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| What's on this page: - Get to know your candidates for Columbia County Sheriff. - 30 Day River Levels - Santa Fe River - This & That is Three Rivers - Week preceding 8-31-08 - Healthy Trees enhance the value of a home. - Trepo Maintenance Report |
Three Rivers'
About Three Rivers
| ICHETUCKNEE VIEWS |
| Candidates for Sheriff |
Healthy trees enhance the value of a home, but damaged or dying trees can be dangerous By Don Goode Sunday, August 10, 2008 Lake City Journal Pruning cuts that do not have sufficient slope can cause open cavity wounds such as this one leading to rotten wood in the heart of the tree. Don Goode photo) Some trees are prone to narrow limb angles such as this black cherry. As the trunk and limb grow over the years, bark becomes trapped in the middle, resulting in a weak junction. Splitting can result during stormy weather. (Don Goode photo) As you prepare for this year's hurricane season, there are some generally recommended things you should do such as updating the first aid kit, storing water and food for emergencies, having important papers and prescription medicines handy, etc. In addition to these activities, you should take a walk outside and consider the safety of your home in the event of high winds and torrential rains. Specifically, take an assessment of the trees that are overhanging the home or near enough to hit it if they were to fall during a storm. According to B.J. Shirah, owner of the Tri-County Tree Service, there are some things to look for when evaluating your trees. You want to keep healthy, sound trees since they add value and energy conserving shade to the home. Unhealthy trees may show signs of wood rot such as mushrooms growing on the limbs or trunk. Cavities and large open wounds allow insects and wood-rotting moisture to enter the tree. Limbs that have not leafed out are obviously dead and will eventually break off and fall. Also, limbs that are rubbing the home can cause damage to the roof or siding and should be removed. Shirah said it is difficult to estimate the weight of a tree limb but he has seen a 4" pine limb that had broken off and punctured through a home's roof winding up lodged behind the refrigerator! A tree that has been struck by lightening is another candidate for removal. Lightening strikes often leave a streak or crack down the side of the tree as evidence of the hit. The high voltage charge combined with the open wound makes these trees susceptible to insect invasion and greatly shortens the life of the tree. Another factor to consider when evaluating your trees is if their roots have been damaged by construction or utility trenching. If the roots have been cut close to the trunk, that side of the tree will be greatly weakened as far as resisting wind stresses. If you need professional help when evaluating your trees or when removing potentially hazardous trees you should call a tree service company. Dr. Ed Gilman, Professor with the University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department, and others have written a very informative publication on tree safety regarding hurricanes including how to work with a tree service (see the resources listed below). They recommend that a tree service be licensed and insured including worker's compensation coverage. You should ask for their credentials and certifications. A certified arborist may be required for those very difficult or risky tree removals or tree restorations. Check to see if they are members of a professional organization such as the National Arborists Association so that they keep informed of the latest professional techniques and safety measures. Also be sure to request quotes from more than one service so you can get a feel for the costs involved and also to allow you to "interview" the potential services in your area. Remember - cheapest is not always the best! You will also need a "first aid kit" for the home during the hurricane season. This should include large rolls of heavy duty plastic or some large tarps for quick roof "repairs." You'll need some rope and possibly some wide head nails to hold these temporary roof covers in place. Having a ladder and hammer handy helps along with a roll of duck tape. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, be sure to tune up the chainsaw and have plenty of fuel mix and a spare (sharp) chain on hand. Be very safety conscious when making emergency repairs and be sure to have another family member or neighbor spot you to watch for hazards or to call for emergency medical attention in case of an accident. With some advanced preparation you can help minimize the threat of danger from trees to your home and yourself during a storm. Give your trees some attention now for preventative care and they will add value and enjoyment to your landscape. |
