reading a minimum of 20 minutes per day to a child. Taking just 20 minutes out of the day to read every day can boost mental health. Reading improves critical-thinking skills, language development skills, problem solving and reasoning. Reading 20 minutes a day can … Read more
