Opinion

In the wooded farmlands west of Williston stands, neglected and forgotten, an abandoned country church. Like a monument to the county’s rich historical past, this church is a silent sentinel and reminder of when our churches were the heart of community life.
In days gone by, the tiny church houses were the center of life and death, where revivals, baptisms, weddings, Sunday school classes and funerals were held. But all country churches had a common thread, a warm homey feeling about them.

Chiefland City Commissioner Rollin Hudson says the hottest day in Chiefland is always city election day.
I prefer to think there are three equally hot days: Chiefland High School graduation day, city election day and Watermelon Festival day.
It was no exception this year as I worked at the Citizen booth and stood in the heat for an hour as the annual festival parade rolled by. I was delirious for a shower.
As I left Chiefland at about 1 p.m. I called home. "No shower," the Carnivore said. "Something's wrong with the well."

Tell it to the District
Dear Citizen Readers:
Has your home well gone dry yet?  Did you know that if it does that your home owners insurance won’t cover your well replacement?  
Digging a deeper well is an expensive proposition.  Depending on how deep you need to go, it can cost several hundred dollars to get to water. Then you have to replace your pump. When the pump tries to pump air, it burns up and you will need a new one to the tune of $1,000 to $1,500—maybe more. It all depends on when you hit water.

Great tax aide event
We have enjoyed another exceptional season with the AARP Tax Aide with the generous support of our communities.
The Luther Callaway Library serves as our Chiefland host site. We are grateful to Sue Ann Burkhardt and her staff who welcome taxpayers and volunteers. Thanks so much for your help.
Our dedicated volunteers who make this service possible are Jenny Anderson, Loretta Poole, Denei Morehouse, Marc Burkhardt, Robin Jocelyn and Carl Burkhardt.

By The Fly Lady,
Marla Cilley

It is reported that our country, the United States of America, is deep in debt.  It seems our elected governmental officials including the President have had to borrow money to pay for the things our leaders believe are necessary.  I mean, actually borrow money above all the taxes that are collected from those of us who pay them.  

By Reed Anfinson
President of the National Newspaper Association
and Publisher of the Swift County
(MN) Monitor-News
Now that US Senate has passed a bill, S 1789, to reform the ailing US Postal Service, critics are trying to disable the bill on its way to the House of Representatives. Business Week recently catalogued unhappy stakeholders, including postal unions, postal management and some Republicans who wrongly think the bill burdens taxpayers.

Levy County Historian
Atsena Otie - the island you see from the restaurants and the big dock on the waterfront in Cedar Key has a long history. The cemetery located on the island is the final resting place for a cross section of the early pioneer families of Levy County.