| Excerpt from the High Springs Herald The National Weather Service has issued a warning that the Santa Fe River near Fort White and State Road 47 will begin flooding on Sunday morning. The river's flood stage is 24 feet, and forecasters believe the river will rise as high as 26.2 feet by Monday night. |
| 30 Day River Levels The water levels provided here refer to the height of the water body in feet above mean sea level (ft-msl) at the gaging station. These data are preliminary in nature. The District makes no warranties, expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability for any particular purpose of the data contained herein. Three Rivers Estates (Santa Fe River) River Mile: 7 Flood Stage(Feet): 19 Phone Mailbox #: 8017 Record Date Feet Above Sea Level 8/4/2008 7.94 8/24/2008 9.44 8/25/2008 10.72 8/26/2008 11.65 8/27/2008 12.77 8/18/2008 8.04 8/20/2008 8.08 8/21/2008 8.14 8/22/2008 8.44 |
Mark Hunter is currently employed with PCS Phosphate as Supervisor of Stores Operations. In this position, Mark is responsible for the overall operations which include managing the budget, shipping, receiving and inventory control in the Materials Management Department. However, most of his career has been spent in law enforcement. From 2005 to 2006 Mark served as the Under Sheriff of Columbia County. As Under Sheriff Mark was responsible for overall operations of the Sheriff’s Office and duties as assigned by the Sheriff. From 1998 to 2005 he was a Special Agent with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. In 2004 Mark was promoted to District Supervisor with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. From 1994 to 1998 Mark worked as a deputy with Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. While working with the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, Mark served as a Patrol Deputy and a School Resource Officer. Additionally, he has been an Instructor Coordinator for North Florida Community College Law Enforcement Academy. Mark is also a State certified Law Enforcement Instructor in firearms, defensive tactics, vehicle operations and general subjects. In addition to serving us in law enforcement, Mark has had a distinguished career in the Florida Army National Guard where he has proudly served for 28 years. His career in the military began in 1980 when he enlisted in the 153rd Combat Engineer Company in Lake City. Mark’s superiors have recognized his outstanding leadership and management abilities by promoting him to the rank of staff sergeant and then later commissioning him as an officer. Mark has progressed through the officer ranks and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mark has commanded the 153rd Engineer Company in Lake City as well as the 830 authorized personnel strength 779th Engineer Battalion in Tallahassee. He is currently assigned as the Operations Officer of the 83rd Troop Command. During his military career Mark has graduated from: Basic Non-commission Officer School Officer Candidate School U.S. Army Combined Staff and Services School U.S Army Command and General Staff College Mark has been married for 26 years to the former Marilyn Kent of Live Oak. Mark and Marilyn have two daughters, Leslie and Natalie. Mark recently became the proud Grandfather of Leslie’s daughter Kayleigh. For more information go to www.markhunterforsheriff.com |
WHO IS MARK HUNTER?
| Incumbent Sheriff Bill Gootee My election in 2004 presented a change of leadership for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. I realigned the agency to position it to perform at a peak level in the 21st Century. New challenges and opportunities required organizational changes to allow the agency to respond to a growing list of new issues. To meet these challenges, I realigned the agency from the top down and streamlined the organization. In the past 31/2 years under my leadership we have accomplished the following: • New Sheriff’s Office facility at a cost of less than $1 million dollars • Acquisition of property adjacent to Operational Center for a total of 31 acres • Columbia County Board of County Commission allowed the Sheriff to assume the responsibility of 911 Communication to coordinate the efforts of first responders • Implementation of Fleet Maintenance with staff mechanic • Organization of two inmate work crews • Establishment of a Crime Prevention Unit • Development of business and residential security decal program • Development