Features

The famous February 1945, photo of the flag raising at Iwo Jima shows six men planting an American flag. Three died there and three managed to make it back home after World War II. Among the survivors was John “Doc” Bradley, of Antigo, Wis., a corpsman, a medic.

When Bradley died in 1994, his family recognized that he had never spoken publicly about his involvement in Iwo Jima. Instead, his son James Bradley wrote the book, “Flags of Our Fathers” to tell the story of that moment in a war and how they affected the decades that followed for the survivors.

Ben Thomas opened the door and pulled out a rifle.

“Are you familiar with the Henry?” he asked in a stern southern accent.  “They’ve been makin’ them since 1890.”

The rifle was pointed upward and was stuffed with a bright orange cord, an indication that it was safe for the handling, according to Thomas.

He made a series of rehearsed movements, illustrating the safest way to place a weapon of this sort into the hands of another.

If you want to take a walk across Florida, like from Pensacola to Key West, plan on having enough shoes for 817 miles or 4,313,760 feet or, in the case of Benny Collins, for 1,734,845 steps.

Collins is not counting every step he takes in his quest to walk the length of Florida, but he is counting on folks along the way to share an experience, prayer with God, and help Bushnell Assembly of God build a new sanctuary.

Farm Credit pays homage to rural America with a country rap video. That’s right, a country rap video. Word.

The video showcases the mad creative skills, courage (one guy attempts a back flip on his motorcycle), and dedication of folks who entered the first-ever “Keepin’ It Rural Video Contest.” Contest co-sponsor Farm Credit of North Florida has awarded cash prizes totaling $6,000.

   Levy County has a multitude of beautiful, young ladies and now is the time to prove it.  

   The Levy County Fair Association is calling for contestants for the Miss Levy County Fair Queen and Little Miss Levy County Fair Queen pageants to be held April 11 at 6 p.m.

   The Fair Queen pageant is open to all girls 15-18 years of age who reside in and/or attend high school in Levy County.  

   Little Miss pageant is open to all girls ages four to six who reside in and/or attend school in Levy County.   

Marie Meeks said one of the earliest memories of her 100-year life was when her father brought her an old wooden apple crate to stand on so she’d be tall enough to wash dishes.  She was 2.

“I mostly cooked and washed,” she said.  “My sisters and I we never did work on the farm.”

Meeks, born in 1910, was one of seven sisters and four brothers to grow up on a small farm in Williston.

It was a time when people got around by horse and buggies, and Meeks said she walked 3 1/2 miles everyday to get to school.

Rhonda Cook’s eyes welled up with tears when she recounted the story of a woman who called her one day at the small radio station she runs out of Long Pond Baptist Church.

The woman had recently lost a loved one and was calling Cook to praise her for the work she does.

“The statement she made to me was, ‘ I couldn’t have got through the last two years had it not been for this station,’ ” Cook said.  “And that’s when you know what you’re doing is making a difference.”

Donna Leggett, an exceptional student education aide at Bronson Middle/High School, was selected as the 2009-2010 School-Related Employee of the Year.

In her fourth year at Bronson, Leggett has devoted her time to tutoring and assisting some the school's neediest students. She also helps teachers with students that require special accommodations.

Her patience and understanding does not only apply to academics, either. She also helps students with their emotional well being, providing students with the encouragement they need to perform at their best.

The School Board of Levy County Wellness Committee will join with the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) for a joint meeting on today February 4 at 2:50 p.m.