of Citizens Service Unit • New hires (Deputies) are required to take psychological testing • Ongoing training keeps officers informed of changing crime trends and new methods of fighting crime • Re-alignment of School Resource Deputies in County schools. Lake City Police Department to handle schools within the city limits • Added three K-9 (Dogs) rescued from the Human Society utilized in fight against drugs in schools and community • Accepted into the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program with our own county designation • Aggressively pursues drug dealers • Partnership with Lake City Police Department with the Multi- Jurisdictional Drug Task Force • Increase drug and monetary seizures • Using drug forfeiture money for drug awareness campaigns for our youth • Using drug forfeiture money to purchase equipment such as computers and vehicle • Using drug forfeiture money to purchase I Dent a kits for fingerprinting our youth • Detective Division has increase it’s clearance rate over 60% last four year • Initiated Crime Stopper Program • Proactive Traffic Enforcement • Improved Courthouse Security • Secured new software to link all divisions within the agency from dispatching the calls to maintaining records on inmates and investigations • Developed and advanced technology within the agency to allow secure email to and from the Sheriff’s Office as well as an inter-agency Intranet to improve communication • Provided necessary computer equipment for civilian and law enforcement staff to better perform their duties • Equipped Deputies with much needed equipment and vehicles to perform their duties • Consolidation of all radio systems and dispatch services for all Columbia County first responders, including the newly organized County Fire Department • Created, as mandated by the Jessica Lunsford Act, a specialized detective unit to oversee the county’s registered sexual offenders and predators • Created a survey for citizens to evaluate the Sheriff’s Office performance • Opened Fort White Substation • Lessen Taxpayer Burden – charging inmates a substance fee and medical fee to help offset costs of operating Jail • Reinforced commitment to the volunteer corps – Neighborhood Watch, Citizens Emergency Response Team, Seniors vs. Crime and Citizen Service Unit • Keeping the public informed through the Sheriff’s Office Website • Active involvement in community events such as Alligator Fest and the Olustee Festival Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Bill Gootee for Columiba County Sheriff Contact - 386-623-5116 Campaign Headquarters - 1060 W US 90 Intersection of Baya and US 90. |
| 8/23/2008 9.18 8/24/2008 9.44 8/25/2008 10.72 8/26/2008 11.65 8/27/2008 13.02 8/28/2008 14.17 8/29/2008 14.97 8/30/2008 15.42 8/31/2008 15.8 9/1/2008 15.79 |
| More Vandalism: Recently it was discovered someone had vandalized the depth gauge at Point Park which records the depth of the Santa Fe River in Three Rivers. SRWM has moved the gauge to an undisclosed location, and a new person has been engaged to report the daily levels. |
| This & That in Three Rivers Week preceding 8-31-08 - TREPO has had some trees felled and cleaned up just North of the Clubhouse. The workers did a good job. - It looks like preparations are being made to fix the storage shed roof (just behind and north of the clubhouse. - A big limb fell in the past few days and clipped the southeast corner of the Main Park Bath House. - The gate for Suwannee County Three Rivers Park has been purchased and with any luck will be installed soon. - The Columbia County Sheriff race is down to Sheriff Bill Gootee and Mark Hunter. - The TREPO monthly Board Meeting is September 2nd at 7:00 p.m. The Board is looking for people to volunteer to run for office for this October's election. - The Santa Fe River has crested in Fort White, but still rising at the Three Rivers gauge. - The Ichetucknee is unofficially up about 28 inches as of 8-31-2008. (according to my deck steps). Motor boats are starting to be able to make their way up river. Fallen trees are beginning to float down river, and the way is beginning to clear. I haven't seen any manatee yet, but the big schools of mullet are again in the Ichetucknee. - Sincerest condolences to Dick Jolley of Suwannee County Three Rivers. Dick's wife Edith passed away about two weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Jolley. - The last tropical Storm (F) can't remember her name, felled quite a few large trees and limbs here in Three Rivers. In particular a relatively new mobile home on Bridge and Virginia was badly damaged when one or two trees fell on it. As I understand it, the lady of the house was home alone and had just gotten out of bed to take some meds when a tree fell on the roof over her bedroom and did significant damage. Here's hoping the residents of said home are maintaining. |
| More This & That - 9-1-08 - Who's running for election in the TREPO October election: Linda Hizer, Sandy Watts and Joan Nano still have time left on their term, and will remain on the Board as Board Members. Glenn Hunter, Charlie Arnett, Robbie Rowe were Alternates and have been booted up to Board Members. They need to be officially elected this Fall as Board Members. Janie Brackman and Maureen Ledbetter are new, and will be running for a Board seat. Lanette Denby and Judy Barberish's terms are up, and they will be re-running for a Board seat. There are lots more vacancies, so please think about throwing your hat into the ring. Kevin Sullivan is working on a new TREPO Newsletter, and you should be able to read more about the candidates. TREPO FINANCIAL STATEMENT - AUGUST 2008 One of our biggest expenses in the summer months is park mowing. In the summer, the parks are mowed twice a month, and the bill for same is $550.00 per month. Cleaning the bathhouses can mount up as well, and $200.00 per month is set aside for this purpose. This month the Board paid 1280 for tree removal, stump grinding & cleanup. Other one time expenses were $929.72 for roofing supplies for storage bldg. and 325.02 for a new gate for Pitiful Park in Suwannee County. The beginning balance for August was $21,121.23 and ending balance is $16,610.96. We still have a CD in the amount of $6110.63, but I don't know if that is included in the balance or additional -- I will find out though! As of 8/31/08 there are 490 Paid 2008 TREPO members BE ON THE ALERT There are a bunch of local email's flying around about sales people coming to your door at odd hours trying to gain admission into your house for one reason or another. Please be careful as to whom you admit. Keeping your security chain hooked or your screen door locked when you answer your door is the safest thing to do. |
| Suwannee River Rising at Branford 8/14/2008 8 8/15/2008 7.99 8/16/2008 7.93 8/17/2008 7.96 8/18/2008 8.03 8/19/2008 8.12 8/20/2008 8.11 8/21/2008 8.15 8/22/2008 8.26 8/23/2008 8.94 8/24/2008 9.69 |
| Mark Hunter |
8/25/2008 10.86
8/26/2008 12.56
8/27/2008 14
8/28/2008 15.03
8/29/2008 15.81
8/30/2008 16.45
8/31/2008 16.84
9/01/2008 17
8/26/2008 12.56
8/27/2008 14
8/28/2008 15.03
8/29/2008 15.81
8/30/2008 16.45
8/31/2008 16.84
9/01/2008 17
| TREPO MAINTENANCE REPORT September 2, 2008 Housekeeping- · I have prepared a list of duties for the housekeepers. General- · It was reported that both of the men's toilets were loose. Shane Buck has donated new wax rings for the men's toilets on the Columbia and Suwannee side. Another volunteer had agreed to put them in for us within a week of the notice (last month). He has not been available lately. · New lock has been placed on the Columbia County side pump house. Need a volunteer to cut lock off on Suwannee County side so I can replace it with a new lock. Thank you Dale Denby for cutting the Col Co side. · The new heavy iron gate that we voted on to pay $300 for was not a heavy gate. I met with Archie (Archie’s Welding) at the boat ramp. He will build what we need but we will have to install for the same price. I picked gate up today; it is in my horse trailer. · I had scheduled tree cutting for Sept 4th or 5th, it was the soonest Mr. Richards could get to it. Ray got it done sooner. Thank you Ray. I have written an article for the newsletter and have scheduled the volunteer workday for September 13th. · It was recommended that we purchase a new breaker box and have a certified electrician to install and have inspected. Glen can report on this · The shed and storage building repairs next door are in progress. Ray can report on this. · It was reported to the Board that keys were being duplicated. Jeff was going to meet with the hardware store management about this. Jeff can report on this. · It was recommended that we purchase a new bladder tank. Thanks to Walt and Ray it has been installed. · We are doing good things, please, again keep me in the loop where maintenance is concerned Mowing- · Mr. George Townsend called to get permission to mow earlier than usual this month due to the holiday weekend. I gave it. Activities this fall · Boat Ramps and more picnic tables.. · A member/ volunteer has agreed to do the concrete pumping with his own concrete pump truck AND the labor it will take to do it in return for 2 tears of paid membership. We will only have to pay for the concrete itself. |